Public invited to Great Conversation Event with Phil Jackson The University of North Dakota invites the public to take part in the latest installment of its "Great Conversation" series, celebrating the school's 125th anniversary Monday, Aug. 25, when University alumnus and legendary professional basketball player and coach Phil Jackson comes to the Chester Fritz Auditorium. Jackson, who graduated from UND in 1967 with degrees in psychology, philosophy and religion, will take a seat at 5 p.m. on the Chester Fritz stage for the event, which will be fashioned as an informal conversation with the community. The Jackson event comes on the heels of a previous highly successful conversation with world renowned author Salman Rushdie. Jackson will be joined on stage by Bob Boyd, UND vice president for student and outreach services. Jackson was born in Deer Lodge, Mont., in 1945 and grew up in Williston, N.D. He would go on to play basketball for UND and professionally for the New York Knicks. He is probably best known for coaching the Chicago Bulls and leading players, such as Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen, to six NBA championships. Later, he would win three more championships with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known as the "Zen master" for his Eastern-influenced philosophies and his holistic approach to coaching, leadership and life, Jackson has been inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the Roughrider Award, North Dakota highest honor. Earlier in the day, on Aug. 25, Jackson will receive an honorary doctoral degree from the University at a special academic convocation, set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Chester Fritz Auditorium. Another Great Conversation will take place in the fall, featuring world-famous journalist and author Stephen Bloom. Questions for Phil Jackson from the media and the public can be submitted online at www.125.und.edu and click on "Schedule of Events.