Fall 2025 Lifelong Learning Special Gathering: “Pillars of the American Century”

Friday, September 26, 2025 12:00 PM-1:30 PM

Longview Mansion

Join Lipscomb alumnus Larry Bumgardner (’77) on Friday, Sept. 26  at Longview Mansion for “Pillars of the American Century: FDR, Reagan and the World They Shaped” presented by the Lifelong Learning program.

 

Bumgardner is the retired executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Center for Public Affairs at the Reagan Presidential Library.

 

Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan are considered by many historians to be the two most consequential and successful presidents of the 20th century. Most casual observers today think of them as polar opposites in their views on government and politics. But in fact, there are striking and surprising similarities between FDR and Reagan.

Both Roosevelt and Reagan were known as optimistic leaders who restored the nation's confidence in difficult times. They rallied the country to success in the century's two greatest conflicts, World War II and the Cold War. They built a deep connection with the American people as the Great Communicators—FDR on radio, Reagan on television.

With the 1900s widely recognized as the American Century, Roosevelt and Reagan might be considered the pillars standing tall near each end of that century. With the backdrop of today's often polarized political environment, in this special program Bumgardner examines the policies, politics and personalities of these two political icons as well as lessons to be learned by those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

Cost is $45 per person and includes lunch. Registration is required by Sept. 23. Free parking is available on site.

REGISTER

QUESTIONS? Contact amy.hamar [at] lipscomb.edu (Amy Hamar) for more information about this fall’s Lifelong Learning program.