Hanson Lecture Series

2025 Speaker

Hill Harper, award-winning actor, author and philanthropist

Friday, October 24, 2025. 6:30 p.m.
Hodson Auditorium, Rosenstock Hall

As part of the Black Student Union 51st anniversary celebration, join award-winning actor, best-selling author, entrepreneur and philanthropist Hill Harper for a lively evening of conversation, featuring a keynote speech, Q&A and book signing.

Hill Harper has starred in hit television series and films, including “CSI: NY,” “The Good Doctor,” “He Got Game” and “Lackawanna Blues.” He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers and has received seven NAACP Image Awards for writing and acting. Harper is the founder of the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth. He also served on President Obama's Cancer Panel. Harper holds a master's degree and J.D. from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Law School, respectively.

“Hill Harper is not just telling stories—he’s changing the narrative. Hill Harper’s dedication to youth empowerment, closing the wealth gap, entrepreneurship and social justice make him a force for positive change.”

-Tammi Simpson, J.D., vice president for community and inclusivity

About the Lecture Series

Established by Barbara Esmer Hanson ’45 and Robert D. Hanson through the Foundation For Enhancing Communities to provide annual support for a lecture by a prominent national or international speaker. It is the intent that students from Gettysburg College, Robert’s alma mater, will travel to Hood for the lecture, and students from Hood College, Barbara’s alma mater, will travel to Gettysburg.

Previous Lectures 

• Robert Putnam, 2025
• Brittney Cooper, 2024
• Dr. Jerome Adams, 2023
• Nikki Giovanni, 2022
• Danielle Allen, 2021
• Tara Westover, 2020
• Gina Kolata, 2018