Thatcher cancels commencement visit
Margaret Thatcher sends regret due to health; former advisor to speak instead
Juliana D'Amico
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: News
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, 82, can no longer attend the 2008 Hillsdale College graduation ceremony due to health concerns.
In November 2007, the college invited Thatcher to attend the ceremony and the dedication of the Margaret Thatcher statue, but health concerns will preclude her attendance.
College President Larry Arnn said Thatcher wished to accept the invitation, but the college waited to hear if doctors would permit her. Hillsdale College Assistant to the President Mike Harner said Hillsdale received monthly updates from Thatcher.
One month ago, newspapers warned of Thatcher's increasing health concerns. Last Thursday morning, Hillsdale received notice that Thatcher's health would not allow her to attend.
"I think the fact that we didn't know [Thatcher could not attend] until last week is indicative of how [Thatcher and her doctors] were trying to make it work," Harner said. "The whole thing has been a neat experience for all involved."
John O'Sullivan, currently editor in chief of United Press International and who served as special advisor to Thatcher from 1986 to 1988, will speak in honor of Thatcher at the statue's unveiling. The statue of Thatcher will join tÂhe other statues that decorate Hillsdale's campus as part of the Liberty Walk.
The dedication ceremony will also be attended by the statue sculptor, Bruce Wolfe. Wolfe visited Thatcher earlier this year.
"[Thatcher is] pleased with the statue," Harner said. "We've sent pictures of the statue along the way."
Arnn said that while Hillsdale is disappointed that Thatcher cannot come, the college wishes her good health.
"Lady Thatcher, admired here for decades, expresses deep regret that she cannot be with us for the dedication of the statue," Arnn said. "Her health does not permit it. She thanks us for the invitation and, having been involved in the process of designing the statue, is proud of its placement on our campus. I personally am sad to know that she is not strong enough to travel. She invites us to come and see her, and I will do that soon as can be. We wish her every blessing."
In November 2007, the college invited Thatcher to attend the ceremony and the dedication of the Margaret Thatcher statue, but health concerns will preclude her attendance.
College President Larry Arnn said Thatcher wished to accept the invitation, but the college waited to hear if doctors would permit her. Hillsdale College Assistant to the President Mike Harner said Hillsdale received monthly updates from Thatcher.
One month ago, newspapers warned of Thatcher's increasing health concerns. Last Thursday morning, Hillsdale received notice that Thatcher's health would not allow her to attend.
"I think the fact that we didn't know [Thatcher could not attend] until last week is indicative of how [Thatcher and her doctors] were trying to make it work," Harner said. "The whole thing has been a neat experience for all involved."
John O'Sullivan, currently editor in chief of United Press International and who served as special advisor to Thatcher from 1986 to 1988, will speak in honor of Thatcher at the statue's unveiling. The statue of Thatcher will join tÂhe other statues that decorate Hillsdale's campus as part of the Liberty Walk.
The dedication ceremony will also be attended by the statue sculptor, Bruce Wolfe. Wolfe visited Thatcher earlier this year.
"[Thatcher is] pleased with the statue," Harner said. "We've sent pictures of the statue along the way."
Arnn said that while Hillsdale is disappointed that Thatcher cannot come, the college wishes her good health.
"Lady Thatcher, admired here for decades, expresses deep regret that she cannot be with us for the dedication of the statue," Arnn said. "Her health does not permit it. She thanks us for the invitation and, having been involved in the process of designing the statue, is proud of its placement on our campus. I personally am sad to know that she is not strong enough to travel. She invites us to come and see her, and I will do that soon as can be. We wish her every blessing."
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