Dillon Lecture Series: Liz Murray, Inspirational Speaker & Best Selling Author

Since 1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and notable speakers that many in Hutchinson and surrounding communities might not have the opportunity to experience.  From poets, politicians, and space scientists to American heroes, each is chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - ‘learning is the key to enlightenment’ - to educate and inspire audiences across a wide age span.

On October 13, 2026 the Dillon Lecture Series welcomes Liz Murray, Inspirational Speaker and Best Selling Author, at 10:30 am., at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

From homeless to Harvard…it is an unlikely turn of events.  Liz Murray's life is a triumph over adversity and a stunning example of the importance of dreaming big.  Murray was raised in the Bronx by two loving but drug-addicted parents.  She grew up in poverty, often without enough food, chronically absent from school, and most of all, struggling to connect her education to a viable future.

By age 15 Murray's mom had died, and she was homeless, living on the streets, riding the subway all night, and eating from dumpsters.  Amidst this pain, Murray always imagined her life could be much better than it was. ‘I started to grasp the value of the lessons learned while living the streets.  I knew after overcoming those daily obstacles that next to nothing could hold me down.’  Determined to take charge of her life, and with the support of an upstairs neighbor and trusted family friend named Arthur, Murray finished high school in just two years and was awarded a full scholarship to Harvard University, all while camping out in New York City parks and subway stations.  Murray's story is exhilarating and inspirational.  Her delivery is innocently honest, as she takes audiences on a very personal journey where she achieves the improbable.  Today, Murray is a passionate advocate for underserved youth.

Murray graduated from Harvard in 2009 and received her Master's in Psychology of Education at Columbia University.  She is passionate about speaking on the importance of personal motivation, transforming problems into opportunities, and what it takes to make a difference in people's lives.

Purchase tickets HERE.