MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The final Dillon Lecture Series event of the year takes place Tuesday morning at Hutchinson Community College’s Sports Arena, featuring Kansas City Royals broadcaster Joel Goldberg.
Goldberg, who has been part of the Royals’ television crew since 2008, will share stories from his career in baseball and his experiences in teamwork, resilience, and leadership. His visit marks the 44th year of the Dillon Lecture Series, a HutchCC tradition that has brought more than 170 notable speakers to the community since the early 1980s.
Denny Stoecklein HutchCC, marketing manager said Goldberg’s appearance continues the series’ mission to educate and inspire.
“It’s exciting to get to add Joel to that list,” Stoecklein said. “I’m sure there’ll be plenty of baseball stories, but also messages about teamwork and personal reinvention — especially after what he experienced during the pandemic when there wasn’t any baseball being played.”
The lecture begins at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. General admission is $10, while students from any school or college can attend free of charge. Tickets are available at hutchcc.edu/dls or at the door.
Stoecklein said the series strives to bring unique perspectives and thought-provoking discussions to Hutchinson audiences. This year’s lineup included CIA veteran Jim Olson, whose talk in September drew attention for his behind-the-scenes stories and insights into global intelligence work.
2026 Dillon Lecture Series Preview
Stoecklein also announced the lineup for next year’s speakers:
Larry Hatteberg, longtime Wichita journalist and storyteller, will appear Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Stringer Fine Arts Center.
Taryn Southern, Wichita native, futurist and digital strategist, will speak April 21.
Liz Murray, author of Breaking Night and known for her journey “from homeless to Harvard,” will visit Oct. 20.
Patrons and sponsors help make the series possible each year. For 2026, patron memberships are $170, offering reserved seating and a private luncheon with each speaker.
“You take the value of the lecture and multiply it by ten when you attend the luncheon,” Stoecklein said. “It’s a chance for more personal interaction and deeper insight.”