Dr. Benjamin Carson Sr., speaking Saturday in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium

A student organization booked world renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and philanthropist Dr. Benjamin Carson Sr. as the keynote speaker for their regional conference Friday through Sunday at Central Michigan University.

Carson will speak also at Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium on Saturday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. followed by a reception in Warriner Hall’s second floor lobby.

In 1987, Carson made medical history with the successful operation separating a pair of Siamese twins joined at the back of the head according to achievement.org. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom June 19.

His presentation, “Gifted Hands,” talks about his life story and procedures.

The CMU Student National Medical Association/Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students chapter is honored to have Carson as the keynote speaker, said Trenton senior and president of SNMA/MAPS Cherrie.

Dale Sanders, temporary faculty member for the school of health sciences and faculty adviser for SNMA/MAPS, said the student organization has worked extremely hard for four months organizing this premedical conference.

Carson’s specialty in pediatric neurosurgery and his commitment to the advancement of education for all students will make him a great asset for the conference, Sanders said.

“Dr. Carson is known for his commitment to students by inspiring them to follow their dreams,” said Nick Paik, a Mount Pleasant senior. “He was also very committed to make this work for us.”

Greenville senior Alex Donaghy and the vice president of SNMA/MAPS expects about 200 students to attend the conference.

“We hope to motivate pre-med students and high school students to move forward in their career.” Donaghy said.

The conference will have a focus for undergraduate students interested in a career in the medical profession and help guide students through the application process, said Grosse Ille senior Shane Holzworth, treasurer for SNMA/MAPS.

“We want students to take out valuable information from this conference that is needed during the application process and the journey getting there,” Howlzworth said.