George W. Bush gives a speech during the Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, on April 10. He will speak at Cuyahoga Community College's Presidential Luncheon in September.
(Vernon Bryant, Dallas Morning News)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Former President George W. Bush will be the keynote speaker at Cuyahoga Community College's annual Presidential Scholarship Luncheon in September.
The college, which attracts nationally-known men and women to its luncheon each year, is mailing "save the date" cards about the event, which will be on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Bush, 67, has generally been out of the limelight since he left office in 2009. He recently gave interviews for the opening of "The Art of Leadership," a collection of portraits he painted of world leaders, at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Texas.
But he has spoken at numerous events, according to published reports. He made $15 million in speaking fees at 140 paid talks during 2009-11, according to the Center for Public Integrity. His speaking fee
Tri-C's luncheon, held at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, has annually raised more than $1 million for student scholarships in recent years. The event featuring Clinton last year raised more than $1.5 million.
Proceeds from this year's luncheon will be used for veterans initiatives as well as student scholarships, said college spokesman David Hoovler.
More than 1,100 community and business leaders pack the ballroom. In recent years the cost to attend has ranged from $1,000 for a seat to $25,000 or more for a table of 10.
Madeleine Albright was the third former secretary of state to headline the luncheon. Colin Powell spoke in 2007 and Condoleezza Rice in 2010.