Notable Speakers

We routinely welcome notable speakers to campus who meet with students and faculty, present to the community, and complement our academic mission. Recent speakers include: 

Senator George J. Mitchell, global diplomat, peace negotiator, and leadership expert

Howard Kurtz, host of CNN's Reliable Sources

Zainab Salbi, author and co-founder of Women to Women International

Dr. Robert M. Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense 2006-2011

Vandana Shiva, world-renowned environmental leader

Laura Ling, journalist, producer, and author of Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home

James Carville and Mary Matalin, one of America's best-loved political couples

Paul Rusesabagina, real-life hero, Hotel Rwanda

U.S. Senator John Kerry, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee

Hardman Lecture Series

This lecture series presents in-depth discussions with some of the leading journalists of our time and is made possible through the generosity of the Hardman Family Endowment.

Public Policy Lecture

In 2008, MCLA announced the establishment of the Public Policy lecture series, making public policy forums an ongoing part of the College's long-term speaker offerings, in complement to MCLA's major in political science and public policy.  The series is made possible through the generosity of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust.

MCLA Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture

This annual lecture series is named for Professor Lawrence H. Vadnais and is sponsored by the Vadnais Endowment. 

Community Reading

Every summer, the incoming students are encouraged to read a book in common that serves as the basis for several events when the term begins in September. In early fall, we invite the author to campus to discuss the book.  

Faculty Brown Bag Lectures

MCLA faculty are engaged in research and special projects.  Each semester select faculty present and discuss their scholarly activities at our "Brown Bag Lecture Series".

Green Living Seminar Series

Every semester the Green Living Seminars center around a different topic, timely and relevant in current sustainability issues.

Tricks of the Trade

A program of MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center, Tricks of the Trade is a professional development seminar series for artists and creatives.