Distinguished Speaker Series
Compelling speakers from National Geographic Live are sponsored by the George E. McCammon Memorial 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.
Dr. Lauren (LT) Thompson
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 @ 7:30 p.m.
History Professor
Dr. Lauren Thompson is an Associate Professor of History at McKendree University.
Her book, entitled Friendly Enemies: Soldier Fraternization during the American Civil War, was published this summer by the University of Nebraska Press. In January2019, she
received McKendree University’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. At
McKendree, Lauren teaches the following courses: Civil War Era, African-American History,
Race & Ethnicity in U.S. History, American Revolution, Labor History, and U.S. Women’s
History.
Generously supported by The George E. McCammon Memorial Endowment
Lance Geiger: The History Guy
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 @ 7:30 p.m.
History YouTuber
Lance Geiger is “The History Guy” on YouTube, where he tells forgotten stories of
ancient and modern events “that deserve to be remembered.”
His topics range from aviation history to forgotten battles, historical figures, and
more from around the world. His award-winning channel has garnered more than 36 million
views and 965,000 subscribers.
Generously supported by The George E. McCammon Memorial Endowment
Nizar Ibrahim
Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous
Thursday, March 3, 2022 @ 7:30 p.m.
Paleontologist
Spinosaurus was nearly lost to science before Nizar Ibrahim, a remarkable young paleontologist, discovered this prehistoric giant. With amazing
video recreating the lost world of the Cretaceous-era Sahara, Ibrahim tells the story
of Spinosaurus’ discovery, loss, and rediscovery, and explain what—other than its
size—makes this ancient monster unique.
Generously supported by The George E. McCammon Memorial Endowment
Rae Wynn-Grant
The Secret Life of Bears
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 @ 7:30 p.m.
Carnivore Ecologist
Rae Wynn-Grant has dedicated her life to ecological research and conservation. As a scientist with
National Geographic Society’s Last Wild Places Initiative, she works to protect and
restore iconic wildlife populations, including North American black and grizzly bears.
But when the wild lands of their habitat are crisscrossed by roads, fences, and ranches,
how can bears and humans coexist peacefully? Dr. Wynn-Grant intends to find the answer.
Generously supported by The George E. McCammon Memorial Endowment
$15 per speaker
McKendree University Faculty, Staff and Students FREE
