Endowed Speaker Series in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Dr. Harold Abel Endowed Lecture Series in the Study of Dictatorship, Democracy and Genocide

Established in 2009 by the family of Dr. Harold Abel to honor and memorialize his 44-year career as an educator, which included a 10-year term as president of Central Michigan University from 1975 to 1985. Dr. Abel died in 2002. The lecture series brings to campus distinguished scholars to discuss the past, present and future of worldwide genocide. The series focuses on the impact of historical events such as the Holocaust and mass murders in Africa, Southeast Asia and Central America.

Abel Lecture Series website

The Philip A. Hart and William G. Milliken Endowed Speaker Series for Integrity in Politics

The Endowed Speaker Series for Integrity in Politics at CMU serves to honor the legacies of two Michigan politicians: Philip A. Hart, U.S. senator (1958-1976) and William G. Milliken, governor (1969-1982). Both Hart and Milliken's distinguished careers in public office serve as shining examples of cooperation and tolerance in a political climate where partisanship and divisiveness are common obstacles that work to tarnish, rather than enhance, the legislative process.

This thematic speaker series is designed to emphasize political integrity and will challenge students to approach politics in a way that embraces America's diversity of ideas and perspectives, working to supplant negativity and partisanship with creativity and innovation in shaping future public policy.

The series will seek out guest speakers whose work embodies the ideals set forth by leaders like Hart and Milliken, providing a forum where students may listen, learn and engage in meaningful dialogue focusing on a range of current political and policy-making issues.

Hart and Milliken Speaker Series website

William B. Nolde Lecture Series

The William B. Nolde Lecture Series seeks to promote an understanding of the role of the United States Armed Forces in the life and history of the U.S. and to recognize the tie between military science and the broader disciplines within the university. The lectures serve as a stimulus to intellectual activity for future leaders both in the military and across the campus and community.

Colonel William B. Nolde was the last official casualty of the Vietnam War. He twice served as an assistant professor of military science at Central Michigan University. Shortly after his death in 1973, his family, former students, friends and cadets established the William B. Nolde Scholarship in his memory. Col. Nolde is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In February 1997, he was posthumously inducted into the CMU ROTC Hall of Fame as a charter member.

The Nolde Lecture Series is hosted and organized by the Department of Military Science and Leadership during the fall and spring semesters. 

Nolde Series website