Through the Blavatt Lecture, Gettysburg College engages leading voices to examine foundational democratic ideals in a modern context, with David M. Rubenstein’s lecture reinforcing the College’s commitment to informed citizenship and civil discourse.
David M. Rubenstein, renowned investor, philanthropist, historian and civic leader, will serve as the featured speaker for the 24th annual Blavatt Lecture, hosted by the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in Masters Hall’s Mara Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
Rubenstein’s lecture, “The Declaration of Independence at 250: Its Origins and Importance,” will examine the historical foundations and enduring relevance of the nation’s founding document as the United States approaches its semiquincentennial this year.
Rubenstein is the co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest private investment firms, managing $474 billion from 27 offices worldwide. A Baltimore native, he is also the chairman, CEO and principal owner of Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles.
A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Rubenstein is widely recognized for his leadership in patriotic philanthropy, making transformative gifts to preserve some of the nation’s most significant historic and cultural landmarks. These include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the National Archives, the Smithsonian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, among many others.
Rubenstein serves as chairman of the boards of the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Gallery of Art, the Economic Club of Washington and the University of Chicago, and holds numerous additional trustee and director roles. Previously, he was the longtime chairman of the Kennedy Center, serving in that role from 2010 to 2025. An original signer of The Giving Pledge, he is also the host of several public affairs programs and the author of multiple bestselling books exploring American history, leadership and public service.
“Having David Rubenstein in conversation with our students and campus community is a great privilege and a meaningful way to kick off our celebration of America’s 250th anniversary,” said Executive Director of the Eisenhower Institute Tracie Potts. “His writing and efforts to preserve our nation’s history demonstrate a deep love for the foundations that underpin democracy. With so many accomplishments in business, the arts, law, media, government and philanthropy, it will be hard to find one person on campus who’s not inspired by his story and his message.”
The Blavatt Lecture series showcases individuals whose professional experiences provide a firsthand perspective of the American political system, while emphasizing the importance of public service based upon truth, justice and civil discourse. Past speakers have included influential members of Congress, well-known writers, accomplished authors, talented educators, noted researchers and leading political scientists.
The Eisenhower Institute connects aspiring young leaders with public policy experts to discover their passion and tackle society’s most challenging issues. We are nonpartisan, inspired by President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s approach of engaging diverse people and ideas to find common ground and take action. The Institute prepares young people for a lifetime of public, private and nonprofit service.
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By Corey Jewart
Photos courtesy Aly Wein ’24 and David M. Rubenstein
Posted: 01/23/26