Presidential Lecture Series continues with renowned philanthropist, investor

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Stan Druckenmiller, a renowned philanthropist and investor, joined President Mitch Daniels for an hourlong conversation and audience Q&A on Wednesday (Feb. 1) in Fowler Hall as part of Purdue’s Spring 2017 Presidential Lecture Series.

His appearance is the second of four visits by speakers of renown in their fields as part of this spring’s 2017 Presidential Lecture Series. J.D. Vance, a New York Times best-selling author, opened the series on Monday (Jan. 30) evening.

Druckenmiller was selected one of the world’s greatest investors by MoneyWeek in October 2016. He founded Duquesne Capital Management in 1981 and managed more than $12 billion in assets, which posted an average annual return of 30 percent. He did not endure a money-losing year but closed his firm in 2010, citing the pressures of that work.

A graduate of Bowdoin College, Druckenmiller also managed $22 billion in assets as a lead portfolio manager for George Soros’ Quantum Fund from 1988 to 2000. Druckenmiller was named the Most Charitable Man in America in 2009, donating more than $700 million to charitable causes.

Each guest of the Presidential Lecture Series will participate in activities within classes on the West Lafayette campus during the visit.

The series continues with Doug Brinkley, historian, professor and author of “The Reagan Diaries,” on March 1; and Bjorn Lomborg, author of “The Skeptical Environmentalist,” on April 11. 

Writer: Brian Peloza, 765-496-9711, bpeloza@purdue.edu 

Source: Abby Eddy, Purdue Convocations director of marketing, 765-494-9712, aeeddy@purdue.edu