About MCLA

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 Charlayne Hunter-Gault, NPR special correspondent, as part of our Hardman Lecture Series; Paul Rusesabagina, author of An Ordinary Man and subject of the film Hotel Rwanda, as part of our Public Policy Lecture Series; and U.S. Senator John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, our 2008 Commencement speaker.

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 Series

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 generous support 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. Thanks to the support of many alumni and friends, the Vadnais Fund at MCLA has been officially endowed and will support an annual lecture in perpetuity. 

Four Colleges Issues Forum

Founded in 2008 by Bennington College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Southern Vermont College and Williams College, the Four Colleges Issues Forum brings significant discussion of national and global issues to the region. The location of the symposium rotates between the four campuses, alternating between a Massachusetts and a Vermont college.

Past speakers include Amory Lovins, author of Winning the Oil Endgame and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Institute, Anita Hill, professor of social policy, law, and women's studies at Brandeis University, and Dr. Delos M. Cosgrove, president and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic.