David Witwer, professor of American studies in Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Humanities, has been named Penn State Laureate for the 2020-21 academic year.
As laureate, Witwer's lectures will draw on his research on corruption, organized crime, and labor racketeering. Presentations will focus on his current book project, Searching for Jimmy Hoffa, which traces the history of what is known about International Brotherhood of Teamsters president James R. Hoffa’s disappearance, his involvement with organized crime, and what his career reveals about working-class attitudes towards corruption.
Witwer notes that his laureate presentations will not only provide an account of the events involved in this history, but also will connect those details to broader issues intrinsic to the humanities. He plans to generate conversations about what past confrontations with corruption can teach us today.
Virtual Presentation Schedule
| Date and Time | Access Information / Sponsor |
|---|---|
| Sept. 8, 2020; noon | Penn State Alumni Association |
| Sept. 21, 2020; 12:15 p.m. | Penn State DuBois |
| Sept. 25, 2020; 12:10 p.m. | Penn State New Kensington |
| Oct. 2, 2020; 12:15 p.m. | Penn State Berks |
| Oct. 7, 2020; 12:15 p.m. | Penn State Greater Allegheny |
| Oct. 20, 2020; 12:15 p.m. | Penn State Abington |
| Oct. 22, 2020; 11:30 a.m. | Penn State Harrisburg |
| Nov. 12, 2020; 12:15 p.m. | Penn State Shenango |
| Nov. 17, 2020; 12:15 p.m. | Penn State Lehigh Valley |
| Nov. 18, 2020; 12:15 p.m. | Penn State Mount Alto |