Late Pitt scholar Robert G. Hazo created the American Experience program over 50 years ago
This symposium stood distinctly apart from others because of the attention that Pittsburgh commands as the birthplace of nuclear power and hub of energy industries, and the completely unique posture of the Three Mile Island accident to this day as a case study of nuclear crisis management under the Thornburgh administration.
The series was created through the generosity of Dick and Ginny Thornburgh as 2003 recipients of the $50,000 Henry B. Betts Award.
Established in 2013, the "Discussions on Governance" lecture series brings an array of speakers to the University of Pittsburgh campus to share their expertise in a variety of subject matters.
The series is intended to help both policymakers and interested citizens, whatever their positions or political leanings, to better understand the important governance issues that seem to be arising all too frequently.
The program celebrated his legacy and was titled, “Learning from a Life Well Lived.” Dick Thornburgh's leadership qualities were highlighted – including integrity, discipline, vision, humility, and compassion – through a discussion of topics that he found critical to advancing our democracy.