Drew Forum
For 30 years, the Drew Forum speaker series has welcomed world-renowned guests to the Drew and local communities. From past and future presidents and vice presidents, to leaders of state and policy, to Pulitzer Prize-winning historians and journalists, to comedians and astrophysicists, to newscasters and podcasters, each year the Drew Forum cedes the stage to unique perspectives, thought leaders, and changemakers.
Announcing the full lineup for the 2025-26 Drew Forum Series
Mitt Romney, Former Senator and Republican Presidential Nominee
Moderated by Dana Bash, Award-Winning Journalist and Best-Selling Author, CNN’s Chief Political Correspondent and Anchor
Monday, September 29 | 7:30 p.m.
Mayo Performing Arts Center | Morristown NJ
Mitt Romney is a statesman, businessman, and former Republican presidential nominee known for his bold leadership and independent voice. A singular figure in American politics, Romney brings deep insights into leadership, policy, and our nation’s most pressing challenges.
As Governor of Massachusetts from 2003-2007, Romney pioneered a landmark healthcare law responsible for insuring millions of residents. Romney also led the 2002 Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Winter Olympics, turning the struggling Games into a success story. Before entering public service, Romney was a successful management consultant at Bain & Company and co-founded the highly successful private equity firm Bain Capital.
As U.S. Senator for Utah, Romney was a leading voice for fiscal discipline, climate action, America’s role in the world, and the need for a comprehensive U.S. strategy to counter China’s ascendance. He played a key role in historic bipartisan legislation on improving the nation’s physical infrastructure, emergency COVID relief, marriage equality with religious liberty protections, and gun safety.
He has been married to his wife, Ann, for 55 years, and together they have five sons, 25 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Dana Bash is CNN’s chief political correspondent, anchor of Inside Politics with Dana Bash, and co-anchor of State of the Union with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the network’s Sunday morning newsmaker show. Bash is an award-winning journalist who plays a key role in the network’s political coverage, conducting high-profile interviews with candidates, serving as an anchor for CNN’s Election Night in America special coverage and frequently moderating presidential debates and town hall specials. In 2024, she co-moderated CNN’s historic Presidential Debate between President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump.
Bash’s first book, America’s Deadliest Election, which she co-authored with David Fisher, details the 1872 Louisiana gubernatorial election. It debuted on The New York Times bestseller list. In 2021, Bash launched her CNN series, Being…, which features in-depth conversations with individuals affecting American policy, politics, and culture, giving viewers an understanding of the human being behind the public face. Her digital CNN series, Badass Women of Washington, profiles women from various backgrounds and generations to show how they have shattered glass ceilings on their way up the ranks. Her CNN Special Report, Rising Hate: Antisemitism in America, is an in-depth look at how antisemitism, once the hate of extremists, became mainstream, and explores ways to curb it. Bash also continues to be instrumental in the network’s Capitol Hill coverage.
The 2025-26 season of The Drew Forum is generously sponsored by the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
Mets Sportscasters: Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, & Ron Darling
Moderated by Drew University President Hilary L. Link, PhD
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Mayo Performing Arts Center | Morristown, NJ
We’re talking baseball with the acclaimed New York Mets broadcasting
team of Gary, Keith and Ron as they reflect on the past season,
comment on the winter Hot Stove action, preview the upcoming season,
and offer insight on the state of the sport. A must for all baseball
fans!
LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS
The 2025-26 season of The Drew Forum is generously sponsored by the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
Douglas Murray, Bestselling Author & Journalist
Monday, April 20, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Mayo Performing Arts Center | Morristown, NJ
Bestselling author and journalist Douglas Murray has dedicated much of
the past few years to reporting from the frontlines in Ukraine and
Gaza. Murray discusses the strategic and moral imperatives for the
West to secure victories in both wars, highlighting the broader
implications for global stability and democracy. Beyond his war
reporting, Murray offers his perspective on the recent wave of campus
protests in the U.S. and shares his insights on recent and upcoming
elections, discussing the key issues at stake and their potential
impact on the country’s future.
LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS
The 2025-26 season of The Drew Forum is generously sponsored by the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.