Feb 15, 2012 - Claremont, Calif. -

Harvey Mudd College President Maria Klawe, center, is joined by fellow panelists John Legend, Michael Lomax, Antonio Villaraigosa and Judy Woodruff.

President Maria Klawe was among the invited dignitaries at the Feb. 11 launch of The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, being promoted as a “West Coast Camp David.”

Klawe joined the select group of global leaders in public policy, education and the arts at the invitation-only opening weekend event—The Sunnylands Moment—held in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Guests also included former Secretary of State George Schultz, former Secretary of Defense William Perry, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and musician John Legend. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a videotaped message. The celebratory event focused on how personal relationships impact history, and the role Sunnylands intends to play in the future, which includes facilitating world peace and international agreement.

Klawe joined fellow panelists Michael Lomax, President of the United Negro College Fund; Legend, founder of the Show Me Campaign; and Villaraigosa. They addressed how major social institutions, such as universities, colleges, public schools, charities, and other important public bodies could better serve the public and the public good.

“I want every single person in this room to believe that we can change the situation…that our children in this country can be educated and learn. You will meet young women, young African-Americans, young Hispanics who doubt their ability, and you have no idea how much difference you can make by helping them believe in themselves,” Klawe said. “When you put children, their parents and their teachers all in a situation where we say, ‘You’re going to work hard, you’re going to learn and you’re going to succeed,’ it changes the world.”

Other topics discussed at the event included international cooperation, philanthropy, arts and culture.

The symposium served as a preview of future events to be held at the newly dedicated retreat. Located on the grounds of the Walter and Leonore Annenberg estate, Sunnylands will play host to retreats of national and international importance and will serve as a place where global leaders can develop programs that have an impact on society. Sunnylands will open for public tours on March 1.

Leonore Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation have been generous contributors to the growth and success of Harvey Mudd College over the years. In 2006, the foundation gave $2 million to establish the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Fund for Leadership Development. The endowed fund supports a visiting professorship in leadership and management and programs in leadership development for HMC students. The 2012 Annenberg Speaker Series will feature speakers from Facebook, Cisco, IMAX Corporation and Juniper Networks.

A video of the symposium may be viewed here.

More information about Sunnylands