Todd Lecture Series welcomes Gen John Kelly, USMC (Ret.)

Norwich University will welcome General John F. Kelly, USMC (Ret.), as the featured speaker of the Todd Lecture Series Thursday, Feb. 12, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Mack Hall, continuing the University’s long-standing commitment to hosting nationally recognized leaders whose experiences and perspective enrich public discourse and student learning.

Through the Todd Lecture Series, Norwich University continues to uphold its mission of educating leaders who “act as well as think,” providing students and the broader community opportunities to engage directly with individuals whose careers reflect service, responsibility, and national leadership. Hosting speakers of Gen Kelly’s stature underscores Norwich’s enduring role as a place where leadership, public service, and civic responsibility are examined through lived experience.

Gen Kelly is a retired four-star U.S. Marine Corps general who continued his service to the nation as the Secretary of Homeland Security and then White House Chief of Staff. Since leaving government service in 2019, he has remained active as an advisor, senior mentor, and educator, working with institutions including the Department of Defense, Marine Corps War College, National Defense University, and federal law enforcement organizations.

Born and raised in Boston, Gen Kelly enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970 and served as an infantryman before being commissioned following his college graduation. His distinguished military career included extensive command, operational, and strategic leadership roles across the globe, including combat service in Iraq along with senior joint and NATO assignments.

Named in honor of Major General W. Russell Todd ’50, USA (Ret.), President Emeritus of Norwich University, and his late wife Carol, the Todd Lecture series recognizes their decades of service to the University and Northfield community. The series reflects Norwich’s belief that leadership development is strengthened through exposure to accomplished practitioners across the leadership spectrum including public service, national security, and global affairs.

The Todd Lecture Series is made possible through a generous gift from Ellen and John Drew, the Todds’ daughter and son-in-law, and the Drew Foundation. Designed to serve not only the Norwich University community but also residents of Central Vermont and beyond, the series reinforces Norwich’s role as a forum for thoughtful, informed discussion on issues of national and international importance.