LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- The president of the Republic of Colombia travels to Lawrence this month for events at the University of Kansas and the Dole Institute of Politics.

The university announced the pending visit by President Juan Manuel Santos on Tuesday -- the same day Santos announced the signing of a preliminary agreement with Colombia's main leftist rebel group to launch peace talks.

Santos graduated from KU in 1973 with degrees in economics and business.

He's scheduled to be on campus Sept. 24 to meet with students. He'll also take part in a public event at the Dole Institute, where he will receive the Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award. That's the highest honor given by the College of Liberal Arts and Science.

Details of the Dole Institute event will be announced later.