Once each semester, the Chidsey Leadership Lecture series features Davidson Alumni and other inspiring leaders who have made exceptional contributions to their communities.  Speakers are invited to give a lecture, eat dinner with students beforehand, and meet with students during the day in a class, workshop, and/or informal setting. Speakers are selected not just by their visibility, but rather by their unique experiences that can be applied to diverse student groups.

Nominate Lecturers

Our committee meets regularly to invite lecturers to campus. The diverse perspective of a successful leader, coupled with their willingness to share their story, enables us to offer meaningful lessons to the student body. Not only will a lecturer articulate their unique journey, but the relationships they developed and the combination of approaches employed along the way.  To nominate a Chidsey Leadership Lecture speaker, click here to have your suggestion forwarded to the lecture selection committee.

Upcoming Lecture

Fall 2008 Lecture:
Carlos Alvarez
Davidson parent and trustee Carlos Alvarez, president and CEO of the Gambrinus Company, will share his leadership journey.  Mr. Alvarez worked his way up through various sales and marketing positions at Mexican brewery Grupo Modelo. In 1978, he was named the company's export director, and in 1981, he won brewery approval to take Corona Extra to markets outside Mexico . When he left Grupo Modelo to start Gambrinus, Alvarez became responsible for selling and marketing Grupo Modelo's brands in Texas and 24 eastern states. Under his leadership, Corona Extra became the best-selling imported beer in the United States .  As a native of Mexico who became a U.S. citizen in 2001, Alvarez has worked to strengthen commercial, cultural and educational ties between the two countries. 

Past Lectures

Spring 2008 Lecture:
Margo Williams
In conjunction with Engage for Change, Chidsey Leadership Development brought Margo Williams, founder of Davidson Housing Coalition, to campus in order to share her life experience in grassroots organizing and non-profit work. Her vision and perseverance has helped maintain the unique community of Davidson. Click to hear her lecture.
  

Fall 2007 Lecture:
John Chidsey '83
As the CEO of Burger King, Inc. he shared his leadership journey and discussed how a liberal arts education uniquely prepares students to lead in a changing and diverse world.  Click to view a real player clip (go to www.real.com to download software) of the lecture.

Spring 2007 Lecture:
President Bobby Vagt '69

As the inaugural lecturer in the Chidsey Lecture series, alum and then president of Davidson College, Bobby Vagt demonstrated how his experiences as a liberal arts undergraduate student placed him on the path to eventually lead the college.