Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum Welcomes Doris Kearns Goodwin
The Chaplaincy’s 37th annual Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum on Faith, Ethics, and Global Society was held on Monday, October 7 in front of 600 people at the Alice Jepson Theatre of the Modlin Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Richmond.
Pulitzer prize winning author and presidential historian, Doris Kearns Goodwin, was the featured presenter. Dr. Kearns Goodwin was interviewed by Edward L. Ayers, UR Tucker-Boatwright professor of the humanities and president emeritus on the theme: Leadership in Turbulent Times.
The two historians shared a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on the presidencies of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon Baines Johnson. The conversation was at times humorous, such as when Dr. Ayers’ reflected on his mom’s suggestion that studying history is a waste of time since we already know what happened. And at times poignant, such as when Dr. Kearns Goodwin reflected on her most recent book, a memoir of her marriage to Richard Goodwin, who died in 2018. And at times insightful, such as the frequent connections Dr. Kearns Goodwin offered between the turbulent times of the past to contemporary American politics and presidential leadership in the modern era.
Ms. Kearns Goodwin offered personal anecdotes from her time as a staffer and biographer for Lyndon Baines Johnson as well as humorous stories highlighting the virtues and vices of the other three presidents. Dr. Ayers concluded the interview by asking questions submitted by University of Richmond students who are majoring in history, political science, journalism, and leadership studies.
The Rev. Dr. Craig Kocher, dean of religious and spiritual life and university chaplain, served as host for the evening.
The New York Times columnist, best-selling author, and cultural commentator, David Brooks, will keynote the Forum on October 8, 2025. The Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum on Faith, Ethics, and Global Society is sponsored by the Office of the Chaplaincy and funded by the Weinstein and Rosenthal Families.