Baylor President Starr Speaks About Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

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Contact: Lori Fogleman, (254) 710-6275

WACO, Texas (April 8, 2013) - Baylor University President Ken Starr, a personal friend of Lady Margaret Thatcher, released the following statement today on the passing of the former British Prime Minister:

"It was 1998 when I was first introduced to the U.K's second greatest prime minister of the 20th Century. Visiting with the Iron Lady and Sir Dennis in their lovely home in London, it was entirely the 'grocer's daughter from Grantham' who filled the room with her legendary personality.

"Lady Thatcher was an exquisite combination of strength and charm. With her brilliant mind and steely determination, it was little wonder that the Oxford honors graduate in chemistry - and distinguished barrister - was able to lead the Mother Country back from the brink of economic disaster. Proudly British, Lady T. (as she became known) adored America.

"It was my great privilege over the years to come fully into her orbit. She anointed me as one of 'her boys.' All of us adored her. She was formidable, to be sure, but gracious and loving. She was truly one of the giants of our time. The world is a better, safer place because of the magnificent contribution and service of Margaret Thatcher."

Lady Thatcher was a special guest at Baylor University on Feb. 23, 1999, when she toured the university's renowned Armstrong Browning Library - which houses the world's largest collection of books, manuscripts and works of art related to Victorian poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning - and met with about 60 students in the library's Treasure Room. She later spoke to more than 5,000 people in the Ferrell Center on "Challenges Facing the 21st Century" and was honored as an honorary alumna of Baylor.