Title

Episode 02: The Legacy of Dwight Eisenhower with Susan Eisenhower

Document Type

Audio

Publication Date

12-13-2019

Department 1

President’s Office

Abstract

In this episode of Conversations Beneath the Cupola, podcast host, Gettysburg College President Robert W. Iuliano, is joined by guest Susan Eisenhower. Eisenhower is the Chairman Emerita of the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College and granddaughter of Dwight Eisenhower. She is also an author, an international policy consultant, an expert on international security, space policy, energy, and relations between the Russian Federation and the United States of America.

Iuliano and Eisenhower begin the episode by discussing Dwight Eisenhower’s legacy on Gettysburg College through the lens of the Eisenhower Institute. At first, the Eisenhower Institute was a foundation created to give out scholarships, but it has grown to take on a more dynamic nature with roots in educating rising generations about important issues, which ultimately led to its affiliation with Gettysburg College in the early 1990s.

Beyond her involvements with the Eisenhower Institute, teaching a class called Strategy and Leadership in Transformational Times and taking several students on a trip to the beaches of Normandy, both of which have led to lasting connections between her and students, Eisenhower shares the broader connections that she has with Gettysburg, and reflects on what about this place was special and significant to her grandfather.

In reflecting on Dwight’s time, Eisenhower also offers advice on how we can bridge political divides today and advice to students generally. This advice includes uniting the country around central ideas, redefining leadership, and remaining optimistic. Eisenhower stands behind this advice, as this is the same advice she would offer people too.

At the end of this episode, Eisenhower talks briefly about her new book, How Ike Led: The Principles Behind His Biggest Decision, which will be released in 2020. To hear the full conversation, tune in and subscribe.

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A full transcript of the podcast is available on the podcast website.

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