Doris Kearns Goodwin: A Historic Keynote in a Milestone Year
When Doris Kearns Goodwin agreed to deliver our 50th anniversary keynote, we knew it would be special. What followed exceeded all expectations — and became a defining moment in Road Scholar’s history.
Nearly 24,000 people registered. More than 12,000 attended live — including many members of the Road Scholar staff. It was the largest online lecture in our history, breaking attendance records and setting a new benchmark for engagement.
A Master Historian for Extraordinary Times
In a period marked by global conflict, political division and cultural unrest, Ms. Goodwin's keynote speech, “Leadership in Turbulent Times,” struck a profound chord. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and renowned presidential historian, she offered perspective and wisdom precisely when it was most needed.
“We started planning almost a year ahead — which, in the online lecture world, is a long runway,” said Alison Evans, Senior Director of Program Resources. “We really looked to participants to help us choose a keynote speaker. They were really the driver.”
Leadership Under Pressure
Throughout, Ms. Goodwin reflected on the turning points, failures and defining decisions of four presidents — Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson — as they led through moments of national crisis. Her vivid storytelling brought history to life, but her message was firmly rooted in the present.
“History provides not only lessons, but solace and hope,” she said. “We don’t know how today’s challenges will end — just as those living through the Great Depression or World War II didn’t. But we do know that resilience and character carried us through.”
In tracing these legacies, she illuminated the traits that transcend eras: humility, empathy, vision and persistence. That theme — of strength forged through adversity — resonated deeply with the Road Scholar community.
One participant wrote, “Ms. Goodwin told entertaining stories of four of America’s most influential presidents who served the cause of democracy expertly. She is a master storyteller and a passionate historian — a perfect combination for painting a colorful and accurate picture of past times.”
Another shared, “Her messages made it easy to relate past times with contemporary troubles — and made clear what traits of leadership build unity from division.”
A Milestone Celebration Worthy of 50 Years
This extraordinary keynote lecture was more than a memorable event — it was a perfect reflection of Road Scholar’s 50-year mission to spark curiosity, foster connection and celebrate the lifelong joy of learning.
“For a typical lecture, our Zoom license caps out at 3,000 live attendees,” said Katherine Sharp, Senior Manager of Program Resources. “We upgraded to allow up to 30,000 — and built out a whole infrastructure of support behind the scenes. It was a huge team effort.”
The overwhelming response reaffirmed what we’ve always believed — that curiosity doesn’t retire, and neither does the desire to be part of something meaningful.
As our anniversary celebration continues, Ms. Goodwin’s keynote stands out as a powerful highlight — a gathering of thoughtful, engaged participants joined by a common desire to learn from the past to better understand the present.
Here’s to the ageless excitement of discovery, the joy of friendship, the power of understanding and to the wonder of learning together.
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