Lecture and Symposium Series

The Olivet College Lecture & Symposium Series brings the world to Olivet in the form of distinguished speakers and noted leaders. Recent presenters include:

Mary Carouba and Susan Hagen, co-authors of "Women at Ground Zero: Stories of Courage and Compassion."

Kyle Maynard, a motivational speaker who emphasizes a "no excuses" attitude. He was born with a rare disorder called congenital amputation, which left him with only three major joints: a neck and two shoulders. A successful wrestler and weightlifter, he was the 2004 ESPY Award Winner for "Best Athlete with a Disability."

Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland.

Al Swain, a 1978 Olivet graduate, is the associate director of the Capitol Area Center for Independent Living (CACIL) in Lansing.

Affirmative Action Panelists: Jennifer Gratz, executive director Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, Brandon Jessup, president NAACP Youth and College Division, Max McPhail, media relations director Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, Lynne Haley, on behalf of One United Michigan Democratic candidate for the 62nd District of the State House of Representatives

Herman Boone, former Head Football Coach T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria, Va. Herman Boone's inspirational story was captured in the movie Remember the Titans, starring Academy-Award winner Denzel Washington. The movie focuses on Boone's experience as the head football coach at T.C. Williams High School in racial divided Alexandria, Va.

Lena Williams: Lena Williams is the author of "It's the Little Things: Everyday Interactions that Anger, Annoy and Divide the Races" and a 28-year veteran of The New York Time. Her book was a New York Times "Notable Book of the Year."

Lynn Brewer: Lynn Brewer, Enron "whistleblower" and author of "House of Cards: Confessions of an Enron Executive"

Scott Ritter: Scott Ritter is the former chief weapons inspector for the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) in Iraq.

Sean Kosofsky, is the director of the Triangle Foundation in Michigan. Kosofsky has been an advocate for gay rights since 1994 and has become one of the most visible, recognizable and accomplished gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) activists in Michigan, and is known nationally for his work.

Exposure to successful role models like these provides further inspiration to students and, in the process, helps them see how the skills they are learning today can be applied in the real world tomorrow.

For more information, contact:

Office of College Relations
Olivet College
320 S. Main St.
Olivet, MI 49076
(269) 749-7164
collegerelations@olivetcollege.edu