Media Advisory and Invitation to Cover Event
WHO?
Approximately 20 experts in the fields of law, environmental policy, sustainability, critical race theory, transgender rights, social inequality and eugenics. Former Gov. State Senator and Attorney Gen. Jeremiah “Jay” W. Nixon is among the noted speakers. For a complete list of lecturers and topics, please visit Westminster’s website.
WHAT?
The 20th Annual Hancock Symposium ― themed “Justice: For All?” ― will offer a spectrum of perspectives to spark the necessary conversations for expanding our understanding of the rule of law and its importance to our future freedoms.
The 60th John Findley Green Foundation Lecture will conclude the Symposium and explore the topic “Justice Renewed: Rebuilding Trust in Our Leaders and Ourselves.” Nixon’s lecture follows in the footsteps of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and many more.
- Interviews: Nixon will be available for one-on-one interviews following the lecture. Please check in with Sarah Rummel Backer, Director of Media Relations, at the Media Check-In Table if you would like to arrange an interview.
- Reception: A reception that is open to the audience will immediately follow the lecture (location to be determined).
WHEN?
Hancock Symposium
Sept. 16: 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Sept. 17: 9 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
John Findley Green Foundation Lecture
Sept. 17: 2 p.m.
WHERE?
Hancock Symposium: Locations throughout Westminster’s campus. Access the complete schedule on Westminster’s website.
John Findley Green Foundation Lecture: Champ Auditorium on the campus of Westminster College, 501 Westminster Ave.
- Backpacks and other large bags will not be permitted in lecture spaces. Camera equipment/bags will be checked at the door.
- For the Green Lecture, the media can pick up press badges at the Media Check-In Table after arrival.
WHY?
The Hancock Symposium is a two-day event composed of engaging lectures, panel discussions and presentations by noted experts on one particular subject of global interest, sprarking curiousity and discussion among students, faculty, staff, and many more.
Founded in 1936, the John Findley Green Foundation Lecture was established as a memorial to John Findley Green, an attorney in St. Louis who graduated from Westminster in 1884. This endowed fund makes it possible to present lectures designed to promote understanding of economic and social problems of international concern.
ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College is ranked prestigiously by The Princeton Review as one of 151 “Best Colleges in the Midwest” for 2026 and is one of only 37 full-participation institutions nationwide with the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition as recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. New graduates experience a more than 90% placement rate within six months of graduation, while Westminster alumni are in the top 16% nationwide for graduate earnings. The only National Liberal Arts college in Missouri, Westminster has long been recognized for its focus on educating and inspiring students to make an impact on the world around them. Find out more about Westminster College by visiting our website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Sarah Backer at 573-220-9038 or Sarah.Backer@WCMO.edu.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
