The Tibetan community will welcome His Holiness through a traditional Tibetan style reception. The reception will showcase traditional Tibetan costumes and jewelry through the participation of 76 Tibetans of all ages. As numbers hold special significance in Tibetan culture, the number 76 was selected to match the age of His Holiness. This group will perform an auspicious song for His Holiness in slow motion, and two children (a boy and a girl) will perform a Droso Chemar offering, an auspicious offering made in connection with Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and in according reception to high Lamas.

The public will be ushered into the event 1-2 hours prior to His Holiness' 9:30 a.m. appearance, with tight security checks in place.  Beginning at 8:00 a.m, attendees will enjoy sacred chants and musical performances, which will be offered as a part of this special event. 

H.H. the Dalai Lama’s talk will be preceded by a segment highlighting three winners of an essay contest, wherein 11th grade high school students will respond to the following essay question selected by His Holiness, “How can an attitude of non-violence counteract the prevalence of violence in our families, in our communities and in international relations; and how can we as individuals cultivate and promote such an attitude?”

Winners will read their essays to His Holiness and the audience, receive a certificate and $1,000 prize, five tickets each to invite family and friends, and the opportunity to ask the first questions of His Holiness following his talk. The Principals of the high schools of the three winning contestants will be invited to attend and receive a key to the TIBET INFORMATION BOX, which includes abundant materials on Tibet and H.H. the Dalai Lama to encourage expanded use by teachers. The Tibet Information Box will also be available by loan to teachers planning projects in Tibet. Other attendees to be invited will include 226 girls and 226 boys from Illinois high schools, with even representation from grades 11 and 12, in strict accordance with guidelines released to participating schools and posted on TIBETcenter web site under HIGH SCHOOLS.

The event will be web cast, the details of which will be posted soon.

Following coverage of event expenses, proceeds will be disbursed to 14 projects identified by the TIBETcenter. The Names of the beneficiaries, their web sites, and the purpose for which funds are disbursed will be posted under BENEFICIARIES.

During the past 12 years, TIBETcenter organized several Tibet-related programs at different educational institutions in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. However, its relationship with Loyola University in Chicago is special. January 10, 1999 was a very cold day in Chicago. Loyola opened its door to have the inaugural function of TIBETcenter. At that time, it had nothing but an inspirational Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to read out to a handful of warm-hearted friends. Since then, TIBETcenter had several programs at Loyola’s Lake Shore campus, one at Maywood Medical Center, and 3 at Down Town campus, including a week of exhibition on Tibetan Medicine, brought after the Smithsonian Folklore Festival in Washington D.C. in 2000.