City of Lowell, MA

10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 11:01

October 23: Admiral Gilday Returns to Lowell for Special Parker Lecture Series Event

The City of Lowell, in collaboration with the Parker Lecture Series and UMass Lowell, is proud to present Admiral Michael Gilday, a distinguished native of Lowell, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6:30PM, at UMass Lowell's Comley-Lane Theatre, located at 870 Broadway St. This special event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required.

Admiral Gilday, who served as the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations from August 22, 2019, to August 17, 2023, returns to his hometown to share insights from his remarkable military career. His service includes positions of great distinction, such as Naval Aide to the President. Among his many accolades, Admiral Gilday is a recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (four awards), Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V," and the Combat Action Ribbon.

The evening will feature a keynote address by Admiral Gilday, along with a panel discussion moderated by City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. Panelists include Mayor Daniel P. Rourke and Parker Lecture Series Chair John Carson. Following the panel and presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Admiral Gilday.

"We are incredibly honored to welcome Admiral Gilday back to Lowell," said Manager Golden. "His extraordinary service to our nation and his deep connection to our city makes this a truly special event. It's not every day we get to hear firsthand from a leader of such stature, and I know our community will benefit greatly from his insights."

"Admiral Gilday embodies the spirit of service the defines this city," said Mayor Rourke. "He has made Lowell proud on the world stage, and we look forward to hosting him for this event."

"We are thrilled that Admiral Gilday has graciously accepted our invitation to be a part of the Parker Lecture Series," said Parker Lecture Series Chair John Carson. "With his background as a native Lowellian and a distinguished career serving our country, he is exactly the type of speaker that Moses Greeley Parker had in mind when he started the trust in 1917. We are pleased to offer our audience the opportunity to interact with Admiral Gilday in a roundtable discussion."

"It's exciting to welcome Admiral Michael Gilday, a Lowell native who has a profound impact serving the U.S. Navy, our nation's top leaders and the people of our country," said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. "I look forward to hearing his views on leadership and the lessons he learned during an impressive and distinguished career in uniform."

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
  • Time: 6:30PM
  • Location: UMass Lowell Comley-Lane Theatre, 870 Broadway St, Lowell, MA
  • Admission: Free, no tickets required

All are welcome to join for an unforgettable evening as Admiral Gilday reflects on his experiences and contributions to national security, leadership, and service.

For more information, visit https://www.parkerlectures.com