McCarthy Center Programs
The 20th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture (2026)
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
10-6-2026
Sponsoring Department(s)
The McCarthy Center
Abstract
This program seeks to inspire a new generation to pursue fresh ideas, challenge the status quo, effect positive change in our communities, and, like McCarthy himself, lead with honesty, integrity, and courage.
The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement welcomes David Brooks—journalist, bestselling author and longtime contributor to The Atlantic—for the 20th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture.
Known for his thoughtful writing on character, community and civic life, Brooks is the author of five books, including The Road to Character and How to Know a Person. In addition to his public lecture, Brooks will spend two days engaging with students, faculty, staff and community members in small-group conversations exploring character, community and the common good.
Read former SJU President Michael Hemesath’s commentary on Brooks’ A Road to Character.
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Lindstrom, Matthew; Brooks, David; and Bruess, Brian, "The 20th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture (2026)" (2026). McCarthy Center Programs. 36.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/mccarthy_center_lectures/36