MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Inspirational speaker and bestselling author Liz Murray will conclude the Dillon Lecture Series’ 2026 season Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10:30 a.m. in the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Murray, known for her journey from homelessness to earning a full scholarship to Harvard University, will share a message centered on resilience, determination and the power of education.
Raised in the Bronx by parents who struggled with drug addiction, Murray experienced poverty, food shortages and frequent school absences. After her mother died when Murray was 15, she became homeless, sleeping on the streets and riding New York City subway trains through the night.
Murray turned to education to change her circumstances. While experiencing homelessness, she completed four years of high school coursework in two years and earned a full scholarship to Harvard.
She graduated from Harvard in 2009 and later earned a master’s degree in psychology of education from Columbia University. Today, she is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author of the bestselling memoir “Breaking Night” and advocate for underserved youth.
During her presentation, Murray will discuss lessons learned while overcoming adversity and encourage audience members to recognize their potential, embrace challenges and transform obstacles into opportunities.
The lecture is open to the public. General admission tickets are $10, while students and school groups are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on the day of the lecture.