The Dale E. Benson Lecture in Business and Economic History
The next Dale E. Benson Lecture is scheduled for Fall 2027.
Previous Lecture
Michael J. Halvorson, Pacific Lutheran University
“Einstein’s Blackboard: Struggles with Communication in the History of Innovation”
October 13, 2025
How do individuals and organizations share breakthrough ideas with the public? Why is this process crucial for the acceptance of new scientific discoveries, public health initiatives, and commercial products? From Albert Einstein to Grace Hopper, and from London subway maps to emerging AI tools, this lecture explored the crucial role that innovation rhetoric plays in the history of science and business. Drawing on careers in product development, technical writing, and teaching history and innovation, Professor Halvorson explained how innovation is framed as a public discourse and why famous innovators sometimes struggle to promote pathbreaking discoveries.
Please click the following link to watch.
Event Details
Speaker: Michael J. Halvorson
Date: October 13, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Location: Scandinavian Cultural Center
About the Lecture Series
The Dale E. Benson Lecture Series in Business and Economic History
Supported by a generous endowment from the Benson Family, the Dale E. Benson Lecture in Business and Economic History is designed to bring leading experts in the fields of history, business, and economics to campus to address the PLU community.
Along with the business and economic history curriculum, the lecture is designed to encourage the study of business organizations, entrepreneurs, workers, products, and consumers, as well as the economic forces that have shaped contemporary culture and society. The program encourages historical reflection, creative problem solving, and ethical leadership across campus.
Previous Lecturers
Michael J. Halvorson (2025)
Glory M. Liu (2023)
Justin Spelhaug (2022)
Sven Beckert (2019)
Alice Steinglass (2018)
Brad Tilden (2017)
Stephen Mihm (2016)
Seth Rockman (2015)
Gary Cross (2014)
Mansel G. Blackford (2013)
Deirdre N. McCloskey (2012)
Peter Coclanis (2011)
Joyce Appleby (2010)
Walter Licht (2009)
Peter H. Lindert (2008)
Naomi R. Lamoreaux (2007)
Richard R. John (2007)
Michael A. Bernstein (2006)