LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) _ The president of the Republic of Colombia is returning to Kansas, where he attended college, and where he will be honored for his public service.

Juan Manuel Santos is scheduled to speak Monday at the University of Kansas where he earned degrees in economics and business in 1973.

Santos is scheduled 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.

Earlier this month, Santos announced the signing of a preliminary agreement with Colombia's main leftist rebel group to launch peace talks.