Established in 1985, the Rocco Forums on the Future series was created to meet the vital need for the citizens of this area, including the students and faculty of James Madison University, to be prepared for the future by being armed with information about issues and processes for change. This April 24, 2026, JMU is pleased to present an address by Nobel Peace Prize winner David Beasley.

David Beasley is a distinguished leader, humanitarian and former Governor of South Carolina (1995-1999). Most recently he served as the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) from 2017 to 2023. Under his leadership, the WFP became the largest humanitarian organization in the world, raising over $55 billion to combat global hunger. In 2021, he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of World Food Program, for its efforts to provide food assistance in conflict areas and to prevent food from being used as a weapon of war and conflict. We invite the public to his address, which is free and open to all.

Ample parking available at the Ballard Parking Deck directly adjacent to the AUBC.