THE Philadelphia Speakers Series 

The Philadelphia Speakers Series, presented by Widener University,  is open to the public by subscription. Lectures are held on Monday evenings at 8:00. p.m. from September through April at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

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PERVEZ MUSHARRAF
Former President of Pakistan
September 21, 2009 - Monday, 8 p.m.

As President of Pakistan, he occupied what Time described as “the most dangerous job in the world,” playing a critical role in the War on Terror and directing countless raids on Al Qaeda and the Taliban. His memoir, In the Line of Fire, speaks to his struggle for the security and political future of Pakistan, which he believes can become progressive, moderate and prosperous.

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JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU
Underwater Explorer, Oceanographic Film Producer, Educator and Environmentalist
October 12, 2009 - Monday, 8 p.m.

Since being thrown overboard from the Calypso at age 7 by his father, Jacques, this explorer, environmentalist, educator and documentary film producer has communicated his love and concern for our “water planet.” Today, as president of Ocean Futures Society, he travels extensively; teaching, exploring and producing films to reach millions the world over.

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 LAURA BUSH
Teacher, Librarian, Champion of Literacy and Former First Lady of the United States
November 16, 2009 - Monday, 8 p.m.

As First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Bush was a staunch advocate for global literacy and human rights. While First Lady she convened a summit on early childhood development; led a nation to raise awareness about the challenges facing our nation's youth, and fought against breast cancer, heart disease, HIV, AIDS and malaria.

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ROBERT REICH
Economic Advisor and Former Secretary of Labor
January 11, 2010 - Monday, 8 p.m.

Having served in the Ford, Carter, Clinton and now Obama administrations, Reich is well regarded as one of the nation’s leading thinkers on business, labor and the economy. As Secretary of Labor he worked to pass the Retirement Protection Act, the Family Medical Leave Act and increased the minimum wage for hourly workers.   

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DAVID BROOKS
Political Commentator, Author and New York Times Columnist
March 15, 2010 - Monday, 8 p.m.

This political analyst, commentator, author and NYT columnist, brings audiences face-to-face with the spirit of our times, and does it with humor, insight and passion. He is a keen observer of our American way of life, and a savvy analyst of present day politics and foreign affairs.He appears regularly on The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and NPR’s All Things Considered.