The Alfred M. Landon Lecture Series is a tribute to the late Alfred M. Landon, who was the governor of Kansas from 1933-1937. The series was inaugurated in 1966 by former K-State President James A. McCain.
Landon himself gave the first lecture on Dec. 13, 1966; it was called "New Challenges in International Relations."
Series chairman Charles Reagan said "They wanted to change the fact that no political speakers came to Kansas, so Landon used his political influence to get people to come speak."
Since Landon's lecture on December 13, 1966, there have been more than 130 speakers.
The first year of the lecture series set a standard of discussing international and national current affairs. Another recurrent theme throughout the series is the economic, social and political responsibilities of different entities, including the media and the government.
"Every university has an important lecture series," Reagan said. "But nobody has the track record for the past 39 years like we have."
For instance, the first four years of the lecture saw California Gov. Ronald Reagan (he also spoke as President in 1982), Robert Kennedy, Chief Justice Earl Warren, and Richard Nixon.
The lectures are given in the university's McCain Auditorium, and are attended by K-State students, faculty, and alumni, as well as the general public.
Reagan said that over a four-year period this gives K-State students an opportunity to see and hear firsthand the people who influence our nation — for free.
Lou Douglas
Lecture Series on public issues
Another lecture series that packs a punch on campus is Lou Douglas Lecture Series.
Illuminating and provocative lectures with free-wheeling question and answer periods stimulate discussion as well as promote original thinking and questioning of perspectives on critical public issues. Related experiences such as brown bag lunches, class and seminar presentations and interaction with student and community organizations enhance the lecture experience. Many K-State graduates say that the perspectives they gained from the Lou Douglas Lectures have been invaluable to their lives as citizens.
This lecture series on Public Issues began in 1980, to honor KSU professor of political science Lou Douglas. Douglas taught at KSU for 28 years and was known for his humanitarian concerns. The series deals with topics pertaining to human rights, social justice, world peace and international development.
Several authors, numerous senators and an assistant bishop have visited Kansas State University in recent years for the Lou Douglas Lecture Series.
The series is sponsored by UFM Community Learning Center. All presentations are held in Forurn Hall at the K-State Union. All lectures are free and open to the public.
Dorothy L. Thompson lecture Series
Also an important campus speech event, the Dorothy L. Thompson Civil Rights Lecture Series gives students an opportunity to learn from the people leading the cause of equality. Dorothy Thompson was the university's affirmative action director from 1972 to 1985, then became the associate university attorney.
In her memory, the lecture series invites people who come from the front lines of the successful battle for civil rights. Previous lecturers include Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, and Stephen Jones, defense counsel for Timothy McVeigh.
Students interested in future lectures should look for postings about the lectures that go up on campus as a lecture is confirmed and nears.
