Southeast Missouri State University is proud to present the University Speakers Series featuring men and women from the forefront of their respected fields. These leaders in political and social issues will offer their compelling stories to the campus community at Southeast, inspiring visionary ideas for tomorrow's leaders.
General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)devoted more than 50 years to public service. He held senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations, including national security advisor to President Ronald Reagan; chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton, the first African-American to serve in this capacity; and secretary of state under President George W. Bush.
Former St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa’s jersey, No. 10, was retired by the St. Louis Cardinals after La Russa led them to three National League championships and World Series titles in 2006 and 2011. La Russa ranks second all-time in post-season with 70 wins and became the first manager to retire in the same season after winning a World Series title. He is the winningest manager in St. Louis Cardinals history and ranks third in major league history in victories.
The Second City, the world’s premier comedy club, theatre and school of improvisation, will deliver an engaging and fun-packed presentation that will explore the use of improvisation to fuel creativity and innovation..
Recording artist, concert performer and philanthropist John Legend will present the keynote address, “An Evening with John Legend.” Legend won nine Grammy Awards and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people..
Olympian and World Figure Skating champion Michelle Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. Her skating brilliance and accomplishments earned her a place among the all-time greats of the sport. From 1995 to 2005, Kwan dominated the sport like no other skater in history, winning an unprecedented 43 championships, including five World Championships, eight consecutive and nine overall U.S. National Championships, and two Olympic medals.
A passionate supporter of the environment, Jeff Corwin has been working for the conservation of endangered species and delicate ecosystems around the world for nearly three decades. Corwin, an Emmy Award winning television host, is best known for hosting Animal Planet’s immensely popular “Jeff Corwin Experience,” which reaches more than 13 million viewers in the United States and is viewed in more than 70 countries.
