Abilene Christian University Abilene, Texas 79699 • (915) 677-1911 April 15, 1980 His Excellency Jo5o Baptista de Figueiredo President of the Republic Palace of the Planalto Brasilia, Federal District Your Excellency, Mr. President of the Republic, I am taking the liberty to respectfully address myself to Your Excellency in order to inform you that the president of Abilene Christian University, Dr. John Stevens, has sent to you a special invitation in which is expressed the great desire to have you as guest of honor of this university. As Dr. Stevens states in his invitation, you would receive the "Honoris Causa" of DOCTOR OF LAW in gratitude for the friendship existing between the Federal Republic of Brazil and the United States of America, in personal recognition of your position of leadership as a great Statesman of the world today, and, for your contribution in the development of education in Brazil since 1964. I would like, with Your Excellency's permission, to return in part the hospitality and special attention given to me during the audience granted in your cabinet last December 10. As you must already know, in this part of Texas there are some great ranches and horses. If your time permits, we would like to show you these ranches. Also, knowing of your interest in weight lifting, all the gymnastic and weight equip- ment of our American football players at this University will be at your con- venience, in case you wish to try them out. The pictures I am sending show a panoramic view of the University and of the large coliseum where Your Excellency would receive the title mentioned above. Present for the occasion will be government leaders, educators in this country especially invited for the occasion. Your confirmation of this invita- tion is very important for us in order that we can begin contacting the digni- taries we wish present on the date set here at Abilene Christian University. Very Respectfully, Zer,22 Dr. Ellis Long, Ph.D. Professor of Brazilian History