Speakers and Events

What would you say about a speaker series that has included Barack Obama, Colin Powell, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Elie Wiesel, Robert Duvall, Coretta Scott King, Margaret Thatcher, and Apollo 13 astronauts, just to name a few?

And Principia College students didn’t just hear these people speak from a distance. With most speakers, there are opportunities to interact. Robert Duvall taught an acting class when he was here, Barack Obama met with a group of students the night he spoke on campus, and Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise discussed NASA's impact on design with art and astronomy students. You never know who’s going to stop by.

The George A. Andrews Distinguished Speaker Series features men and women of high ideals and strong character who have made a significant imprint on our times. The College also sponsors lecture series devoted to moral courage and diversity. And our two student-run conferences bring speakers to campus annually to share insights on public affairs and international affairs. In addition, we welcome leading scholars, writers, diplomats, and business and civic leaders—often for an extended time—through our Annenberg Visiting Scholar Program. View a list of past speakers.

A Sampling of Speakers and Events in 2019–20

(Unless otherwise noted, there is no charge to attend.)

Map and Directions