McConnell Center talks to focus on 20th century American milestones, leaders
(Aug. 12, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville’s McConnell Center will offer a series of public talks this fall commemorating 20th century political leaders and events.
The series, called “Milestones of the 20th Century: Democracy in America,” will include four free, one-hour lectures in Ekstrom Library’s Chao Auditorium. Each talk will begin at 6 p.m.
Topics, speakers and dates are:
- “The Conservative Mind at 60: Russell Kirk’s Continuing Relevance in American Politics,” Lee Cheek, political science professor and chair at East Georgia State University, Sept. 10, in recognition of the 60th anniversary of Kirk’s influential publication
- “Leading the Eleanor Roosevelt Way,” author and historian Robin Gerber, Sept. 26, in recognition of Roosevelt’s rise to First Lady of the United States 80 years ago
- “George C. Marshall: American Leader for All Seasons,” Lt. General (ret.) Josiah Bunting III, president of the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, Oct. 28, in recognition of Marshall’s 1953 receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize
- "The Origin and Promise of Camelot: Rose Kennedy and the Creation of the Kennedy Image,” Kennedy biographer and political scientist Barbara Perry, Nov. 20, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (book signing to follow the talk)
“Our goal is to offer people a fresh look at some of the key leaders, events and ideas that have shaped modern America,” said Gary Gregg, McConnell Center director.
The non-partisan McConnell Center, created at UofL in 1991, prepares Kentucky’s top college undergraduate students to become future leaders and offers civic education programs for teachers, students and the general public.
Five talks on Alexis de Tocqueville’s popular Democracy in America are planned for Spring 2014.