The free, maximum-capacity event, which was held at UCI’s Bren Center, drew students from the county and even the state; participants ranged in age from middle school to college level, and many came with youth groups or as representatives of their schools. The theme of the morning’s events was “Ethical Self-Awareness and Leadership.” After a brief talk, the Dalai Lama was presented with symbolic awards from 5 area students, who used the opportunity to speak about their youth organizations, personal experiences, and the Dalai Lama’s influence on their lives. Each student received a shawl after giving their gifts to the Dalai Lama, and with each shawl His Holiness bowed and hugged each student. Following the student presentations, there was a question-and-answer period in which the Dalai Lama’s interpreter, Geshe Thuppten Jinpa, read some student questions that had been submitted earlier and the Dalai Lama responded to them.

The tone of the morning was quite upbeat, and the Dalai Lama’s comments were often humorous, personal, and candid. One student asked what the Dalai Lama’s most difficult experience was, and he replied that it was the experience of losing his country and having to lead his people in exile. Another student asked His Holiness when he became fascinated with fixing clocks. The event concluded with a surprise appearance by actress Sharon Stone. After the morning youth dialogue, UCI hosted a lunch fundraiser for 115 area business leaders to meet with the Dalai Lama to discuss ethical business practice and leadership.

The sold-out evening event at the Bren Center, open to the public, featured a talk and question-and-answer period given by the Dalai Lama, also on the topic of Ethical Self-Awareness and Leadership.