The public is invited to hear LTG (Ret.) Russel Honoré, commander of the Joint Task Force following Hurricane Katrina, who will speak at a July 18 luncheon at Eagle Ridge Conference Center as part of a three-day conference.

Tickets for the luncheon are $25.

Honoré has been acclaimed as one who brought order to New Orleans when devastation and chaos followed Hurricane Katrina.

He is speaking as part of the annual conference of the Academy of Process Educators at Eagle Ridge Conference Center July 16-18, hosted by Hinds Community College.

On-line registration is available for the full conference at $300; or for the Friday luncheon only, at which General Honoré will speak, $25. For more information and to register, go to www.pcrest.com and click on "PE Conference 2008."

Also for further information, contact Academy of Process Educators President Cy Leise at cy.leise@bellevue.edu or 402.557.7527; or contact Conference Chair, Vickie Kelly, at Hinds Community College by emailing vakelly@hindscc.edu or calling 601.857.3541/3543.

The conference, called "Strive for Quality: Aligning and Implementing Continuous Improvement in Higher Education," invites college educators from around the United States to share best practices through concurrent and plenary sessions. 

Three other distinguished guest speakers will also be featured throughout the conference.

Speaking earlier Friday, at 9 a.m., will be Dr. Eric Clark, executive director of the Mississippi State Board of Community and Junior Colleges. Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Rick Looser, president and COO of The Cirlot Agency Inc., is the keynoter and Thursday at 12:30 p.m., the speaker will be Dr. Stephen Spangehl, director of the Academic Quality Improvement Program for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

As host, Hinds Community College will provide entertainment, including a trip to nearby historic Vicksburg. Special efforts will be made to provide attendees with transport to and from the airport during high arrival and departure times.