NIU has selected administrative aide Barbara Rice and Rose Miller, a human resources officer, to serve as ambassadors to the 2004 Biennial Conference for Women.

The conference will be held April 8 and 9 in Champaign. The conference started in 1984 and gives women the opportunity to hear several influential speakers discuss a variety of topics pertaining to women.

“The conference is a forum that focuses on issues and interests unique to women,” Rice said.

More than 8,000 women are expected to attend the conference at the University of Illinois’ Assembly Hall. Some of the guest speakers scheduled for the conference include “The View” co-host Star Jones, CNBC financial expert Suze Orman, New York Times best-selling author David Baldacci and CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien, according to an NIU press release.

“I was an attendee at the conference in 2000, served as a co-chair on behalf of NIU in 2002 and selected co-ambassador to the advisory board for 2004,” Rice said.

Rice said they have been promoting the conference on campus and locally to encourage participation in the event.

“Rose and I look forward to this year’s event with great enthusiasm and encourage attendance to the conference,” Rice said.

For conference registration and information, call toll-free 877-509-8796 or visit www.theconferenceforwomen.com.