Nolde Lecture Series
The Colonel William B. Nolde Lecture Series was created in memory of COL William B. Nolde, former Assistant Professor of Military Science at Central Michigan University Army ROTC from 1962-1964 and again in 1965-1966. Later, COL Nolde was deployed to Vietnam, where he tragically lost his life and was listed as the last official casualty of the Vietnam War. Shortly after his death in 1973, his family, former students, friends, and cadets established the William B. Nolde Scholarship in his memory. 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 United States and to recognize the tie between military science and the broader disciplines within the university.
Past speakers
Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey
The Chippewa Battalion welcomed Chaplain (Ret.) Justin Roberts, Director of Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey as the keynote speaker for our Annual Nolde Lecture Series. Chaplain Justin Roberts was accompanied by CPT Doug Jones of the 101st Airborne Division, 2/327th Infantry Battalion. Doug shared his experience as an Infantry Platoon Leader in combat. Chaplain Roberts and Doug Jones provided a panel discussion with cadets; publicly sharing their experiences in combat. They answered difficult questions and encouraged cadets to join them in their sense of family-focused approach to the Army.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
No Greater Love
The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in conjunction with Central Michigan University Army ROTC hosted a viewing of the award-winning documentary NO GREATER LOVE, directed by Chaplain Justin Roberts in combat missions, depicting the combat deployment of the legendary "No Slack" Battalion, 101st Division, followed by a panel discussion with keynote speaker Justin "Chappy" Roberts and panelists MAJ Kevin Mott, MSG Daniel Byerly, LTC Edward Bankston, and Mr. Randy Wright.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
CPT Byron Nolde
“Organizational Leadership – You are the Culture” (View recording)
Thursday, December 8, 2022
COL Brent A. Clemmer
“Vignettes from the past, stories from a Company Grade Officer with lessons for today – with additional thoughts on CST success from a former Commandant”
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
COL Warren Sponsler
"Leadership and Opportunity in a Modernizing Army”
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Brigadier General Brian S. Eifler
Thursday, November 14, 2019
LTC (Ret) Steve Kenyon
"Our Great American Army -- complemented in three components: Active, Guard and Reserve"
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
LTC (RET) Thomas G. Louzon
"Desert Shield & Storm from an Armor Company Commander's Point of View"
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
COL (Ret) Nelson E. Modrall
"One Army Officer's 24-year Career Path: From CMU Army ROTC Cadet to Colonel, USA"
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
BG (Ret) Michael C.H. McDaniel
"Chivalry and the Modern Warfighter"
November 4, 2015
Mr. Terence Moore
"The Value of ROTC in the Civilian World"
January 21, 2015
COL (R) John M. Hinck
"Being Smart is Your Best Weapon"
January 29, 2014
CPT (Ret) William R. Talcott
"You Will Receive More Than A Commission"
September 4, 2013
Ret. Brigadier General John E. Leatherman
"Effective Leadership"
March 13, 2012