The Kerschner Family Series Global Leaders
The Series
The Kerschner Family Series Global Leaders at Colgate, launched in 2007 and sponsored by Colgate's Parents' and Grandparents' Fund, has bought to campus notable individuals whose work has had a global impact. Encounters with these world leaders help students themselves to prepare for lives of leadership — to contribute to the advance of local community and global society alike.
Support the Series
Support this remarkable initiative, and ensure that Colgate students continue to engage with pivotal figures from the world stage. Make your gift today, and indicate Other – Global Leaders Series on your giving form.
Past Leaders
Since its inception in 2007, the series has brought the following world leaders to the Colgate University campus for lectures, conversations, and performances.
Leon Panetta
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and co-founder of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy
April 5, 2019


Joe Biden
Former vice president of the United States
March 24, 2017


Shimon Peres
Former president and prime minister of Israel
October 25, 2014

Hillary Clinton
Former secretary of state
October 25, 2013



Bill Clinton
Former president of the United States
October 29, 2010

Garry Kasparov
Chess champion and political activist
April 9, 2010

Tony Blair
Former prime minister of the United Kingdom
October 31, 2009

Colin Powell
Retired general and former secretary of state
April 3, 2009


Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt
Authors of Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
April 13, 2007
