The Sussman Lecture Series is dedicated to studying issues that define our public life and engaging students and citizens in constructive dialogue regarding these issues.
The Sussman Lecture Series was established by the late Richard Sussman (AS’51), in memory of his late wife Lila.
Past Sussman Lectures
“Students Are Humans First” with Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab
February 20, 2025
Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab joined us for the Spring 2025 Sussman Lecture to discuss the challenges students face in meeting their basic needs while earning a college education. She explored this topic in her award-winning book, Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream. The book documents the failures of policymakers and higher education institutions to make college affordable. Her scientific studies identifying and addressing college students’ basic needs for food, housing, childcare, transportation, and health supports sparked the internationally-known #RealCollege movement and inspired federal and state data collection and legislation, as well as countless privately-funded programs.
“Pain and Politics in the Heart of America” with Dr. Jennifer Silva
March 6, 2024
Dr. Jennifer Silva joined us for the Spring 2024 Sussman Lecture to discuss the economic, social, and cultural challenges currently facing America’s working class and how those challenges have impacted the ability of the working class to achieve the American Dream. Dr. Silva has written two books surrounding these topics, Coming Up Short: Working-Class Adulthood in an Age of Uncertainty and We’re Still Here: Pain and Politics in the Heart of America.
“Dignity: The Foundation of a New Patriotism” with Tim Shriver
November 2, 2023
Americans may be more divided than ever, but some say our disagreements aren’t causing the division, but what we do when we disagree. Tim Shriver joined us for the Fall 2023 Sussman Lecture to discuss “The Dignity Index”, which was developed by his nonprofit UNITE, and to share how it can be applied to solve the country’s toxic political and cultural divides. Shriver also explained why dignity is the key to easing divisions, preventing violence, and solving problems.
Address: 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: (515) 271-3623
Email: harkininstitute@drake.edu
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.