The Martin Bucksbaum Lecture Series
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The Martin Bucksbaum Lectureship Series

4th Annual Bucksbaum Lectureship in Business Decoding America's Tech Moment featuring Karen Hao and Nicholas Thompson
October 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM CST
Knapp Center, Drake University
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Event Details

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About the Lectureship

Through a gift to Drake nearly 30 years ago, Martin and Melva Bucksbaum launched their vision for sparking community discussion about the most poignant issues of our time. Over the years, their lectureship series has included world-renowned speakers, Maya Angelou, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Bob Woodward, and many other inspiring voices. Thanks to an additional gift from Melva Bucksbaum and Mary Bucksbaum, the well-established lecture series expanded to launch the Inaugural Bucksbaum Lectureship in Business in 2023.

About the Lectureship

Spring 2026 Distinguished Lectureship Speaker: John Green
Spring 2025 Distinguished Lectureship Speaker: Misty Copeland
Fall 2024 Lectureship in Business Speaker: Greg Hoffman
Fall 2019 Distinguished Lectureship Speaker: Megan Rapinoe
Spring 2016 Distinguished Lectureship Speaker: Bill Nye the Science Guy

two unique lectureships

Choose an Event to Learn More

48th Annual Bucksbaum Distinguished Lectureship
4th Annual Bucksbaum Lectureship in Business

Past Bucksbaum Moments

The Bucksbaum Lectureship has brought world-renowned voices to Drake University, sparking meaningful conversations on the most important issues of our time.

John Green - April 2nd, 2026

Liz Cheney - March 27, 2024

Bob Woodward - April 4, 2023

Misty Copeland - April 2, 2025

Clint Smith - March 27, 2017

Megan Rapinoe - November 19, 2019

Previous Lectures
“These lectures have given me a chance to listen to professionals within and outside of my field of interest. I have been fortunate enough to attend the Drake Bucksbaum lectures with my family when I was a kid, and now, as a college student, I get to enjoy it with my friends. The Martin Bucksbaum Lectureship Series offers a unique opportunity to hear diverse perspectives from experts that we may not have a chance to hear from otherwise. This experience has been invaluable for me and many others who have attended.”
Keira Coady
International Relations/Public Relations major, Chinese minor | Class of 2025

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