UNCW Update: Dare to Learn Lecture on Oct. 13

As previously shared, UNCW will host former Vice President Mike Pence on campus Oct. 13 as the featured speaker for this year’s Dare to Learn Lecture. The 6:30 p.m. event, open to registered ticket holders, will be held at Kenan Auditorium. The Dare to Learn Lecture series focuses on leadership in many forms.  

Enhanced Security Measures for the Event 
The UNCW Police Department is working closely with the Wilmington Police Department, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department, and the former Vice President’s private security detail. This collaboration, along with added security measures like the use of metal detectors at event entrances and a clear bag/no bag protocol, will support a safe and secure environment for ticket holders and our greater campus community.   

UNCW is committed to freedom of expression and institutional neutrality. The university recognizes that not every speaker will resonate with every member of our campus community. An area for peaceful protests is designated near Kenan Auditorium and will be staffed by law enforcement. UNCW encourages respectful dialogue and civil discourse, consistent with our Seahawk Respect Compact and our mission to support a safe community.  

For questions about campus safety and security, reach out to UNCW Police at 910.962.2222 or police@uncw.edu. In the event of an emergency, call 911.  

Speaker Selection Process 
Dare to Learn Lecture speakers are selected through a collaborative process that includes suggestions from students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university. Recommendations are often shared informally with the Chancellor’s Office or Student Affairs. These offices work together to evaluate potential speakers, assess availability and consider cost. Based on budget and scheduling considerations, the university narrows the list to presenters who best fit the goals of the lecture series. Please send suggestions for future speakers to chancellor@uncw.edu. 

Past Dare to Learn speakers include: 

• Scott Kelly, former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain  
• Donna Brazile and Karl Rove, veteran political strategists  
• Aldona Woś, former U.S. Ambassador to Estonia and UNCW Trustee 
• Kelly S. King, former CEO of Truist Financial Corporation  
• David Congdon, UNCW alumnus and former CEO and current executive chairman of the board for Old Dominion Freight Line  

These speakers, among many others who have participated in public lectures on campus, reflect the university’s desire to provide a forum for a wide range of perspectives and experiences. To learn more about the variety of events taking place each semester at UNCW, visit uncw.edu/events.