FROM THE NEST | SPRING 2024 | 21 Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressed threats to national security and called on youth to engage in public service as Lehigh hosted the second part of its Compelling Perspectives program. During the program on Jan. 30 in Baker Hall at the Zoellner Arts Center, Panetta engaged in an hour-long conversation with President Joseph J. Helble ’82 on topics that included the importance of U.S. alliances in facing adversaries. He underscored the importance of a properly functioning government. When adversaries perceive weakness, he noted, the U.S. is vulnerable. Panetta, who also served as President Clinton’s chief of staff and director of the Central Intelligence Agency, urged students to use their voices and become active leaders in the world and in Washington, citing a need for new, youthful leadership. When an audience member asked what he was hopeful about, Panetta said he believes in American leadership. He noted that the country has “been through a lot” in its history, and always found a way to endure, and believes it will again. “Why? Because the real strength of this country isn’t in Washington … it’s in communities across this country,” Panetta said. “[It is in] Americans who are resilient, who have spirit to really care about this country, and who are willing to fight to make this country what it needs to be. The strength of America is in its people.” Prior to the program, Panetta met with a group of students for a question-and-answer session. Students in attendance were members of various campus groups, majors and courses. The inaugural Compelling Perspectives event in Fall 2023 featured the Rt. Hon. Theresa May, MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2016-2019). The theme for the 2024-2025 academic year will focus on the role of media in contemporary society. Speakers will be announced later. —Kristen DiPrinzio Leon Panetta with students (at top) and Lehigh President Joseph J. Helble ’82 Leon Panetta Takes Part in Compelling Perspectives The former secretary of defense sits down with Lehigh President Joseph J. Helble ’82 for conversation on national security. SPEAKER SERIES “THE STRENGTH OF AMERICA IS IN ITS PEOPLE.” —Leon Panetta CHRISTA NEU Compelling Perspectives WIDENING THE APERTURE ON ISSUES OF SOCIETAL IMPORTANCE NATIONAL SECURITY
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