PFW announces lineup for 25th season of Omnibus Speaker Series

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—A travel expert, a business shark, an Olympic gold-medalist, and a former US Attorney General will headline the 25th season of the Purdue University Fort Wayne Omnibus Speaker Series—Inspiring Perspectives that Move Minds Forward.

“We are so pleased to present such a wonderful lineup of speakers this season,” says Purdue Fort Wayne Chancellor Ron Elsenbaumer. “We wanted to bring in a group of speakers who not only appeal to our audiences, but who have compelling messages to share with our students and our community. When these speakers agreed to be part of the Omnibus Speaker Series, we knew we had a lineup with something for everyone.”

The season kicks off with returning favorite, travel expert and public television host Rick Steves on Wednesday, October 23. He will speak about “Travel as a Political Act.”
Rick Steves Biography
As the host and writer of a national public-television series and author of a best-selling line of guidebooks, Rick Steves advocates for smart, affordable, and perspective-broadening European travel

Over the past 20 years, Steves has hosted more than 100 travel shows—and created three award-winning specials—for public television. He also hosts a weekly public-radio program and writes a syndicated newspaper column

Steves frequently appears on television, radio, and online as the leading authority on European travel.

The second speaker has made quite a name for himself, also on TV, but this time on the popular entrepreneurial-themed show Shark Tank. Daymond John will present “5 Shark Points of Success” on Thursday, November 7.
Daymond John Biography
Daymond John, costar of (and an investor in) ABC’s Emmy Award–winning show Shark Tank, is the consummate 21st-century Renaissance businessman.

At a young age, he created FUBU, one of the most iconic urban fashion brands in the world. In 2015, President Barack Obama selected him as a Presidential Entrepreneurship Ambassador.

With an inspiring story that is the very essence of the American dream, John outlines the success strategies that took him to the top of the business world. Drawing on his phenomenal journey, he offers audiences lessons on leadership, innovation, and overcoming obstacles in life and business, in addition to tools for achieving personal and professional goals.

The speaker scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, was part of the event dubbed the number one sports event of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated. Mike Eruzione was the captain of the US Olympic team that defeated the Russians in 1980 at the Miracle on Ice at the Lake Placid Olympics and went on to win the gold medal. Eruzione’s topic is “Going for the Gold.”

Mike Eruzione Biography
In 1980, Mike Eruzione captained the United States Olympic hockey team to sports history—the “Miracle on Ice” defeat of the Soviet Union—on their way to winning the gold medal in Lake Placid, New York.

The team received many accolades after their victory, including being inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. In 1999, the team was given the ultimate compliment when Sports Illustrated voted the “Miracle on Ice” as the number one sports moment of the century.

Eruzione now serves as the director of development for athletics at Boston University and travels throughout the country as a motivational speaker.

Wrapping up the season is the 83rd Attorney General of the United States, Loretta Lynch. “A Conversation with The Honorable Loretta Lynch,” will be presented on Tuesday, March 31.

Loretta Lynch Biography
One of the most accomplished public figures in the country today and the first female African American attorney general of the United States, Loretta Lynch has been a leading progressive voice during her highly distinguished career of more than 30 years.

Before being appointed as attorney general by President Barack Obama, in 2015, Lynch served as the head of the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. 

Lynch has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the nation on issues such as defending civil rights and improving the relationship between local law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The series is underwritten by a generous contribution from the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation.

Each of the lectures will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Auer Performance Hall of the John and Ruth Rhinehart Music Center on the Purdue Fort Wayne campus.

Admission to all speaker events is free and open to the public. Free tickets will be available for each speaker two weeks before their scheduled appearance.

For more information on each of the speakers, as well as information regarding tickets, visit the Omnibus Speaker Series website.

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