Inaugurated in 1996, the Blavatt Lecture Series brings to the Gettysburg College Campus individuals whose professional experiences provide first-hand perspectives of the American political system. The Lecture Series has included influential Members of Congress, well-known writers, accomplished authors, talented educators, noted researchers and leading political scientists. Previous speakers include former Majority Leader of the United States Senate Tom Daschle, former Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives Richard Armey, former Democratic presidential candidate and Vermont Governor Howard Dean, New York Times Supreme Court Senior Correspondent Linda Greenhouse, Newsweek Editor Jon Meacham, and 1961 Gettysburg College graduate Fred Fielding, White House counselor to Presidents Reagan and George W. Bush.
Last year’s lecture brought Juan Williams, FOX news commentator, to Gettysburg’s campus. Williams authored six books, and wrote for various magazines, including Fortune and Newsweek. This year, the 14th annual Blavatt Lecture will feature Chris Matthews, of MSNBC’s Hardball.
The Blavatt Lecture Series is endowed by Ronald and Susan Blavatt of Owings Mills, Maryland. The Blavatt Family includes Gettysburg College graduates, Jeffrey, Class of 1988, and his wife, Kelly, Class of 2003, and Jason, Class of 1990, and his wife Amy Priga Blavatt, Class of 1991, all who remain active supporters of the College by their service on various committees and boards.
