28th Season of The Witte Lectures
The NBPLF is pleased to announce the 28th season of The Witte Lectures, January – April 2025
The 28th season of the highly acclaimed Witte Lecture series launches in January 2025. Sifting through the massive flow of information and discerning what deserves thoughtful attention is time consuming and difficult. Our roster of nationally known speakers will once again provide a spark for igniting community conversation on the timeliest topics. Be part of the Witte community for live, dynamic, and compelling conversations in our award-winning library. Knowledge is power!
BRET STEPHENS
Here and Now: Where We Are and Where We Are Going in the Post Election
Friday, January 24, 7:00pm
Saturday, January 25, 2:00pm
Bret Stephens is a prominent American journalist and columnist known for his incisive and often provocative commentary on political and social issues. Stephens has built a distinguished career, contributing to several high-profile publications. He began his journey in journalism with The Wall Street Journal, where he eventually served as the deputy editorial page editor and a foreign-affairs columnist. In 2017, Stephens joined The New York Times as an op-ed columnist.
His book “America in Retreat: The New Isolationism and the Coming Global Disorder” was published in November 2014. Stephens has received multiple awards, including three honorary doctorates, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Noted for his sharp intellect and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, Stephens remains a significant voice in contemporary journalism, engaging readers with his thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary.
CHRISTINE BRENNAN
Today is the Greatest Day for Women in Sports – Until Tomorrow. The Story of Title IX and the Empowerment of Women in Sports
Friday, February 21, 7:00pm
Saturday, February 22, 2:00pm
Christine Brennan is an award-winning national sports columnist for USA Today, a commentator for CNN, ABC News, PBS NewsHour and National Public Radio, and a best-selling author. Named one of the country’s top 10 sports columnists multiple times by the Associated Press Sports Editors, she has covered the last 21 Olympic Games, summer and winter.
Title IX has been pivotal in empowering women and leveling the playing field in sports, dramatically increasing opportunities for female athletes at all levels. Through Brennan’s insightful reporting and commentary, she has highlighted the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the inspiring stories of women athletics who have benefited from Title IX. Her contributions continue to inspire and advocate for equality and inclusion in sports.
JULIETTE KAYYEM
National Security, Climate Migration & Pandemics: Managing Risks in a Borderless World
Friday, March 28, 7:00pm
Saturday, March 29, 2:00pm
In academia, private sector, government and media, Professor Juliette Kayyem is an international leader in crisis management and homeland security. Professor Kayyem serves as the faculty chair of the Homeland Security and Security and Global Health Projects at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Previously, she served as President Obama’s Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and as Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s Homeland Security Advisor.
Kayyem is a CNN Senior National Security Analyst, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and contributing writer for The Atlantic and Boston’s local NPR station, and the author or editor of six books, including her most recent “The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters.”
M. CHRIS FABRICANT
Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System
Friday, April 18, 7:00pm
Saturday, April 19, 2:00pm
From CSI to Forensic Files to the celebrated reputation of the FBI crime lab, forensic scientists have long been mythologized in American popular culture as infallible crime solvers. Juries put their faith in “expert witnesses” and innocent people have been executed as a result. Innocent people are still on death row today, condemned by junk science.
Chris Fabricant is a renowned attorney and a fierce advocate for criminal justice reform. In his compelling book, “Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System,” Fabricant delves into the pervasive issue of flawed forensic science that has led to wrongful convictions across the United States. By weaving together real-life case studies and meticulous research, he exposes the alarming impact of pseudo-scientific evidence on innocent lives. Fabricant’s work not only underscores the urgent need for systemic change but also offers a poignant call to action for ensuring justice and accuracy in the legal process.
LECTURE DETAILS/ TICKETS
Held in Friends Room at Central Library, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Limited Seating
The upcoming construction of Witte Hall will temporarily disrupt parking in the main lot of the Central Library with limited spaces available. There is additional parking located in the Civic Center parking structure.
Friday, 7:00pm – 9:00pm || Doors open at 6:30pm
Lecture, Book Sale & Signing, Light Supper with Wine
Foundation Member Witte Season Pass $225*
Individual Ticket: General $65
(Discount on Individual ticket for members that are Book Collector $250 level and above – Ticket price: $60)
Saturday, 2:00pm – 4:00pm || Doors open at 1:30pm
Lecture, Book Sale & Signing, Refreshments
Foundation Member Witte Season Pass $145*
Individual Ticket: General $45
(Discount on Individual ticket for members that are Book Collector $250 level and above – Ticket price: $40)
REGISTRATION / BOOK PURCHASE
Individual Ticket on sale October 1, 2024 || Box office closes at 2pm on the day of the event
Opportunity to buy a signed copy of the speakers’ publications at the event
QUESTIONS
Contact programs@nbplf.foundation or 949-717-3892.
www.nbplf.foundation
VIDEO ARCHIVE FOR PAST PROGRAMS
2024 Sponsors
The Foundation would like to express our deepest gratitude to the funding Sponsors and Partners for the steadfast support and generosity of the Witte Lectures 2024 season.
Titanium
The Witte Family
Silver
John Rallis and Mary Lynn Bergman-Rallis
Barbara Roberts
Pacific Life Foundation
Bronze
Karen and Bruce Clark
William Gillespie Foundation
Don and Pam Gilmour
Morning Bliss Granola
Bill and Carolyn Klein
Drs. James B. Pick and Rosalyn M. Laudati
Barbara and Greg MacGillivray
Dave and Diane Steffy
Jill Johnson-Tucker and Larry Tucker
Iron
Tom and Elizabeth Edwards
Chris and Malin Fletcher
Whitney Gomez
Kelly and Randy Heyler
Marilyn and Francis Krahe
Janet and Walkie Ray
Rachel and Justin Reinus
Latika Sethi
Ellen Shockro
Tom and Marilyn Sutton
Steve and Cyd Swerdlow
Sharon and Greg Wohl
Miles Yourman
Steel
Kelly and Bill Campbell
Eleanor Jaffy
Signe Keller
Nancy Kidder
Russell Hafer Family Trust
Clarence and Janice Turner
Partners
All About You Event Planning
City of Newport Beach
Ed Olen Photography
Firebrand Media LLC
Hi-Time Cellars
Lido Village Books
Naya Johnson Catering
Newport Beach Public Library
Sterling OC
2024 Witte Committee
Karen H. Clark
Lisa Edwards
Whitney Gomez
John Gunnin
Janet S. Hadley, Chair
Diane Hafer
Signe Keller
Marilyn Krahe
Dorothy Larson (Library Trustee Liaison)
Rachel Hass Reinus
Latika Sethi
Ellen Shockro
Jene Witte
Lizanne Witte
Miles Yourman