For nearly two decades, Westminster’s Hancock Symposium has provided campus with two engaging days of lectures, panel discussions, and presentations by noted experts on one particular subject of global interest. The dynamic sessions challenge individuals with innovative ideas. This year, the Symposium will end with the prestigious John Findley Green Foundation Lecture. Founded in 1936, the Green Lecture regularly brings to the College world leaders such as Winston Churchill, Bob Geldof, Bennet Omalu, Bernie Sanders, Madeleine Albright, among many more.
Westminster Students: You have priority access! Registration is encouraged, but you may also attend by showing up directly. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Among the most foundational maxims of democracy is adherence to the rule of law. Over the past decade, we have witnessed a global backslide when it comes to this principle of fair and impartial application of legal standards. In part due to a lack of civics education, the recent decline in international and domestic adherence to the rule of law has had clear impacts on many rights, including speech, religion, voting, and equality. As technologies such as artificial intelligence emerge that further imperil privacy, trial processes, and other fundamental legal protections, the continued erosion of the rule of law could lead to the breakdown of democratic norms, both in the United States and around the world.
Questions of rule of law ― and the justice it can help secure ― are complex, multifaceted, and important issues that impact every academic and professional discipline. The 2025 Hancock Symposium will offer a spectrum of perspectives in order to spark the inclusive conversations necessary to expand our understanding of the rule of law and its importance to our future freedoms.
Former Missouri Governor, State Senator, and Attorney General
Jeremiah “Jay” W. Nixon is a former state senator, four-term attorney general, and two-term governor who received national recognition as a strong fiscal manager, bringing people together and leading the state through difficult economic times and devastating natural disasters. He balanced Missouri's budget every year without raising taxes and made smart and historic investments in education, health care, and economic development. He also was praised for his appointment of more than 150 centrist bipartisan judges.
Internationally, Nixon led 14 foreign trade missions to countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Central America, and South America. Nationally, Nixon is recognized as an appellate advocate, having personally argued two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the landmark Nixon v. Shrink Missouri Government PAC, which reinstated Missouri's campaign contribution limits. He was also three times awarded U.S. Supreme Court Best Brief by the National Association of Attorneys General.
Today, Nixon continues his appellate advocacy in private practice with Dowd Bennett in St. Louis, where he is active in pro bono work. He is an avid outdoorsman who received the 2015 Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award for his commitment to conservation and the outdoor economy. Nixon is also a dedicated supporter of strengthening access to mental health services.
The following speakers are celebrated experts in their particular fields of study. Each individual’s presentation is designed to broaden horizons and engage the campus community in open discourse, sparking deeper discussions and allowing connections to be made between ideas and disciplines.
Dr. Troy D. Abel
Laura Burg
Dr. Paisley Currah
Dr. Virginia Eubanks
Dr. B.J. Fletcher '08
Sydney Franklin '18
Allison Frisella Rois '20
Scout Gibson
Kelly Hill
Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings
Dr. Mannie Liscum
Rodney Lyles '13
Honorable Lise Pearlman (ret.).
Sean O’Brien
Honorable Judge Mark D. Pfeiffer '89
Hassaan Sipra '10
Nanette Ward
Dr. Evonnia Woods
Jingjing Yu '10
Here's a sneak peek at some of the topics! To explore them all, check out the full schedule.
Missouri Courts: Protecting Liberty and Justice for All
Sex as an Output of Governing
The Ugly Melding of Science, Prejudice, and Law That is the Legacy of Eugenics
Democracy and Bodily Autonomy
What’s So Important Ï㽶ÊÓƵ a Jury of One’s Peers
Justice as Fairness: AI, Ethics, and the Rule of Law in a New Frontier for Democracy
The 2025 Hancock Symposium and John Findley Green Foundation Lecture will be here before you know it. Be sure to register for the Green Lecture and the reception to follow.
Explore the College’s rich history and stay connected with Westminster events by visiting our website and comprehensive calendar.
John Findley Green Foundation Lecture speakers have included Winston Churchill, Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher, Madeleine Albright, Bernie Sanders, and many more!
Visit Westminster’s website for a complete list of Green Lecturers, from 1936 to today.
View Speaker ArchiveStay up to date with the latest at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, including Symposium updates and features.
