The event is presented by the George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy, established in 2002 as the result of a generous gift from the Mitchell family intended to advance physics and expand man's understanding of the universe and the fundamental laws of nature. During the years since, Professor Hawking's collaboration with Texas A&M has been made possible through the philanthropy and generosity of the Mitchell Institute.

"Stephen Hawking's lecture offers the opportunity to learn from one of the world?s best-known living scientists, widely considered to be the greatest theorist since Einstein," said George P. Mitchell.

For nearly a half-century, he has been a world leader in research on black holes, the birth of the universe, and the nature of space, time and gravity.

Hawking's appearance at Texas A&M will mark his fourth in the past eight years. After visiting the campus in March 2003 to help to inaugurate the Mitchell Institute, he returned in 2007 to headline the Department of Physics and Astronomy's annual Physics Festival. Last April he returned to the Mitchell Institute for the formal dedication of the Stephen W. Hawking Auditorium.

In the event Rudder Auditorium is once again a sell-out, officials say his April 3 lecture will be simulcast via live video feed in two overflow rooms, the Hawking Auditorium and George P. Mitchell '40 Physics Building Lecture Hall. Tickets will be priced at $5.

Tickets, which range from $15 to $35 and feature discounts for students, are available online through the Memorial Student Center Box Office at http://boxoffice.tamu.edu/ or via telephone at (979) 845-1234 or toll-free at (888) 890-5667.

For additional information, contact the Mitchell Institute at (979) 845-7778.