Kennedy Lecture Series
Ohio University’s Kennedy Lecture Series was established in 1962 by a gift from OHIO alumni and stalwart supporters Edwin L. and Ruth Kennedy. The Kennedy Lecture Series aims to bring speakers who appeal to a broad cross-section of the OHIO community to the Athens Campus to discuss significant issues in American life.
2025-26 Speaker Information
LeVar Burton to speak at OHIO on March 3
An award-winning actor, writer, producer and director, as well as a renowned literacy advocate, Burton is an internationally known master of storytelling.
Burton launched his acting career while still a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he found himself on the cover of TIME Magazine after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark television series “Roots. “A seemingly impossible act to follow, Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series, a role he reprised in "Star Trek: Picard" in 2023.
However, it has been his role as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children's series "Reading Rainbow" of which he is most proud. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it was not only one of the longest-running children's television shows in history but also one of the most acclaimed, earning over 200 awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.
As the honored recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 14 Emmys, Burton was awarded the National Humanities Medal by the National Endowment of the Humanities at a ceremony in the Oval Office. Honored for his contributions to literacy in America, Burton continues his focus on the importance of literature and storytelling in our everyday lives and is a staunch advocate against the banning of books.
Burton will speak at Ohio University beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on March 3. All members of the OHIO community are invited to this event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Damar Hamlin to speak at OHIO on March 17
Damar Hamlin is an American football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Bills in the 2021 NFL Draft. Hamlin became a starter in 2022, playing a successful season until suffering from Commotio Cordis in a nationally televised game. What followed has become one of the most remarkable comeback stories in sports history. Damar defied the odds and came back to play the following seasons and continues to play for the Buffalo Bills.
In 2023, Hamlin launched the CPR Tour, a groundbreaking initiative through the Chasing M’s Foundation. The tour has equipped over 1,200 individuals with life-saving skills, providing 170 AEDs to communities in need, and catalyzing legislative changes in 12 states. Hamlin established the Heroes Scholarship in Cincinnati, honoring the medical workers that were pivotal to his recovery and supporting the next generation of healthcare heroes.
Damar is the winner of multiple awards and recognition for his skill and courage on the football field and his impact on healthcare in communities nationwide. He is a dedicated advocate for increasing awareness of CPR training and AED access. Damar Hamlin is not just an athlete, but a champion to uplift and inspire those around him.
On March 17, the Kennedy Lecture Series will feature Damar Hamlin, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Baker University Center Ballroom.