Nolde Lecture Series
The goal of the Colonel William B. Nolde Lecture Series is to promote the importance of leadership both in the Military and in American society as a whole. The series is named in honor of COL William B. Nolde, former CMU Military Science Professor who was the last official casualty of the Vietnam War.
Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey
Thursday, January 23, 2025
3:00 p.m.
Broadway Theater
216 E. Broadway St., Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Open map
Going into battle without a weapon might seem unimaginable, yet this is the reality for combat chaplains who accompany soldiers into the heart of conflict. For centuries, throughout every American war, these leaders have stood alongside our nation's troops, offering hope and solace in their darkest hours. Regardless of their faith—be it Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or otherwise—combat chaplains serve as pillars of strength for soldiers of all beliefs.
Join us for a screening of the inspiring new documentary Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey followed by a discussion with filmmaker Chaplain Justin D. Roberts and Doug Jones.
The film follows a young, former Army chaplain who embarks upon a unique journey that’s inspired by the extraordinary, often untold stories of the chaplain heroes who came before him. From a U.S. Army Ranger who later became a chaplain and was immortalized in the blockbuster movie Black Hawk Down, to the four chaplains who sacrificed their lives aboard the U.S.S. Dorchester during World War II, to the remarkable story of a chaplain whose remains were recently returned home after 70 years and is possibly the Vatican’s next saint, this film honors the unsung heroes who bring courage and comfort to the front lines.
This event is sponsored by the Colonel William B. Nolde Lecture Series within the Department of Military Science and Leadership. For more information, call the Department of Military Science and Leadership at 989-774-3049.
Past speakers
No Greater Love
The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in conjunction with Central Michigan University Army ROTC hosted a viewing of the award-winning documentary NO GREATER LOVE, directed by Chaplain Justin Roberts in combat missions, depicting the combat deployment of the legendary "No Slack" Battalion, 101st Division, followed by a panel discussion with keynote speaker Justin "Chappy" Roberts and panelists MAJ Kevin Mott, MSG Daniel Byerly, LTC Edward Bankston, and Mr. Randy Wright.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
CPT Byron Nolde
“Organizational Leadership – You are the Culture” (View recording)
Thursday, December 8, 2022
COL Brent A. Clemmer
“Vignettes from the past, stories from a Company Grade Officer with lessons for today – with additional thoughts on CST success from a former Commandant”
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
COL Warren Sponsler
"Leadership and Opportunity in a Modernizing Army”
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Brigadier General Brian S. Eifler
Thursday, November 14, 2019
LTC (Ret) Steve Kenyon
"Our Great American Army -- complemented in three components: Active, Guard and Reserve"
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
LTC (RET) Thomas G. Louzon
"Desert Shield & Storm from an Armor Company Commander's Point of View"
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
COL (Ret) Nelson E. Modrall
"One Army Officer's 24-year Career Path: From CMU Army ROTC Cadet to Colonel, USA"
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
BG (Ret) Michael C.H. McDaniel
"Chivalry and the Modern Warfighter"
November 4, 2015
Mr. Terence Moore
"The Value of ROTC in the Civilian World"
January 21, 2015
COL (R) John M. Hinck
"Being Smart is Your Best Weapon"
January 29, 2014
CPT (Ret) William R. Talcott
"You Will Receive More Than A Commission"
September 4, 2013
Ret. Brigadier General John E. Leatherman
"Effective Leadership"
March 13, 2012