Edward S. and A. Rita Schmidt Lecture in Ethics

The Edward S. and A. Rita Schmidt Lectureship in Ethics, generously funded by Edward R. Schmidt ’69, brings distinguished scholars and leaders to address contemporary ethical issues, fostering meaningful discussions among students, faculty and the community.

AI and Democracy

Tamar Gendler

Oct. 21, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

Stretansky Concert Hall

 

Tamar Gendler is the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Vincent J. Scully Professor of Philosophy, and Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Yale University. A field-shaping scholar, Gendler brings together in her academic research the techniques of traditional Anglo-American philosophy with empirical work from neuroscience, psychology and other social sciences. Both in the classroom and on stage, she is renowned for her ability to connect ancient philosophical texts to any modern issue in a way that is both precise and engaging. Her topic for the lecture will be the challenges presented to democratic societies by the rise of artificial intelligence.

About Edward R. Schmidt, J.D., ’69

This lectureship has been made possible through the generous gifts of Edward R. Schmidt ’69. In forming The Edward S. and A. Rita Schmidt Lectureship in Ethics at Susquehanna University, Mr. Schmidt has emphasized his desire to impart to students an understanding and appreciation for the value and role of ethics in professional and personal endeavors. It is his vision that this lectureship will encourage and promote dialogue on ethical thinking in all areas of academic preparation and contribute to successful personal lives and professional careers upon graduation. Mr. Schmidt has named the lectureship in honor of his late parents, Edward S. and A. Rita Schmidt, formerly of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, recognizing that the first teachers of ethics and moral behavior are parents. Mr. Schmidt’s father, Edward S. Schmidt, was Vice President & Corporate Secretary of Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company. Following his retirement, Edward S. Schmidt served as a founder and the first Administrator of the Pennsylvania Land Title Institute, a nonprofit educational entity providing continuing education to the land title industry throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Edward R. Schmidt, SU Emeritus Board member, received his B.S. in Economics from Susquehanna University and graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1972. Mr. Schmidt is a retired partner of the Indianapolis based law firm, Krieg DeVault, LLP, where he chaired the Tax-Exempt and Nonprofit Organizations practice group and served as a member of the firm’s executive committee. Mr. Schmidt served as Executive Vice President, General CounselSecretary and was a member of the Board of Directors of USA Group, Inc., the largest guarantor of student loans in the United States. Mr. Schmidt remains active and interested in Susquehanna University where he served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2004–2021. He served as a Vice Chair of the Board and its Governance Committee, and as Chair of its Compensation Committee. He and his wife, Donna, are the parents of three adult sons, Jeffrey D. Schmidt, Esq., Todd E. Schmidt, M.D., and Michael J. Schmidt, Esq.

Mr. Schmidt is a member of the Board of Trustees of Strada Education Network, where he served as Chairman from 2017–2020 and Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center, Inc. He also currently serves as the Chairman of Healthcare Initiatives, Inc., an Indianapolis based charitable foundation and as a member of the Law School Advisory Council at the University of Notre Dame. He was a founder and Director of MetroBank, of Indianapolis, and a past Director of Lumina Foundation for Education, Inc.; Crossroads Rehabilitations Centers of Indianapolis; Fairbanks Hospital; and Title Industry Assurance Company. He has served as a member of the Board of Governors of the American Land Title Association. He is a member of several bar associations, including the Indianapolis Bar Association where he has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow.

By funding this lectureship, Mr. Schmidt recognizes and salutes Susquehanna University and its faculty and staff for the profound and formative experience he received while attaining his degree.

Past speakers

• 2023–24: Lamont Wells, Faith in the Academy: Exploring and Reframing the Role of Religion in Higher Education
• 2022–23:  David Brooks, Education and Civic Purpose in a Polarized Society
• 2021–22: Anne Barnhill, The Ethics (and Legitimacy) of Vaccine Requirements
• 2019–20: Allison K. Hoffman, How Economics Fails Health Law and Policy
• 2018–19: John M. Baer, Ethical Challenges to the Fourth Estate
• 2017–18: Donald M. Remy, Sports Ethics: The Risk of Getting It Wrong
• 2016–17: Walt Pavlo Jr., Stolen Without a Gun: Insights Into White-Collar Crime
• 2015–16: David Casarett, The Ethics of Medical Marijuana Use
• 2013–14: Signe S. Gates & Matthew A. Phillips, Moral Courage in Business
• 2011–12: Kenman Wong, Bottom Lines for the Bottom Billions: The Role(s) of Business in Ending Poverty
• 2010–11: John Strangfeld, You’ve Got Choices
• 2009–10: Karen E. Bohlin, Education’s Role in Building Character
• 2008–09: Michele Goodwin, Organ Trafficking
• 2007–08: Deborah Johnson, Ethics.com: Watching and Being Watched in Cyberspace
• 2006–07: Judith Daar, Controversies in Reproductive Medicine: Selecting and Protecting our Children’s Future
• 2005–06: Murray Sperber, The Dark Side of College Sports and College Life: A Look at the Ethical Concerns That Undermine and Challenge Undergraduate Education