Retired four-star U.S. Army General and American statesman Colin L. Powell will be the featured speaker at the University of South Carolina Upstate’s seventh annual Dr. John B. Edmunds, Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series. The event will be held at 7 p.m. on March 19, in the G.B. Hodge Center.
Powell will speak on the theme of leadership, drawing from his personal experiences as a military leader, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state.
“As USC Upstate continues to grow, our capability to bring in dignitaries like General Powell serves to underscore the impact we’re having on the Upstate region and beyond,” said Chancellor Brendan Kelly.
Powell, a native of New York City, served in the U.S. Army for 35 years. From 1987 through 1989, he was the national security adviser for President Ronald Regan’s administration.
Powell was promoted to four-star general under President George H.W. Bush and made history by becoming the first African American appointed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the highest military position in the Department of Defense.
President George W. Bush appointed Powell Secretary of State in 2000. At the time, it was the highest office in civilian government ever held by an African American. He retired in 2004.
“With his extensive military and political service, General Powell is well-positioned to offer insight and perspective on past political decisions as well as the future challenges that face America and the world,” said Dr. Rob McCormick, interim dean of USC Upstate’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
In addition to his extensive military honors, Powell has garnered prestigious civil awards, including two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the President’s Citizenship Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal. His awards from more than two-dozen countries include a French Legion of Honor and an honorary knighthood bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Tickets for the event are $25. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact University Advancement at 864-503-5234. For general information, please contact Special Events at 864-503-5984.
Tyler Sams reporting.
