HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Dillon Lecture Series (DLS) will conclude its 2026 season by welcoming inspirational speaker and bestselling author Liz Murray on Tuesday, October 13, at 10:30 a.m. in the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Known for her remarkable journey from homelessness to earning a scholarship to Harvard University, Murray has inspired audiences around the world with her message of resilience, determination and the power of education.
Raised in the Bronx by loving but drug-addicted parents, Murray grew up in poverty, often without enough food and frequently absent from school. Following the death of her mother when she was just 15 years old, she found herself homeless, sleeping on the streets and riding the New York City subway through the night. Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her future, Murray made the decision to reclaim her life through education.
She completed four years of high school coursework in just two years while experiencing homelessness and earned a full scholarship to Harvard University. Murray graduated from Harvard in 2009 before earning a master’s degree in psychology of education from Columbia University. Today, she is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, bestselling author of Breaking Night, and a passionate advocate for underserved youth.
During her presentation, Murray will share the lessons she learned while overcoming extraordinary adversity, encouraging audience members to recognize their own potential, embrace challenges, and transform obstacles into opportunities.
The lecture is open to the public. General admission tickets are $10, while students and school groups are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on the day of the lecture.
The Dillon Lecture Series is celebrating its 45th season of bringing distinguished speakers to Hutchinson. Since 1982, the series has welcomed nationally and internationally recognized leaders, authors, educators, journalists, scientists and public figures to educate and inspire audiences of all ages.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Dillon Lecture Series website or contact Becky Rogers at [email protected] or by phone at 620-665-3505.
