George W. Bush at the April 19 Conference on Cyber Dissidents conference at SMU. (Photo courtesy of www.georgewbushinstitute.com)

Daily Campus Editor in Chief, Jessica Huseman, asked former President George W. Bush a few questions about the George W. Bush Center, construction for which will break groound in fall 2010. Following are his responses:

Daily Campus: Why was SMU chosen as the location for the Center?
Former President Bush: Laura and I wanted to build the Bush Center on a campus that promotes excellence, and SMU is such a place.  Secondly, the university and its alumni base were very supportive.  Thirdly, the facility is going to be built on a beautiful site.  Fourthly, Laura went there, as did a lot of my friends.

Daily Campus: What are the initial goals of the Institute?
Former President Bush: The Bush Institute is a part of the Bush Center.  It will be a place of thought and action.  The Institute will focus on global health, public school reform, economic growth, and human freedom.

Daily Campus: Can you explain the Women’s Initiative program of the Bush Institute?
Former President Bush: The women’s initiative will focus primarily on women in the Middle East to encourage the advance of freedom and democracy.  I believe women will lead that advance, and we will help them.

Daily Campus: To what extent will SMU students be able to be involved in the Center?
Former President Bush: The Bush Center will be a part of SMU, and once the facility is open, we hope SMU students will find ample opportunities to broaden their knowledge.  There will be lectures, internships, and seminars, which SMU students will attend.  This year, for example, former Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson and I answered questions from students at the Cox Business School.  Also, I have led several classes and look forward to doing more of that.

Daily Campus: How can the class of 2014 become involved with the Center?
Former President Bush: The Class of 2014 will be the first class at SMU to be able to make use of the facility designed by architect Robert Stern.

Architectural sketch of the George W. Bush Center, which will break ground in fall 2010. (Photo courtesy of www.georgewbushcenter.com)