The Dillon Lecture Series is back for the 2026 school year at Hutchinson Community College, continuing a tradition that has brought nationally recognized speakers — along with notable Kansas voices — to Hutchinson for more than four decades.
Now entering its 45th year, the lecture series will kick off Tuesday afternoon with longtime Wichita broadcaster Larry Hatteberg. Many in south-central Kansas recognize Hatteberg from his decades of storytelling at KAKE-TV, where his “Hatteberg’s People” segments highlighted thousands of personal stories from across the region.
Denny Stoecklein the Director of Marketing and Public Relations said the Dillon Lecture Series began back in 1982 as a way to provide educational opportunities not only for Hutchinson Community College students, but for the broader community as well. Since then, the program has hosted nearly 200 speakers from across the country and around the world.
This year’s opening lecture will feature a couple of changes from past events. Tuesday’s presentation will take place at 2 p.m. — rather than the traditional morning time slot — inside the recital hall at the Stringer Fine Arts Center. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m.
Stoecklein said the lecture series is financially independent, relying on sponsorships, memberships and ticket sales to bring speakers to Hutchinson each year, while still offering an accessible opportunity for residents, students and area school groups to hear from influential voices.
Additional speakers scheduled for the 2026 season include Taryn Southern in April and Liz Murray in October.
Advance tickets are available online through the Hutchinson Community College website, or attendees may purchase admission at the door prior to Tuesday’s lecture.