Speaker Series
Thank you for making our comeback a huge success. We are looking forward to seeing you again in 2023.
In addition to philanthropic support, the John T. Vucurevich Foundation has sponsored spectacular speaking events since 1993. The Foundation has hosted numerous national and international speakers who all have a vision for the future, promote understanding and awareness in the world, and who may be an inspiration to the people of Rapid City and the surrounding area.
The Foundation seeks speakers of national and international reputation, who have made significant contributions in their respective fields to come to Rapid City to share their ideas.
Ticket sales cover only a small portion of the cost of these events. The balance is paid for by the John T. Vucurevich Foundation and is a gift to the people of this community.
Past Speakers
2022
Mike Massimino & Garrett Reisman
An Evening With Two Funny Astronauts
2019
Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D.,
Oncologist, cancer researcher and Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer
2018
JB Straubel,
Co-Founder of Tesla
2017
David Cameron,
British Prime Minister – 2010-2016
2016
Itzhak Perlman,
Virtuoso of the Violin
2015
Neil deGrasse Tyson,
Astrophysicist, cosmologist, author and host of Cosmos: A Space-Time Odyssey
2014
David Brooks,
New York Times Columnist and Author
2013
Steve Wozniak,
Co-Founder of Apple, Inc.
2012
Robert Gates,
Former Secretary of Defense
2010
Coach Mike Krzyzewski,
Legendary Duke Basketball Coach
2009
Steve Levitt & Stephen Dubner,
Best-Selling Authors of Freakonomics
2008
Gen. Tommy Franks, USA (Ret.),
Former Commander of U.S. Central Command
2007
Doris Kearns Goodwin,
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Presidential Historian
2006
John Walsh,
Host of America’s Most Wanted
2005
Dr. Sylvia Earle,
Marine Biologist
2004
Dave Barry,
Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist
2003
Benazir Bhutto,
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan
2002
Ehud Barak,
Former Prime Minister of Israel
2001
Dr. Beck Weathers,
Mt. Everest Survivor
2000
Dr. James Watson,
Scientist & Nobel Prize Winner
1999
Carol Burnett,
Comedian
1998
F.W. deKlerk,
Former President of South Africa
Colin Powell,
Former U.S. Secretary of State
1997
Dr. Jane Goodall, PhD, CBE Primetologist
1996
Sandra Day O’Connor,
Former Supreme Court Justice
1995
Jeanne Kirkpatrick,
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
Dr. Bernie Siegel,
Physician, Author
1994
Margaret Thatcher,
Former Prime Minister of Britain
1993
Carl Sagan,
American Astronomer