Karl Rove among 2016 Town Hall speakers

Inspirational leaders are the theme for the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall 2016 Lecture Series. 

The first in that list will be former Israeli President Shimon Peres is scheduled to kick off the 2016 series on January 19. The names of the speakers were revealed during the final speaker for the 2015 Lecture Series featuring Ben Bernanke. Incoming Town Hall chairwoman, Chris Cremer made the announcement to conclude the series. 

"Our speakers have demonstrated their extraordinary abilities to lead in many different circumstances, and we are delighted that they will share their experiences with our members," said Cremer in a release. 

The series of speakers will also pick up on political cues in anticipation of the 2016 presidential election. Included in the series will be a debate between political strategist Jim Messina and Karl Rove, former senior advisor to President George W. Bush. Messina was crucial to the 2012 re-election campaign for President Obama. Rove is also credited with being the architect behind the campaigns for Bush in 2000 and 2004. The debate will be moderated by journalist Sharyl Attkisson. 

The lecture series has been the premier fundraiser for the Verman Kimbrough Memorial Library at the Ringling College of Art and Design and for student scholarships. Tickets for the 2016 series will go on sale to RCLA members in April.

Dates for speakers

Platinum Dinner Speaker January 6: Amy Tan 

January 19: Shimon Peres

February 3: Sharyl Attkisson, Jim Messina and Karl Rove

February 16: Ken Robinson

March 7: Robin Roberts

March 15: Gen. David Petraeus