Ticket windows are now open for people wishing to see Maya Angelouspeak at MSU April 18.

Angelou, an acclaimed poet, actress and playwright will speak at Breslin Student Events Center to kick off this year’s Take Back the Night events.

“This is an incredible opportunity for students to come and see one of the foremost authors come speak,” said Melanie Olmsted, an international studies junior and co-director of the MSU Women’s Council - the group that worked to bring Angelou to campus.

“It is such a privilege to have her come and speak and I hope students take full advantage of seeing such a nationally renowned speaker,” she said. “It really will be a phenomenal experience because she’s a phenomenal woman.”

The cost of having Angelou speak is $35,000 which Olmsted said was covered from various sources including university officials and from ASMSU. And any proceeds from the show will go to incur the cost of the venue and if more is left over, begin to repay the university’s undergraduate student government investment account, she said.

Cathy Neuman, the interim associate director of Student Life said students can take their student IDs down to Breslin Student Events Center and purchase tickets for $5, and the rest of the public can get tickets for $10. There is room for 7500, but priority is being given to students.

“If we need to, we’ll shut off tickets and limit the public,” Neuman said. “The rest will be for the students then.”

Erika Nuerenberg, an organizational communication senior and co-director of the Women’s Council said she feels strongly that students should take the opportunity to attend.

“It’s a real privilege for the university to have her here and she hasn’t spoken at MSU in seven years,” Nuerenberg said. “The fact that it is at Breslin shows that the university as a community is supportive of not only women’s issues, but women speakers and minority women speakers.

“It helps increase the diversity-friendly atmosphere at MSU.”