Distinguished Speaker Series
The George E. McCammon Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series challenges students to
examine key issues facing our society and apply the tools of their liberal arts curriculum
as they search for truth and enlightenment.
In 1998, Class of 1925 alumnus George A. McCammon established the George E. McCammon
Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series at McKendree with an endowed gift in honor of
his father, Dr. George E. McCammon. Dr. McCammon served as a Methodist minister for
18 years before he became president of McKendree College in 1919.
Like his father, Mr. McCammon believed that significant learning is not limited to
the classroom. With this gift to McKendree in his father’s honor, he created a forum
for the exchange of ideas that occurs outside the classroom.
Tickets are free for the Distinguished Speakers Series, but reservations are required.
Governor Christine Todd Whitman
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 -- 7:30 p.m.
To make a reservation, click here.
The former New Jersey Governor and Secretary of the Environmental Protection Agency has a unique vantage point from which to view the American experience. As a woman in what remains a male-dominated world of politics, as an environmentalist in a party that has fought against many environment initiatives, and as a centrist in an increasingly partisan public square, Governor Whitman’s voice is an important one to be heard.
Governor Christine Todd Whitman is president of The Whitman Strategy Group, a consulting
firm that specializes in energy and environmental issues. She is on campus as part
of the Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows program.
Jamie Tworkowski
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 -- 7:30 p.m.
To make a reservation, click here.
Since its founding in 2006, the suicide prevention organization, To Write Love on
Her Arms (TWLOHA), has become an Internet sensation (check it out here) and has raised nearly one million dollars from individual donors in over 100 countries.
Founder Jamie Tworkowski’s message, “You are not alone and this is not the end of
your story,” has resonated with young people the world over.
Aeneas Williams
Thursday, February 23, 2012 -- 7:30 p.m.
To make a reservation, click here.
Pastor Aeneas Williams is a former St. Louis Ram and eight-time All Pro cornerback.
During his long and successful career, Williams earned a reputation as a quiet leader,
someone to seek out in the locker room to help put things in perspective. Williams’
life and career are a testament to the power of faith, courage and hard work.
Eric Schlosser
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 -- 7:30 p.m.
To make a reservation, click here.
Schlosser is the author of the best-selling book Fast Food Nation. A passionate investigative journalist, he spent time with migrant workers, meat-packers, and ranchers in an effort to get Americans to think about what they are eating. In addition to writing non-fiction, Schlosser is credited as a producer on two award-winning films: Food, Inc. and There Will be Blood.
