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The Speakers Series is open to the public by subscribing to the Series. The lectures are held from 8-9:30pm on seven Monday evenings, from October through April.

Become a subscriber to the Philadelphia Speakers Series to guarantee your seats to all 7 lectures. You will have the chance to interact with each speaker, as each event will conclude with a question and answer session. Please note that the Philadelphia Speakers Series is only sold by subscription to the entire series - single tickets to individual lectures will not be sold.

Widener University presents the 2012-2013
Philadelphia Speakers Series at The Kimmel Center


The Philadelphia Speakers Series invites you to join us at The Kimmel Center to experience the ultimate in cultural engagement -- seven evenings of diverse opinions, profound insights and fascinating discussion on a broad scope of issues. For the past eight seasons, Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Peace Prize winners, world leaders, statesmen, distinguished journalists, authors and other celebrated personalities have enlightened and inspired our audiences. Join us this season and enjoy a season of heroes and legends. You'll be delighted you did!


The speakers for the 2012-2013 season, which begins this Fall, are:

President Bill Clinton

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON
Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States

October 1, 2012 - Monday, 8pm


President Clinton served the United States during a time of unprecedented prosperity and change. Now, President Clinton is a powerful voice for progress as he shares his unique insights and observations with audiences around the world. President Clinton addresses the challenge of globalization, emphasizing our growing interdependence, and points the way toward a common future based on shared goals and values.

Jeannette Walls

JEANNETTE WALLS
Bestselling Author of The Glass Castle

October 29, 2012 - Monday, 8pm

In her New York Times bestselling memoir The Glass Castle, this award-winning author describes the nomadic, dysfunctional and colorful family life of her childhood. After leaving her family and attending Barnard College, she worked as a journalist in New York for 20 years, writing for New York Magazine, USA Today and MSNBC.com.

Lisa Ling

LISA LING
Journalist and Host on National Geographic & the Oprah Winfrey Network

November 26, 2012 - Monday, 8pm


Known for her passionate and in-depth coverage of difficult stories that mainstream media tend to overlook, this American journalist has balanced international reporting with hosting her own series, Our America with Lisa Ling on the Oprah Winfrey Network, her role as host of National Geographic Explorer, and earlier as a cohost of The View.

P. W. Singer

P. W. SINGER
21st Century Warfare Expert

January 21, 2013 - Monday, 8pm

Currently a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, he is the preeminent specialist on 21st century warfare. In his work he explores how science fiction, with its emphasis on robotics and other technologies, is now playing out on modern day battlefields, and the implications of these developments on war, politics, ethics and law in our time.

Erskine Bowles

ERSKINE BOWLES
Co-Chairman of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform

February 25, 2013 - Monday, 8pm


Along with Sen. Alan Simpson, he was named by President Obama to co-chair the bi-partisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, commonly referred to as Bowles-Simpson. Former posts have included president of the University of North Carolina system, White House Chief of Staff to President Clinton and administrator of the Small Business Administration.

Vicente Fox

VICENTE FOX
President of Mexico (2000-2006)

March 18, 2013 - Monday, 8pm

The first president elected from an opposition party since 1910, Fox served as president of Mexico from 2000 to 2006. Prior to running for the presidency, he served as governor of his home state, Guanajuato, from 1995 to 1999. Before entering politics, he worked for the Coca-Cola Company, rising from delivery truck driver to president of Coca-Cola Mexico.

Nando Parrado

NANDO PARRADO
Miracle Survivor of the Infamous Plane Crash in the Andes Mountains

April 15, 2013 - Monday, 8pm

On a flight from Uruguay to Chile for an international rugby tournament, he and 16 of his teammates survived for two months in the Andes Mountains, where their plane crashed at 18,000 feet. The story of their ordeal and his ten-day trek through the Andes that led to the group's rescue was told in the book and ensuing motion picture, Alive.

Here is what our subscribers have to say...


“New York has Broadway, Washington, D.C. has the Smithsonian and Philadelphia has the Speakers Series.  Thank you, Widener, for providing this wonderful cultural experience.”

Kathy Scullin, VP, Public Relations & Marketing
Crozer-Keystone Health System

“Once again, my husband and I were riveted by the presenter. These evenings have contributed to our intellectual capital and growth on so many levels. They continue to be part of our thinking and our conversation long after each evening has ended. This lecture, in particular, left us with a call to action… We're getting off the couch.”

A. Valentine

“What a surprise it has been to find that the speakers my wife and I were least looking forward to, have been the ones we have enjoyed the most.  Now we understand why it is sold as a series.”

Jeff Broadhurst

“We consider the Speakers Series an important educational tool that is available for our managers. The speakers offer a different perspective on a wide variety of global and social issues which definitely improves our own objectivity and decision making processes. It's engaging and money well spent!”

Doug Sharp, President and CEO
Sartomer USA, LLC

“Intellectual, amusing and cultural... a great combination!”

Dean McClellan

"I have attended Widener’s Philadelphia Speakers Series for the past 8 seasons and always appreciate the caliber and diversity of the speakers. It is truly one of the "best tickets in town" for those who enjoy such varied perspectives from prominent figures."


Mark Heim, President
HSC Builders & Construction Managers

“We were delighted to attend last night’s lecture. It accomplished what I think was the goal… a night of reflection, discussion, and intellectual pursuit -- something we rarely get to do in our busy lives. We can’t wait to attend the rest… we’re hooked.”

M. Bisson

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