Ret. Gen. Colin Powell -- former U.S. secretary of state and one-time leader of 350,000 troops -- knows how to make an entrance.

"Sit down, you're making me nervous," barked the general in the good-natured tone perfected over five decades of Army leadership, politics, and diplomacy.

Having stared down world leaders and stood up to the four American presidents he served, Powell could hardly have been intimidated by the 50 students who rose in unison as he entered Golden Auditorium Friday.

(Editor's note: As of Wednesday, March 25, all tickets to the lecture have been reserved.)

Tickets for former Secretary of State Colin Powell's lecture, "Leadership: Taking Charge," at Colgate are now available to the public.

As part of the university's Global Leaders Lecture Series, Powell will give a talk at 8 p.m. Friday, April 3. in Sanford Field House. There is no charge for a ticket, which is required to attend the event.

The public can reserve general admission tickets (limit four per order) by going to the Colgate Bookstore website or calling 877-362-7666 while supplies last.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will visit Colgate University in April 2009 as part of the Global Leaders Lecture Series.

On Friday, April 3, Powell is scheduled to give a public talk at Colgate. More details about the lecture, including time and ticket information, will be released at a later date.