NAUDL National Dinner – April 5, 2008

The first annual NAUDL National Dinner will take place Saturday, April 5, at the historic University Club of Chicago.

A Celebration of Urban Debate
Guests attending the National Dinner will celebrate the urban debate movement – its storied history, its vibrant present and its ambitious plans for future growth. As part of that recognition, Emory University’s Melissa Wade will be honored as the first recipient of the “National Urban Debate Champion” award, for her pioneering efforts to develop and spread urban debate throughout the country.

The National Dinner is an important part of the Chase Urban Debate National Championship weekend. Thanks to the generous support of the J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation, the tournament will feature outstanding representatives from cities throughout the Urban Debate Network. National Dinner patrons will have a unique opportunity to watch today’s Urban Debaters in action and to honor the first Chase Urban Debate National Champions and Top Speakers.

The Keynote Speaker – Patrick J. Fitzgerald
The National Dinner program will feature keynote speaker Patrick J. Fitzgerald, in a rare public appearance. Mr. Fitzgerald is currently the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

The staff of the 9/11 Commission referred to him as one of the “world’s best terrorism prosecutors” and former National Security Council terrorism expert Daniel Benjamin, said: “[Mr. Fitzgerald’s] thoroughness, his relentlessness, his work ethic are legendary.” As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York City, Mr. Fitzgerald led the prosecution and conviction of the perpetrators of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. And, together with NAUDL Board Member and now federal judge Kenneth M. Karas, Mr. Fitzgerald prosecuted and convicted the individuals responsible for the 1998 bombings of the United States Embassies in Kenya, and Tanzania. Among those Mr. Fitzgerald indicted and convicted long before September 11, 2001, was Osama bin Laden.

Recently Mr. Fitzgerald was appointed and served as Department of Justice Special Counsel for the investigation of the leak of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame’s name to columnist Robert Novak. The investigation resulted in the indictment and conviction of Lewis “Scooter” Libby, former Chief of Staff to Vice President Dick Cheney.

A Historic Location – the University Club of Chicago
Overlooking Chicago’s new Millennium Park, the University Club is one of the premier gathering spots in the city. Established in 1887 by university graduates who wanted a special place where they could enjoy intellectual pursuits, the 14-story structure has provided a stimulating social and cultural environment for generations. The University Club’s stated goal is a simple one: To create “an atmosphere in which excellence thrives.”

The National Dinner will be held in Cathedral Hall and appropriately underneath the crests of many of the country's finest Colleges and Universities that adorn that the venue.

Make Reservations Now
The NAUDL is currently taking reservations for tables and other sponsorship opportunities. Individual tickets will be made available after table sales are completed. Consider sharing a table with friends, clients, and former debate colleagues. Contact NAUDL Board Chair Lenny Gail directly at LennyGail@urbandebate.org to make reservations.

A block of hotel rooms has been reserved at both the University Club and at the nearby Palmer House for out-of-town guests.

Join us for a stimulating evening of entertainment, enjoyment, and philanthropy.