Admissions at Hutchinson Community College

Dillon Lecture Series

Lectures
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Since 1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and notable speakers that many in Hutchinson, Kansas and surrounding communities might not have the opportunity to experience.  From poets, politicians and space scientists to American heroes, each is chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - “learning is the key to enlightenment”,  to educate and inspire audiences across a wide age span.

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $10. Students and school groups are admitted free of charge with a school ID. Tickets are available online (www.hutchcc.edu/dls) or at the Arena on the day of the lecture.  (Please note: Online tickets will not be available for purchase within 7 days of lecture)

All lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30 a.m. and last one hour.

Céline Cousteau - Feb. 8, 2022

Through the power of storytelling Céline Cousteau uses her amazing voyages around the world to offer a thoughtful perspective on the connection of the environment, indigenous peoples, & populations around the world and how this knowledge is vital to the future of each of us on the planet. From the isolated corners of the planet, to bustling cities and everywhere in-between, Céline shares the stories of the places and people she’s met on her vast explorations in hopes of fostering cross-cultural communication and in the effort to connect our collective experience as one human tribe. With deep compassion and an authentic voice, Céline’s perspective transcends the barriers of time and space and unifies the many people of our planet to address the most pressing issues we face today. And always with the message of hope through action.

Tickets

Nick Hague NASA Astronaut in 2013

Nick Hague - April 5, 2022

Tyler N. “Nick” Hague was selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2013. The Kansas native earned a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1998, and a Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2000. In 2009, Hague was selected for the Air Force Fellows program in Washington, D.C., and was a staff member in the United States Senate. Hague most recently served as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 59 and 60.

Tickets

Dillon Lecture Series Patrons

The Dillon Lecture Series is funded by patron membership and community corporate sponsorship. Hutchinson Community College serves as the coordinating entity for the series. The Dillon Lecture Series Committee selects three to four speakers each year. Individual patron membership is $135.00 per year. JOIN HERE

PATRON ONLY BENEFITS

*Reserved Seating at all lectures
Enjoy the ability to obtain a premier seat for each lecture.  Patron seats are the best in the house. They provide close up views and superior sound, allowing you to enjoy every minute of the presentation.

*Private catered lunch
Immediately following every lecture, a private catered lunch is offered to patrons only. This lunch is served in close proximity to the lecture, allowing patrons to enjoy fellowship and delicious food without traveling.

*Privileged entertainment
During the private luncheon for patrons, the visiting guest will provide supplementary presentations. Previous speakers have given additional lectures, initiated question and answer opportunities, and facilitated open discussions.

*Personalized Interaction
Book signings, meet & greet, autograph and photograph opportunities are often available at the luncheon by the visiting lecturer. Take advantage of this membership benefit and enjoy interacting with the guest speakers.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

A variety of membership options are available. Please contact the coordinator to find out more information about the current choices for membership.

Call us for more information at 620-665-3505 or visit www.hutchcc.edu/dls

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Seasonal Patron Membership Gift Certificates are available year round. They make a wonderful present for any age!


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Ray and Stella Dillon

Ray & Stella Dillon

At the beginning of the century, J.S. Dillon, opened a general store in Sterling and in 1913 started a "cash and carry" grocery operation at 813 Main in Hutchinson. Although Dillons has become one of the giant corporations of the retailing industry, success did not happen overnight. There was no magic involved in the organization's growth. "It was a slow, steady pull," J.S. Dillon's son, Ray, recalled of the early years. "We just kept grinding away."

Ray & Stella Dillon

In 1981, Barbara Peirce, a part-time teacher of Kansas history at Hutchinson Community College, and her friend Jeanette Mull wanted to bring an event to the HutchCC Campus to be patterned after the Landon Lecture Series at Kansas State University.

With their idea in mind the two went to Ed Berger, then Dean of Continuing Education, who liked the idea of such a forum on campus. So Peirce and Mull proceeded to set up the program. They wanted to name the series in honor of Ray and Stella Dillon, long-time Hutchinson residents who were supporters of the community, in recognition of their contribution and their contributions and their interest in young people.

With the initial financial support of the Ray and Stella Dillon Foundation, and additional funding from friends who became the first patrons, the two were able to present the plan to the HutchCC Board of Trustees in November of 1981. Thus, the Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series was born, with a motto from the teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tze, that learning is the key to enlightenment.

The first Dillon Lecturer was former Iranian hostage Richard Morefield, who addressed a crowd of more than 2,000 people in the Hutchinson Sports Arena on March 29, 1982.

In the review of the lecture, the Hutchinson News said:
"The triumph is now part of the perfect inaugural in Hutchinson, in which the virtues of people helping people can be continually highlighted and stimulated. The Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series opens as a smashing success."

The first lecture ticket cost only three dollars, and the college was so overwhelmed with response from the public, that the lectures have remained open to the public since that time.

To date more than 150 speakers from all walks of life have addressed audiences at HutchCC.

Contact Information
ROBIN WOODWORTH
woodworthr@hutchcc.edu
620-665-3505
1-888-GO-HUTCH