Abner Mikva to speak at Lincoln Presidential Library
Recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom discusses his career and the Mikva Challenge on March 26

[March 12, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – Abner Mikva, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for a career that saw him serve in all three branches of government, will discuss his accomplishments and his continuing work to engage young people in public service March 26 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

The free event takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the library, 112 N. Sixth Street, Springfield. For reservations, visit www.presidentlincoln.gov  and click on “special event reservations.”

Mikva has donated his papers to the presidential library and has been interviewed for the library’s oral history program.

“Now our audience will have an opportunity to ask questions of a man whose service has been exemplary,” said Eileen Mackevich, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
 

Mikva represented Chicago in Congress 1969-73 and 1975-79. He was then named a federal judge and served until 1994, when he became White House counsel to President Bill Clinton. He has also taught at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago.

Mikva and his wife, Zoe, founded the Mikva Challenge in 1997. The program began by reaching out to students in just four schools. Today it serves 110 schools in the Chicago area, engaging students in elections, policy-making and community problem-solving.

When President Obama awarded Mikva the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he said: “Ab transcends any single moment in recent political history. But he had a hand in shaping some of the best of it.”

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is the world’s foremost institution dedicated to telling the story of America’s greatest president. It combines creative showmanship, serious scholarship and an unmatched collection of Lincoln artifacts and documents.

For more information, visit www.president lincoln.gov.

[Chris Wills, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum]