The Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture

"I am hopeful that this challenge may alleviate this sense of political helplessness and restore to many people a belief in the processes of American politics and of American government."
-Eugene J. McCarthy

The annual public lectureship carries McCarthy's deep commitment to the ideals and principles of democratic self-government. It seeks to inspire a new generation of young people to pursue fresh ideas, challenge the status quo, effect positive change in their communities, and, like McCarthy himself, lead with honesty, integrity, and courage.

Gen. Paul Nakasone, a 1986 Saint John’s University graduate, presented the 2022 Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, located on the Saint John’s University campus. The four-star general and White Bear Lake, Minnesota native is currently serving as Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service.

Nakasone graduated from SJU with a degree in economics and received his commission in the Army through the ROTC program.
Nakasone has held command and staff positions across all levels of the Army with assignments in the United States, the Republic of Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Prior to assuming his present duties, Nakasone served as Chief of U.S. Army Cyber Command from October 2016 thru April 2018. Nakasone served twice as a staff officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star, among other awards and decorations.

Nakasone presented the approach taken by U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA in overcoming the evolving cyber challenges posed by the 2022 midterm elections and more broadly.