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.
All lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30 a.m. and last one hour.
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.
Rob Kenney, affectionately known as the “Internet Dad”, rose to fame in 2020 with his YouTube channel “Dad, How Do I?”, where he generates practical advice and life skills for people who may not have had a father figure in their lives. His channel covers a wide range of topics, from how to tie a tie, change a tire, unclog a sink, and other essential “dad advice.” Kenney’s inspiration for starting the channel stems from his own childhood. His father left when he was just 14, leaving him and his siblings to navigate life without that guiding parental influence.
Tyler Merritt is an actor, comedian, viral sensation, activist, founder of The Tyler Merritt Project, and author of the memoir, I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in America. As a 6’2” dreadlocked black man living in the South, Merritt is well aware of stereotypes and their potentially dangerous consequences. In response, Merritt has devoted his creativity to bringing his ethos of “Love. Learn. Create.” to life through his words and videos as part of The Tyler Merritt Project.
James Olson served for over thirty years in the Directorate of Operations of the Central Intelligence Agency, mostly overseas in clandestine operations. In addition to several foreign assignments, he was Chief of Counterintelligence at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
Award-winning broadcaster Joel Goldberg has been a member of the Kansas City Royals television broadcast since 2008, serving as the host of every pregame and postgame show on FOX Sports Kansas City and Bally Sports KC.
Joel has built a 25-year career developing and maintaining strong relationships with professional athletes, coaches, and team management and he now shares those stories and strategies with companies and associations.
Richard Shank, Chair
Uriah Bueller - Susan Buttram - Butch Dillon - Carolyn Dillon
Tammy Dillon - Charlotte Galler - Kathy Morris - Dane Power
Dr. Tricia Paramore, President, HutchCC
Chairperson, HutchCC Board of Trustees
Hutchinson National Faculty Association
President, Student Gov. Association
Denny Stoecklein, HutchCC Marketing
Becky Rogers, DLS Coordinator/HutchCC Pres. Admin Asst.