The University of Chicago Graham School was honored to host a conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winner Doris Kearns Goodwin as the inaugural event of the Bowe-Stewart Lecture Series in April. The evening opened with inspirational remarks from Peter Bowe and Barbara Stewart, who generously sponsor the Bowe-Stewart series through the Bowe-Stewart Foundation. The couple emphasized their belief that civic education and a deeper understanding of American history are key to building a more engaged and thoughtful community.
The evening featured a compelling discussion on the intersection of leadership, history, and civic responsibility. In conversation with Seth Green, Dean of the Graham School, Goodwin reflected on the arc of American civic life from the Civil War to World War II emphasizing the enduring importance of humility, empathy, and resilience in leadership. She offered a message of hope, highlighting recent grassroots support for civic education.
The powerful conversation set a strong tone for the new series, sparking thoughtful questions during an engaging Q&A and inspiring dialogue that extended beyond the room while connecting the audience to the University of Chicago’s tradition of bold ideas and transformative education. Read the full story of the event and explore Goodwin’s reflections on humility, empathy, and the future of democracy in a piece by the Hyde Park Herald’s Marc Monaghan.
