CHICAGO - DePaul University and DePaul's CCM Respect for Life will host the first Students for Life of Illinois Collegiate Conference, "Pro-Life: Mission Possible."  Students will develop the skills necessary for an active pro-life presence on their campuses.

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Cortelyou Commons at DePaul University, 2324 N. Fremont St. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the conference spans 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $40. The conference is co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago Respect Life Office, Lutherans For Life of Illinois and DePaul University Catholic Studies Department.

"The conference will inspire and challenge students to effectively present the truth about human life issues on campuses and to help women in unplanned pregnancies," said John Paul Deddens, founder and president of Students for Life of Illinois.

The conference features nine speakers, including Joseph Scheidler, the "grandfather" of pro-life activism, and Yvonne Florczak-Seeman, a woman who has had five abortions and now advocates for women and children who suffer from abortion. Other speakers include Vicki Thorn, Peter Breen, Alicia Torres, John Paul Deddens and Pete Mockaitis.

The conference will conclude with a procession to the Planned Parenthood facility at 1200 N. LaSalle St. for a candlelight vigil.

On Friday evening prior to the conference, students will also be viewing Bella, a pro-life film that won the Toronto Film Festival People's Choice Award, which opens in theaters on Friday, Oct. 26.

"The right to life is the human rights issue of our day," Deddens said. "Students must be involved in order to change our society.  We hope this conference will be a catalyst for that change." For more information, visit the conference Web site, http://sflillinois.eventbrite.com/ .