November 2, 2022 – David Gergen, a key adviser to four American Presidents and now a CNN Senior Political Analyst, is visiting Marist College November 10 to share decades of experience and insights on leadership and the importance of public service.  Also a professor of public service and founding director of the Center of Public Leadership at Harvard’s Kennedy School, Gergen’s talk will spotlight why college students today are uniquely positioned and driven to bridge divides and lead with integrity to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Gergen will be hosted by Marist President Kevin Weinman for an in-depth conversation on the themes of his new book, Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made, which focuses on the art of effective leadership by tracing the journeys of iconic leaders of both political parties. The event will take place on Thursday, November 10 at 7 P.M. in the Nelly Goletti Theatre on the Marist campus and is sponsored by Marist’s Raymond A. Rich Institute for Leadership Development. A book signing will follow the event in the Murray Student Center.

“This is a unique opportunity for our Marist community to learn from a highly-respected Washington advisor and public servant who has great experiences to share about how to be a successful leader in today’s turbulent times,” said Weinman.  “David is a big believer that students today represent a new generation of leaders who are able to bypass the usual path to power with a focus on purpose-driven work, building meaningful relationships and leading with humility.”

Gergen has served presidents in both major political parties, working in the Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton Administrations.  His position as co-director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Kennedy School has enabled him also to work closely with rising leaders.  Gergen is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Executive Committee for the Trilateral Commission.  He is also active on many non-profit boards.

The event is free and open to the entire Marist community as well as to the general public, on a first come, first serve basis.  Overflow seating will be available in the River Rooms directly across from the Nelly Goletti Theater, where a live feed will be available.  Gergen will also sign a limited number of free copies of Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made after the event.