PRINCETON VARSITY CLUB SPEAKER SERIES
Celebrating 20 Years of the Speaker Series
JAKE McCANDLESS ’51 PVC SPEAKER SERIES
JAKE McCANDLESS ’51 PVC SPEAKER SERIES
SPEAKER SERIES OVERVIEW
The Jake McCandless ’51 PVC Speaker Series was formally established in 2005 to bring speakers to campus to engage the Princeton community in topics that reflect the educational values inherent in the intercollegiate athletics experience. The series was endowed in the name of J.L. “Jake” McCandless ’51, who coached Princeton Football to the 1969 Ivy League Championship during the Tigers’ centennial year of football.
Since its inception, the Series has featured a variety of speakers including Professors, Olympians, Civil Rights Activists, Sports Professionals and Team Owners, and more.
Presentation topics have ranged from leadership development and tools for overcoming adversity, to athletics-centric financial discussions and examination of legal cases.
featured speakers
Lead McCandless series founder Bert Kerstetter ’66
“Tigers in Front of the Mic” (2022)
FEATURED SPEAKERS THROUGH THE YEARS
◊ Arshay Cooper (2023) - A Most Beautiful Thing
◊ Jeff Ingold ’90 & Ted Price ’90 (2023) - A Conversation with Entertainment Executives
◊ Kyle Brandt ’01 & Ross Tucker ’01 (2022) - Tigers in Front of the Mic
◊ Angie Knighton Long ’97 & Kara Nortman ’97 (2021) - Investing in Women’s Athletics
◊ Erik Weihenmayer (2018) - No Barriers
◊ Brett Ledbetter (2018) - What Drives Winning
◊ A Conversation with Julie Foudy & Kristine Lilly (2016)
◊ A Conversation with Chris Young ’02, Will Venable ’05, Ross Ohlendorf ’05 & David Hale ’11 (2013) - Tigers in the Big Leagues
◊ Mark Edmundson (2012) - Terrible Beauty: Football in America
◊ John Carlos (2012) - The Sports Moment That Changed the World
◊ John Doar ’44 [D] (2011) - Robert Owen ’52: From Student-Athlete to Public Man
◊ Arnold Rampersad (2011) - Athletics and Social Justice: The Lives of Jackie Robinson and Arthur Ashe
◊ Chris Thomforde ’69 (2010) - Education for a Balanced Life
◊ Karen Smyers ’83 (2010) - Pursuing One’s Passion Through Setbacks and Challenges
◊ Jack Bogle ’51 [D] (2009) - Aspiring to Build a Better Financial World
◊ Wyc Grousbeck ’83 and Larry Lucchino ’67 [D] (2008) - Building a Champion
◊ Craig Masback ’77 (2008) - The Enduring Values of Sports: Facing Up to the Challenges of the 20th Century
◊ Stuart Taylor ’70 (2007) - Until Proven Innocent: An Examination of the Duke Lacrosse Case
◊ Frank DeFord ’61 [D] (2007) - Sports: The Hype and Hoopla
◊ Drew Hyland ’61 (2006) - The Sweatiest of Liberal Arts: Athletics and Education
◊ Valerie Purdie Vaughns (2006) - A Discussion on the Social Psychology of Group Stereotyping in Athletics
◊ Erik Weihenmayer (2005) - Touch the Top of the World
◊◊ Speaker Series was formally endowed in the name of Jake McCandless ’51 in Fall 2005
◊ Kathy DeBoer (2005) - Gender and Competition: How Men and Women Approach Work and Play Differently
◊ Myles Brand [D] (2004) - Achieving Fiscal Responsibility in Athletics
JAKE McCANDLESS ’51 PVC SPEAKER SERIES
ARSHAY COOPER
“A
Most Beautiful Thing”
October 8, 2023
Rowing trailblazer, Arshay Cooper visited campus to share messages from his memoir “A Most Beautiful Thing.” The conversation centered on Cooper’s inspiring story of growing up on the west side of Chicago and the obstacles that he overcame while rowing for the country’s first all-black crew team. He spoke to the gang violence that consumed his high school and the lack of opportunities that existed in his community despite the abundance of talent. Cooper also shared the life changing lessons that he learned on the water and his mission to introduce the sport of rowing to underserved communities.
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“The rule in our boathouse was leave the boathouse better than you found it, even if you didn’t make the mess. At times what we see in our country is that we will say to ourselves that we have nothing to do with the problems around us - and we step over it.
I stepped over the mess so many times and that’s when I realized what coach was saying. It’s not only how we leave our boathouse, but if we can just leave our team, our clasroom and our community better than we found it - even if we didn’t make the messit makes it easier for the next generation of young people.”
- Arshay Cooper
JEFF INGOLD ’90 & TED PRICE ’90
“A Conversation with Entertainment Executives” April 6, 2023
Princeton squash alums Jeff Ingold ’90 and Ted Price ’90 reunited for the Jake McCandless ’51 PVC Speaker Series: A Conversation with Entertainment Executives. The speakers shared valuable lessons that they learned while playing squash for legendary coach Bob Callahan ’77 (D), and how these leadership skills prepared them for the trials and triumphs they have faced within the entertainment industry. Ingold and Price also reflected on the Princeton connections that they made early in their careers and how they leaned on other alumni for advice as they navigated their way to becoming two of the most recognizable television and video game producers in the world.
“I love talking to athletes because they understand that nothing is impossible. They also understand team dynamics. They understand that you’ve got to resolve conflict before you walk on the field or before you ship a product. Those are the kinds of things that you have to do naturally on a team, and I think it makes athletes well suited in taking risks.”
- Ted Price ’90 (pictured center)
JAKE McCANDLESS ’51 PVC SPEAKER SERIES
KYLE BRANDT ’01 & ROSS TUCKER ’01
“Tigers in Front of the Mic”
March 23, 2022
Former Princeton football teammates Kyle Brandt ’01 and Ross Tucker ’01 returned to campus for the Jake McCandless ’51 PVC Speaker Series: Tigers in Front of the Mic. The two alums spoke to their experiences as student-athletes and how their time at Princeton prepared them for their careers in sports media.
Brandt and Tucker, told stories of the chances they took in their professional careers, and how they chose paths less traveled to pursue their dreams. Brandt encouraged students to pursue career opportunities that they are most passionate about instead of following the status quo while Tucker inspired with the message of saying “yes” to new opportunities and not being afraid to fail. Each speaker also shared insights and stories from their current roles working with and interviewing professional athletes, celebrities and high-profile media personalities.
“The biggest reactions I’ve ever gotten on social media, on TV ratings, from executives, from fans, from people on the street are when I build something up. And I say “You can win this game and you are going to be a great player.” They love that stuff.
It’s so easy to tear people down, but it is much harder and much more rewarding to build them up.”
- Kyle Brandt ’01
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“You know what stories I have about the times when I was debating what to do and I didn’t do it? Nothing.
Nothing, because if you think “I don’t know if I want to do it or not and you don’t do it, nothing happens. You have no stories and nothing good happens. When in doubt – do it.”
- Ross Tucker ’01
JAKE McCANDLESS ’51 PVC SPEAKER SERIES
ANGIE KNIGHTON LONG ’97 & KARA NORTMAN ’97
“Investing in Women’s Athletics”
April 25, 2021
In celebration of 50 Years of Women’s Athletics at Princeton, finance professionals and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team cofounders and owners Angie Knighton Long ’97 (Kansas City NWSL) and Kara Nortman ’97 (Angel City FC) engaged in conversation centered around “investing in women’s athletics.”
Moderated by Ford Family Director of Athletics Mollie Marcoux Samaan ’91, the conversation focused on what drove Knighton Long and Nortman to invest in their respective NWSL franchises, how they’re working to grow the game, and the importance of continued investment in women’s athletics at-large. The two also shared how their athletic backgrounds and time at Princeton have shaped their professional pursuits. A replay of this recent program is available at PrincetonVarsityClub.org.
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“The reality is we just don’t even know what this [NWSL] market can look like. If you do what I did and go to a game, get really excited, and then are actually able to follow it and build an allegiance....we’ve just never been able to do that with women’s sports, and that’s part of what makes this opportunity so exciting.”
- Kara Nortman ’97
“What do we have to do to make women’s professional sports better? Treat it like a professional sport, and not like a women’s thing.”
- Angie Knighton Long ’97
JAKE McCANDLESS ’51 PVC SPEAKER SERIES
ERIK WEIHENMAYER
“No Barriers: What’s Within You is Stronger Than What’s In Your Way” October 10, 2018
Blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, who has summited Mt. Everest (and remains the only blind person to have climbed all Seven Summits) and solo kayaked the Grand Canyon, told the story of losing his eyesight, and how he was able to use that adversity as fuel to achieve his dreams and inspire others — including work through his nonprofit organization No Barriers.
Weihenmayer emphasized the importance of accepting adversity into your life, and framing it with a growth mindset. While his own achievements are astounding, he discussed the importance of his rope team, and the fact that support is crucial for anyone taking on a challenge. He reminded the audience that when accomplishments are achieved, you are standing on the shoulders of others who helped you along your path.
“When faced with adversity there are three types of people: those who climb, those who camp, and those who quit... Those who climb achieve a lot more than just the summit.”
- Erik Weihenmayer
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“I think there is a relationship between the extent of our reach and the amount of adversity we accept into our lives. The two go hand in hand. What if adversity weren’t the enemy in our lives, what if it was the pathway to greatness?”
- Erik Weihenmayer
BRETT LEDBETTER
“What Drives Winning”
April 11, 2018
Brett Ledbetter, author, coach, and creator of the “What Drives Winning” Conference, specializes in leadership and character development, and the linkage between culture, character and high performance.
His workshop-style presentation to coaches and student-athletes focused on the importance of a process-driven approach rather than a results-driven mindset.
“Character is the foundation upon which you develop. It drives your process, which ultimately leads to your results.”
- Brett Ledbetter
SPEAKER
A Conversation with JULIE FOUDY & KRISTINE LILLY
April 21, 2016
Julie Foudy and Kristine Lilly, both captains and Olympic gold medalists for the US Women’s National Soccer Team, engaged in a panel conversation with Mollie Marcoux Samaan ’91.
They discussed their experiences on the national team, the current state of women’s athletics, the keys to authentic and effective leadership, and more.
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“If you can get to a place where you’re comfortable being uncomfortable, you’re already winning.”
- Julie Foudy (right)
JAKE McCANDLESS ’51 PVC SPEAKER SERIES
“Tigers in the Big Leagues”
December 10, 2013
Princeton baseball alumni David Hale ’11, Chris Young ’02, Ross Ohlendorf ’05 and Will Venable ’05, joined then-Ford Family Director of Athletics Gary Walters ’67 and the Robert H.B. Baldwin ’42 Head Coach of Baseball Scott Bradley for a conversation on the their active careers in Major League Baseball.
The group reflected on their respective Princeton student-athlete experiences, tales of tough big league match-ups and what it felt like the first time they got the call up to the big leagues. They also discussed how Princeton prepared them for the business side of the game.
“I think Coach Bradley’s professional approach to the game and the atmosphere he created in the dugout really prepared me for the next level.”
- Will Venable ’05 (far left)
MARK EDMUNDSON
“Terrible
Beauty: Football in America”
December 11, 2012
Edmundson, an English professor at the University of Virginia, spoke on the aspects of the game of football - and sport in general - that build character and enrapture millions, while also discussing how those same aspects affect the human psyche.
JOHN CARLOS
“The Sports Moment That Changed the World”
May 2, 2012
Former Olympic sprinter and Civil Rights Activist John Carlos recounted his act of protest at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, its powerful impact, and the power of sport in shaping society.
JOHN DOAR ’44
“Robert Owen ’52: From Student-Athlete to Public Man” December 11, 2011
Following his time as a Princeton basketball player, Doar went on to become an attorney for the U.S. Justice Department and was a key figure in the Civil Rights movement.
He discussed his own journey from student-athlete to working in the public eye, as well as that of his friend and fellow Civil Rights lawyer Robert Owen ’52.
ARNOLD RAMPERSAD
April 14, 2011
College professor and historian
Arnold Rampersad presented on the impact of sports on the social justice movement, specifically through the lens of Jackie Robinson’s integration of baseball, and Arthur Ashe’s impact in tennis.
SPEAKER SERIES LOOK
“Athletics and Social Justice: The Lives of Jackie Robinson and Arthur Ashe”
CHRIS THOMFORDE ’69
“Education for a Balanced Life”
November 9, 2010 PRINCETON
A two-time Ivy League champion with Princeton basketball, Dr. Thomforde went on to an accomplished career in academia, during which he served as the president at both St. Olaf College (Minn.) and Moravian College (Pa.).
He discussed the benefits one can gain from continually seeking education, regardless of the form that it takes.
KAREN SMYERS ’83
“Pursuing One’s Passion Through Setbacks and Challenges”
April 27, 2010
A Princeton letterwinner in swimming and track & field, Smyers went on to a storied career as a professional triathlete, capturing multiple world championships. She continued in the sport despite multiple major setbacks, including thyroid cancer and an accident involving an 18-wheeler.
She recounted her story while speaking to the importance of passion and vision in overcoming adversity.
JACK BOGLE ’51
“Aspiring to Build a Better Financial World”
April 23, 2009
Bogle founded the Vanguard Group and was named one of the most influential financial leaders of the 20th century.
He spoke to the state of the financial world amid the Great Recession, and offered his insight on improving financial systems.
SPEAKER SERIES LOOK BACK
“Building a Champion”: A Conversation with WYC GROUSBECK ’83 & LARRY LUCCHINO ’67
November 13, 2008
Grousbeck, Managing Partner, Governor and CEO of the Boston Celtics, and Lucchino, President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox, discussed their teams’ respective championship seasons, while also speaking to the inner workings of their organizations and leagues at large.
The conversation touched on the greatest influences on championship culture and how lessons learned through Princeton Athletics contributed to their individual professional successes.
CRAIG MASBACK ’77
“The Enduring Values of Sports: Facing Up to the Challenges of the 20th Century”
April 17, 2008
Masback, former CEO of USA Track & Field and Director of Business Affairs for Nike’s Global Sports Marketing, presented on the values learned through sport and how he has employed those professionally. He also spoke more generally on the values of sports that he witnessed in the social evolution during the 20th century.
STUART TAYLOR ’70
“Until Proven Innocent: An Examination of the Duke Lacrosse Case”
October 18, 2007
Taylor, a columnist and author focusing on legal policy and political issues, examined the issues surrounding the Duke Lacrosse rape case, including a campaigning prosecution, biased journalists, and more. He argues there was a greater emphasis on seeking scapegoats than there was on seeking the truth.
FRANK DEFORD ’61
“Sports: The Hype and Hoopla”
April 24, 2007
DeFord, a senior writer with Sports Illustrated and author of more than 15 books, delved into some of the specific traits of sports that enrapture audiences and produce a unique environment for storytellers. He also recounted some of his favorite sports stories that he’s covered over the years.
DREW HYLAND ’61
“The Sweatiest of Liberal Arts: Athletics and Education”
November 30, 2006
Hyland, a former Tiger basketball player and professor of philosophy at Trinity College, discussed the role of athletics in the educational process.
He spoke on the positive effects of athletics, both to the individual educational process and to university culture as a whole.
VALERIE PURDIE VAUGHNS
“A Discussion on the Social Psychology of the Group Stereotyping in Athletics”
April 6, 2006
Dr. Purdie Vaughns, an associate professor of psychology at Yale, presented on the psychological phenomena involved in athletics stereotyping.
She discussed stereotyping of athletes by non-athletes, as well as inter-athletics stereotyping.
ERIK WEIHENMAYER
“Touch the Top of the World”
November 16, 2005
Weihenmayer made his McCandless Speaker Series debut in 2005, during which he told the tale of his summiting of Mt. Everest.
He focused his message on mental strategies for overcoming obstacles, and the feeling of triumph after facing them head on.
KATHY DEBOER
“Gender and Competition: How Men and Women Approach Work and Play Differently”
April 13, 2005
DeBoer, a longtime Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Kentucky, discussed her career as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Reflecting on her experiences, she noted differences she observed between men and women, both as competitive athletes and in the professional workforce.
MYLES BRAND
“Achieving Fiscal Responsibility in Athletics”
November 1, 2004
Brand, then President of the NCAA, presented on the current state of collegiate athletics. He discussed important building blocks of an athletic department, and offered a reminder that the mission of higher education must come first and guide the athletic enterprise.
Special Thanks to the Jake McCandless ’51
Dr. Glen R. Allgaier ’65
Mr. J. Robert Bedell ’66
Mr. Frank J. Benenati ’51 (D)
Mr. Hank Bjorklund ’72
Mr. James C. Blair ’61
Mr. Robinson M. Bordley ’70
Martin R. Eichelberger, M.D. ’67
Mr. Edward F. Glassmeyer ’63
Mr. Charles P. Gogolak ’66
Mr. David M. Gouldin ’63
Mr. William E. Guedel, Jr. ’64 (D)
Mr. Richard L. Herbruck ’55 (D)
Mr. Cosmo J. Iacavazzi ’65
Mr. David H. Ibbeken ’63 (D)
Mr. Michael V. Ippolito ’60
Mr. Jotham Johnson ’64 (D)
Mr. Morgan R. Jones ’61 (D)
Mr. Richard W. Kazmaier, Jr. ’52 (D)
Mr. Bert G. Kerstetter ’66
Dr. George Kovatch ’55 (D)
Mr. Ronald J. Landeck ’66
Ms. Sally Kuser Lane W34 (D)
Ms. Teresa D. Lane ’84
Dr. William J. Ledger ’54 (D)
Mr. Blair L. Magaziner ’74
Mr. William W. McCandless ’56 (D)
Edward J. McClain, Jr., M.D. ’53 (D)
Mr. John F. McGillicuddy ’52 (D)
Mr. Roger D. McLean ’52 (D)
Mr. Peter T. Milano ’55 (D)
Mr. Christopher A. Mill ’66
Mr. Ellis O. Moore, Jr. ’70
Mr. Christopher P. Nicholas ’71 (D)
Mr. James T. Nixon, II ’70
Mr. John A. O’Brien ’65
Mr. Paul J. Ondrasik, Jr. ’72
Mr. James Otis, Jr. ’53
Dr. Ernest T. Pascarella ’65 (D)
Mr. Richard R. Pivirotto ’52 (D)
Mr. Paul M. Pohl ’70
Mr. William W. Robinson, Jr. ’65
Mr. James L. Rockenbach ’64 (D)
Mr. Thomas H. Schalch ’75
Mr. John J.F. Sherrerd ’52 (D)
Mr. John C. Sienkiewicz ’55 (D)
Mr. Benjamin L. Spinelli ’56
Mr. Richard A. Springs, III ’64
Mr. Howard J. Stanley ’41 (D)
Mr. George E. Stevens ’52 (D)
Mr. Bohdan W. Stone ’70
Dr. James W. Stoops ’66
Mr. Lawrence J. Stupski ’67 (D)
Mr. Richard E. Thompson ’55
Dr. Bradford A. Urquhart ’63
Dr. Harold C. Urschel, Jr. ’51 (D)
Mr. Richard J. Valentzas ’51 (D)
Mr. Paul Yakulis ’73