Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and bestselling author Doris Kearns Goodwin presents “Leadership for a More Perfect Union: Lessons from America at 250” as the Humphrey School of Public Affairs 2026 Distinguished Carlson Lecturer.
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Goodwin will draw on her study of American presidents and pivotal moments in the nation’s history to explore leadership, civic courage and the shared sense of purpose that has helped guide the country through periods of division and transformation.
The evening will begin with remarks by Goodwin, followed by a conversation moderated by Gary Eichten, Minnesota Public Radio editor-at-large and retired host, exploring presidential leadership, American democracy and what history can teach us about leadership in times of national challenge.
About the Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series
For more than four decades, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, with support from Carlson and the Carlson Family Foundation, has presented the Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series, bringing Minnesota world-renowned speakers to participate in a forum dedicated to the presentation and discussion of the most important policy issues of the day. The series began in 1980 with a gift from Curtis L. Carlson to honor his late friend, Hubert H. Humphrey, and to “contribute to the intellectual life of the greater Twin Cities community by sponsoring lively forums of broad interest.”
This free event, presented by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and made possible by Carlson and the Carlson Family Foundation, embodies our commitment to fostering diverse perspectives and meaningful dialogue on critical issues shaping our nation.
UMN Conversations at Northrop is a collection of lectures, panel discussions and other conversations focused on important and timely issues presented in collaboration among numerous University of Minnesota departments and held at Northrop.