The following are those who have spoken at the Senior Last Lecture. The text of their speeches can be accessed and enjoyed. The symmetry of the messages are powerful indicators of how consistent Miami has been in fostering the leadership capacity in its graduates.

The first Last Lecture was held in April of 1997. The '97 address was provided by Miami's own Dr. Phillip Shriver, President Emeritus, who was completing at the time his 51st year of teaching. The title of his remarks was "Leadership with Values."

The Second Annual Last Lecture for the senior class was held in April of 1998 at the Hub. The featured speaker was Ms. Diane Perlmutter. Ms. Perlmutter is the Managing Director, Human Resources World-wide, of Burson-Marsteller, the largest perception management firm in the world. Dr. Shriver complemented Ms. Perlmutter's remarks with his reflections on Miami and its history. Ms. Perlmutter's last lecture notes were not available for posting. In place of the Last Lecture transcript, click here for her 2002 remarks delivered at the Annual Perlmutter Leadership Conference

The Third Annual Last Lecture speaker was Dr. Larry Young, professor at Pennsylvania State University and former student and staff member of Miami. Dr. Shriver complemented Dr. Young's remarks with his reflections on the history of Miami and the place each graduate holds in the emerging history of the institution. For a copy of Dr. Young's remarks, click here.

The Fourth Annual Last Lecture brought Mr. Ira Berkow back home to Miami from New York City, New York. Mr. Berkow is a sports columnist and senior writer for the New York Times. His awards include being a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary and New York Magazine's "The Best Sportswriter in New York" award. Mr. Berkow is the author of numerous books and articles. For a copy of Mr. Berkow's remarks, click here.

The Fifth Annual Last Lecture resulted in Ms. Lynda McDermott, founder and CEO of EquiPro International, sharing her insights on how to "have it all" in life. Her model as a professional committed to productivity, family, and service demonstrate the need for balance in our lives. For a full copy of Ms. McDermott's remarks, click here.

The sixth Annual Last Lecture was given by Mr. Mitch Engel. Mr. Engel's daughter sat in the audience as a graduating senior as her father reflected on the lessons of life he'd gained from his Miami experience. Click here to review his remarks.

The seventh Annual Last Lecture was provided by Mr. Joseph Tyler. Joe shared his thoughts about transitions in life and the importance of knowing what you want your life to reflect. Click here to read about his reflections.

The eigth Annual Last Lecture, "Leadership and Values: First and Lasting Impressions," was delivered by Robert Goldwater (Miami '74), President and Executive Director of the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission. For a copy of Mr. Goldwater's remarks, click here. In addition to the Senior Last Lecturer, a process was estalished to select an annual student speaker as well. The first speaker to be selected this way was Jenny Iovino and you are sure to enjoy Jenny's reflections on her Miami experience.

The ninth Annual Last Lecture was delivered by David Budig (Miami '84), who serves as Vice President of Operations for the Budco Group, a family holding company founded in 1949 by his grandfather, Otto Budig, Sr. Budco has interests in convention decorating, contract carriage, piggyback ramping services, equipment leasing, realty and lift equipment rebuilding. Click here to read Mr. Budig's Last Lecture reflections. Kate Porick's reflections captured the influence of Miami for graduating seniors.

The tenth Annual Last Lecturer was Miami's own Coach Charlie Coles ('61), who has distinguished himself as a great coach and person of integrity. His Last Lecture recounted the moments of awakening he experienced when he faced health problems that might have held him back from the think he loved most - coach. Patrick Alexander's student reflections brought classmates to their feet in thundress applause. The combination of Coach Coles and Patrick brought the first decade of Last Lectures to a wonderful close.

The eleventh Senior Last lecturer was Bill Sammon (Miami '82), White House correspondent and author. Mr. Sammon's remarks addressed the importance of finding work that fulfills and calls the best from us. Two students contributed as graduating senior speakers. TJ Bittel's and Tahia Harley's comments complemented and deepened Mr. Sammon's points.