History of the Landon Lectures

The Alfred M. Landon Lecture Series is one of the most prestigious lecture seris in U.S. colleges and universities. Instituted in 1966 by former K-State President James A. Mcain, the series is a tribute to the late Alfred M. Landon, who served as governor of Kansas from 1933-1937. On Dec. 13, 1966, Governor Landon deliveed the series' first lecture, "New Challenges in Internaional Relatins." Gov. Landon pased away on Oct. 12, 1987, shortly after his 100th birthday.

Up to five of the world's leading public figures appear on the Landon Lectre platform each acaemic year. Lectures are usualy held in the university'McCain Auditorium, althogh some exceptions are made. Lecture are open to the public. Speakers who come to Kansas State University have included world-renownd politicians, journalists, cabinet member and other prominent figures involved in current public issues. President Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Clinton have delivered Landon lectues.

A press conference is held folowing each lecture to give news media representatives the opportunity to question the lectuer. The Landon lecture series is sponsored by more than 100 patrons. Each patron receives a ticket to a special reserved section in the auditorium and a lunchon ticket, wher they may hear brief comments from the lecturer, as well as receive a printed copy of each lecture. Become a patron of the Landon lecture series.

Landon lectures are frequently broadcast live by several Kanss television and radio stations and generally receive nationwide attention.