Acclaimed Author and Social Scientist Delivers Inaugural Brauer Lecture Before Full Audience
Nationally acclaimed social scientist, bestselling author, and Harvard professor Dr. Arthur Brooks delivered Westminster’s inaugural Brauer Lecture at 10 a.m. on April 12, 2022, in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, part of America’s National Churchill Museum. The event ― which drew a full audience from campus as well as the local community ― was livestreamed privately to an alumni audience.
The lecture included a full procession of faculty, Cabinet members, and the platform party, led by the Skulls of Seven.
President and Chief Transformation Officer Donald P. Lofe, Jr., warmly welcomed Brooks and the approximately 200 students, faculty, staff, and guests in attendance, including Stephen, ’67 ΦΔΘ, and Camilla Brauer as well as their sons Stephen Brauer, Jr., and Beau Brauer.
“With the establishment of the Brauer Lectureship, Steve and Kimmy have extended and augmented their tremendous generosity and positive impact here at Westminster College,” Lofe said.
Senior Class President Thomas Booker, ’22 ΦΔΘ, then introduced Brooks, who is the former president of the American Enterprise Institute.
Brooks’ presentation, “The Pursuit of Happiness and True Success,” included advice from meeting the Dalai Lama as well as his recommendations for achieving happiness based on extensive research throughout his career in social science.
The lecture was followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session.
“This was a truly remarkable event that we were so pleased, after two years of COVID-related precautions, to finally be able to host,” Lofe said. “On behalf of Westminster College, I would like to thank the Brauer family for the opportunities this lectureship affords our students.”
Alumni can view the 2022 Brauer Lecture for a limited time via a private YouTube link sent in an email from the College on April 27.
The Brauer Lecture Series was created to explore and encourage dialogue on the American free enterprise system. The series supports student growth and development by hosting leading scholars from across the United States. Sponsored in conjunction with the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, the Brauer Lecture Series seeks to highlight the leadership characteristics of its speakers. Featured lecturers are encouraged to discuss how their values guide their daily lives while also highlighting the importance free-market economics. It is made possible by a generous gift from Stephen F., ’67 ΦΔΘ, and Camilla T. Brauer of St. Louis.
