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.

17th Annual McCarthy Lecture

The Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture has been rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 11, in the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at Saint John's University with the Hon. Philip Davis KC, MP, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as the featured speaker. The event was originally set for Nov. 20, however a cabinet minister's recent death forced its postponement. The Bahamian Constitution requires a special election for cabinet positions and Davis was required to remain in country.

The lecture, sponsored by the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement, will be free and open to the public. Prime Minister Davis is expected to address the unique relationship between CSB and SJU as well as climate change, economics and other challenges and opportunities related to The Bahamas. He is likely to attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in late November and early December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Since May 2017, Davis has been leader of the Progressive Liberal Party in The Bahamas. In September 2021, he was elected the country’s fifth Prime Minister. He also serves as Minister of Finance. 

Davis is a Member of Parliament for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador. Professionally, he is known both locally and internationally as an acclaimed corporate and human rights lawyer, a highly distinguished legal educator and a passionate sports fan and sponsor. 

The annual McCarthy Lecture carries forward former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Eugene 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, to challenge the status quo, to effect positive change in their communities and, like McCarthy himself, lead with honesty, integrity and courage.