McConnell Center series has brought a bevy of political heavyweights to UofL

Throughout the past 25 years, McConnell Center has made a lasting impact on the Kentuckiana region, funding more than $3.5 million in student scholarships and providing continuing civics education opportunities for high school educators. But what the center is most known for is its Distinguished Speaker Series, which provides its McConnell Scholars exclusive access to a multitude of high-powered, international world leaders.

The series kicked off on Oct. 5, 1993 when it welcomed then-U.S. Secretary of State George Schultz. 

In the second part of a three-part series celebrating the center’s silver anniversary, we provide a look back at some of the other political heavyweights who’ve also visited the Belknap campus, helping to establish the McConnell Center one of the most acclaimed academic programs in the country:

[caption id="attachment_31046" align="alignnone" width="300"] Senator Marco Rubio – March 25, 2013 - Spoke to the McConnell Scholars about the American dream, the economy and the value of higher education.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_31047" align="alignnone" width="300"] House Majority Leader John Boehner – Oct. 31, 2011: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner discussed jobs, the economy and the institution of the House at the University of Louisville.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_31048" align="alignnone" width="300"] March 2, 2007: President George W. Bush held a private question and answer session with the McConnell Scholars. He visited as a part of the McConnell Center's Distinguished Speaker Series.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_31049" align="alignnone" width="300"] Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - April 9, 2010: U.S. Sec. of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gave a public talk entitled, “No Greater Danger: Protecting our Nation and Allies from Nuclear Terrorism and Nuclear Proliferation.”[/caption] [caption id="attachment_31050" align="alignnone" width="197"] U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice - March 8, 2004: U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice spoke about President Bush's foreign policy objectives and strategies as a guest of the McConnell Center.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_31051" align="alignnone" width="300"] Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts - April 18, 2009: U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts spoke at the Cardinal Arena in the Swain Student Activities Center as a guest of the McConnell Center.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_31052" align="alignnone" width="300"] Senator Ted Kennedy - April 3, 2006: U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) spoke at the University of Louisville as a guest of the McConnell Center.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_31053" align="alignnone" width="300"] On April 12, 2010, The McConnell Center welcomed the former president of India, Abdul Kalam to The University of Louisville. President Kalam had a panel discussion in the law school.[/caption]