Robert M. Edsel, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author of “The Monuments Men,” helped relaunch the Shepperd Leadership Institute’s Distinguished Lecture Series with resounding success.
Robert Edsel shared the true story of the Monuments Men, the World War II scholar-soldiers who protected and saved tens of thousands of artistic treasures from the destruction of war and theft by the Nazis.
“I cherished the opportunity to share with my fellow Texans the inspiring story of the Monuments Men and Women,” Edsel said. “Their heroism and nobility of purpose represented the very best of our nation.”
An estimated 350 – 400 people attended the Sept. 27 Robert Edsel Distinguished Lecture at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center.
“I know Robert Edsel expanded minds in our community and left just about everyone in the audience inspired,” Shelby Landgraf, Director of Community Engagement at UTPB’s Shepperd Leadership Institute, said. “The line to purchase Robert’s books after his lecture stretched through the lobby, and he stayed to sign autographs until the very last guest exited — his commitment to this cultural cause is second to none.”
Edsel estimates billions of dollars’ worth of prized art remains missing today. Through the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, Edsel and his team continue to search for missing art and cultural objects to return them to their rightful owners.
“It was truly a memorable and educational evening,” said Brenna Edwards, who attended and donated to UTPB to support the event. “I hope our community continues to support the Distinguished Lecture Series by attending the next lecture.”
Mike Massimino, former NASA astronaut, best-selling author and media/TV personality, will be the next speaker. The Mike Massimino Distinguished Lecture is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Wagner Noël.
The Distinguished Lecture Series aims to inspire learning, connection, and leadership across West Texas. It’s a cornerstone program of the Shepperd Leadership Institute at UT Permian Basin.
The Distinguished Lectures are open to the public and free of charge thanks to generous donations from the Shepperd Inner Circle.
