Late Pitt scholar Robert G. Hazo created the American Experience program over 50 years ago to offer Pittsburgh’s mid-to-high-level managers the opportunity to gain insight into political and economic thought with the intent of enlightening the public’s political discourse. The program’s current director is Mark Nordenberg, Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Pittsburgh, Director of the Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law and Public Policy, and Chair of the Institute of Politics. The series is co-sponsored by the David C. Frederick Honors College and focuses on political and economic issues. Some of the earliest distinguished speakers in the program were George H.W. Bush, Elliot Richardson, Dean Rusk, William F. Buckley, Jr., and Milton Friedman. More recent American Experience speakers have included Robert Putnam, Cokie Roberts, Christine Whitman, Tom Ridge, Ed Rendell, and Robert Zoellick.
UPCOMING PROGRAM:
September 17, 2026 - The Iran War and the Most Dangerous Elections of our Lifetime.