RaymondA.LancasterExecutive LeadershipSpeakerSeries

Written By: Mackenzie Phalen

On November 30, 2022, the Second Annual Raymond A. Lancaster Executive Leadership Speaker Series took place. This event is in memory of Raymond Lancaster, an Ohio University graduate who had a successful career in finance. Raymond and his wife Betsy, also an OHIO alum, shared a passion for empowering students and providing them with opportunities for mentoring and leadership success. Following Raymond's passing in 2015, Betsy was committed to making their shared dream a reality to keep his legacy alive. In 2021, the Lancaster Family gave a generous gift to the Walter Center to create the speaker series in honor of Raymond.

This year, Pilar McDermott, Ph.D., retired U.S. Army Colonel, joined us in Athens to share invaluable insights about her three decades in uniform and why she thinks hard conversations are a crucial skill in becoming a leader of character and influence. McDermott's keynote focused on how hard conversations are required to build trust and alignment among peers, create connections of support and accountability, and are best done from a place of respect and inclusion. She said, "Good leaders changed my life. Everything I tell you that is useful I was taught by leaders in my life."

McDermott's genuine confidence impressed all those in attendance, which sparked inspirational notes, takeaways, and future goals.

We are grateful for these experiences as they bring differentiation and valuable lessons from various perspectives and leadership styles. Although we could not meet Raymond Lancaster in person, we hope that we are honoring his legacy. As the endowment gift from the Lancaster family grows, so will its outreach and impact.

"The Lancaster Speaker Series was such an amazing event! Pilar was very inspiring, and I took many pieces of advice from her talk. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend this event, as well as for the Lancaster Family for creating it!"

"Dr. McDermott was able to connect with everyone in the audience through her stories of humility, leadership, courage, and diversity of thought. She said that having hard conversations shows people you value and respect them. Since the event, I've already implemented this wisdom with a student saying, "I am providing this feedback because I care about you, and I care about your personal and professional development."

Shawnee Meek Director, HR Management Certificate