2011 - 2012 Speaker List
Tuesday, September 20
Katie Couric
Former CBS Evening News Anchor and NBC Today Co-Anchor
ABC recently announced that Katie Couric is returning to daytime television to host a syndicated talk show slated to air in September 2012. This rounds out her career that spans all three major networks, including NBC Today and CBS Evening News. She's covered the September 11 attacks, the Columbine tragedy, six Olympic games and Princess Diana's funeral. When her husband died of colon cancer, she led a major national effort to raise awareness and research funding for the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Wednesday, October 19
Robert Gates
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
Dr. Robert Gates served as the 22nd Secretary of Defense (2006-2011) and is the only Secretary of Defense to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected President. His illustrious career includes serving as president of Texas A&M University (2002-2006). He also was Director of Central Intelligence (1991-1993) and is the only career officer in the CIA's history to rise from entry-level employee to Director. His protection of U.S. citizens has earned him the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal and National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal (twice).
Wednesday, November 16
Richard M. Daley
Former Mayor of Chicago
Time magazine described Richard Daley (Chicago's mayor from 1989-2011) as "The Nation's Top Urban Executive." That came in part because Daley made it his top priority to pull together Chicagoans to "focus on what unites us" and challenge his constituents to put aside politics to solve the city's problems. While mayor, Daley's determination to do more with less helped him cut more than $2.7 billion in spending. His accomplishments include improving Chicagoans quality of life and public schools, strengthening the city's economy and helping Chicago become one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world.
Tuesday, March 20
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr.
Businessman and Former NBA and MSU Basketball Star
Earvin Johnson earned his famous nickname, "Magic," after a sportswriter witnessed the Lansing Everett High School basketball player score 36 points, grab 16 rebounds and make 16 assists in one game. He continued on to play at Michigan State University, leading the Spartans to a Big Ten Conference Title his freshman year and an NCAA championship his sophomore year. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Johnson in 1979. He retired from pro-basketball in 1991 and played on the gold medal winning "American Dream Team" in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. Today his Magic Johnson Enterprises creates champion urban businesses.
Tuesday, April 10
Carol Browner
Former Director, White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy
Carol Browner recently served as Director of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy. There she oversaw the coordination of environmental, energy, climate, transportation and related policy across the federal government. During her tenure she helped secure the largest investment ever in clean energy, established new automobile fuel efficiency standards and launched the first-ever greenhouse reductions. Prior to that, as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (1993-2001), she adopted the nation's most stringent air pollution standards. Today she continues her environmental work as Senior Counselor of Albright Stonebridge Group.
Wednesday, May 9
Glenn Beck
Radio Talk Show Host
Glenn Beck is a leading voice among the political right in America. His folksy, passionate style has helped him syndicate his radio program on more than 300 stations across the nation. He has authored seven consecutive #1 bestselling books. His controversial stances and open attacks on the Obama Administration continually fuel cheers and outrage. Beck's shows contributed to the Tea Party's protests against the healthcare overhaul in 2009. And his refusal to back down on what he says has helped build one of the most lucrative media brands in the country.