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DILLON LECTURE SERIES

Dillon Lecture Series

Since 1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and notable speakers that many in Hutchinson, Kansas, and surrounding communities might not have the opportunity to experience. 

From poets, politicians, and space scientists to American heroes, each is chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - “learning is the key to enlightenment” - to educate and inspire audiences across a wide age span.

Lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30 a.m. and last one hour unless otherwise noted.

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $10. Students and school groups are admitted free of charge with a school ID. Tickets are available online (www.hutchcc.edu/dls) or at the Sports Arena on the day of the lecture. 

Donnie Campbell - Feb 2, 202

Donnie Campbell - Feb 2, 2027

Coach, Educator and Leadership Speaker

Kansas coach and educator Donnie Campbell became known nationally after actor Jason Sudeikis revealed that Campbell helped inspire the beloved title character in the Emmy Award-winning series Ted Lasso. Campbell coached Sudeikis at Shawnee Mission West High School in the late 1990s, sharing the positive outlook and memorable lessons that would later influence the character.

For more than three decades, Campbell has taught math and coached young athletes, focusing as much on confidence and character as competition. His leadership philosophy centers on positivity, strong values, teamwork and the lasting influence a mentor can have on others.

Campbell has appeared on national programs including Good Morning America and The Today Show and now speaks to organizations about leadership, culture and bringing out the best in the people around us.

Tickets

Deirdre Gogarty - April 13th, 2027

Deirdre Gogarty - April 13th, 2027

World Champion Boxer and Inspirational Speaker

Deirdre Gogarty’s story is one of determination, courage and breaking barriers. Growing up in Ireland at a time when women’s boxing was prohibited, she refused to abandon her dream of competing in the sport she loved.

Her determination eventually brought her to the United States, where she went on to become Ireland’s first female World Boxing Champion and a pioneer for women in boxing.

Today, Gogarty shares the lessons she learned inside and outside the ring, encouraging others to pursue their goals with what she calls “Relentless Tenacity” — the courage to keep moving forward despite obstacles, setbacks and expectations.

Tickets

Caitlin Doornbos - Sept 21, 2027

Caitlin Doornbos - Sept 21, 2027

National Security and Foreign Policy Correspondent

Caitlin V. Doornbos is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist specializing in national security, foreign policy and global affairs. She is the founder and editor of The Correspondent, an independent news platform covering international affairs and U.S. national security.

Her reporting career has taken her from the White House, Pentagon, State Department and Congress to the front lines of conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. She has traveled with U.S. defense officials, embedded with military forces and reported on issues ranging from global security and migration to the growing strategic competition between the United States and China.

Doornbos previously reported for The New York Post, Stars and Stripes, the Orlando Sentinel and the Lawrence Journal-World. She holds a master's degree in Defense and Strategic Studies and a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas.

Tickets

Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Darling — Oct 12, 2027

Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Darling — Oct 12, 2027

9/11 Eyewitness, Author and Crisis Leadership Expert

On September 11, 2001, Marine officer Robert J. Darling was called into the Presidential Emergency Operations Center beneath the White House, where he served as a liaison among Vice President Dick Cheney, the National Security Advisor and the Pentagon as the attacks unfolded.

Darling's military career spanned more than 20 years and included flying Cobra attack helicopters during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, service in Somalia and assignment as a presidential pilot with Marine Helicopter Squadron One.

He is the author of 24 Hours Inside the President's Bunker: 9/11/01: The White House, his firsthand account of leadership and decision-making during the attacks. Today, Darling speaks and teaches about crisis leadership, communication and making critical decisions under extreme pressure.

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Tickets

Committee

Susan Buttram, Chair  
Uriah Bueller – Butch Dillon - Tammy Dillon  
Kathy Morris – Dane Power - Richard Shank
Carolyn Dillon, in memoriam  
Dr. Tricia Paramore, President, HutchCC

Hutchinson National Faculty Association
President, Student Gov. Association
Denny Stoecklein, HutchCC Marketing 
Becky Rogers, DLS Coordinator/HutchCC Pres. Admin Asst.

Contact Information
BECKY ROGERS
rogersb@hutchcc.edu
620-665-3505
1-888-GO-HUTCH