President's Speakers Series

Delivered through 90-minute presentations, the President's Speakers Series engages students, faculty, staff and the community on current political issues. These presentations trigger productive debate, and produce a better-educated University and community.

Each forum is moderated by Marc Bernier, special assistant to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President, Dr. John Johnson. Many of the events will be broadcast live on-the-air (1150 AM WNDB) and via the Internet, on the Marc Bernier Show website.

The events are free and open to the public. Each program is held at 7:00 p.m. in the Gale Lemerand Auditorium, located inside the Willie Miller Instructional Center.

Highlights from Past Events

• In 2006, Sean Parnell led the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division infantry platoon in Afghanistan. He recounted those experiences and discussed his book — Outlaw Platoon: Heroes, Renegades, Infidels and the Brotherhood of War in Afghanistan.
• Former lobbyist Jack Abramoff discussed his book, Capitol Punishment.
• As part of the Presidents' Panel on Higher Education, the presidents of Daytona State College, Stetson University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University spoke about higher education in a changing economy, and how the missions of their respective institutions reflect the needs of the new workforce.
• In a special discussion on law, Kendall Coffey and Mary Griffitts discussed current legal issues and landmark court decisions of the last decade, with a look ahead to the upcoming Supreme Court session.
• Aviator and author Bob Gandt discussed his book, The Twilight Warriors, which is the story of the largest land-sea engagement of World War Two.
• Former Navy SEAL commander Chuck Pfarrer offered an inside look at how SEALs conduct operations like the one that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden. He is the author of SEAL Target: Geronimo.
• Former U.S. Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell discussed fundamental conservative principles and the changing way the media often picks candidates. She is the author of Trouble Maker.
• Founder and president of the American-Islamic Forum for Democracy Dr. Zuhdi Jasser was interviewed by the audience on the issue of being a good American. Jasser's family fled Syria's Baath regime in the 1960s.