Author Michael Shelden Challenges Students With Churchill’s Example
On April 16, Michael Shelden, author of best-selling Young Titan: The Making of Winston Churchill, lectured on Churchill to more than 100 honors students at Purdue University. Former Indiana Governor and current Purdue University President Mitch Daniels hosted the event at Westwood, the presidential residence.ย
Shelden’s speech focused on significant events in Churchill’s early life. He challenged the audience to identify with the young Churchill and encouraged them to begin preparing themselves for the purpose of their lives. “Whatever that may be and whenever it may come,” Shelden said.
“It was refreshing to hear such an eloquent history of a figure who led by example, who inspired people at dark hours and who left a legacy that can still be pointed to for its courageousness,” President Daniels said. “The bar has been set for speakers to come.”
Churchill Centre Executive Director Lee Pollock introduced the Indiana State University. The two also hosted a luncheon for Department of History professors and students earlier in the day. The visit is part of an Honors College effort to bring national experts on a myriad of topics to educate Purdue students.
“It was a wonderful experience to interact with such knowledgeable and interested students” Pollock said. “Prof. Shelden was at his best and this was a highlight of the Centre’s educational efforts this year.”
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