Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich To Speak At Rider University

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will appear at Rider University as part of the university’s Hennessy Family Lecture on Capitalism series next month.

“The Virtues of Free Markets: An Evening with Hon. Newt Gingrich,” presented by the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, takes place on Thursday, March 23, 7 p.m.

“For decades, Gingrich has exerted a major influence on politics in the United States, repeatedly shaking up the status quo through his leadership in the Republican Party,” Rebovich Institute Director Dr. Ben Dworkin said. “His appearance is a wonderful opportunity for our students and the general public to engage with a person whose ideas have helped shape America.”

His appearance is the latest in a series that was launched last year with an appearance by writer, scholar and public intellectual Dinesh D’Souza.

Gingrich is perhaps best known for co-authoring the “Contract with America,” and leading the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years.

In 1978, he was first elected to Congress, where he served the Sixth District of Georgia for 20 years. In 1995, he was elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, a role he filled until 1999.

Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in 2012, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. In 2016, he was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump.

Before Gingrich’s election to Congress, he taught history and environmental studies at West Georgia College for eight years. He holds a bachelor’s from Emory University and a master’s and doctorate in modern European history from Tulane University.

He has penned 29 books, both fiction and nonfiction, 14 of which went on to become New York Times best sellers. He and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are requested at www.rider.edu/gingrich.

As part of Rider's commitment to student-centered learning, Gingrich will spend time exclusively with Rebovich students prior to the speech.

The Institute, which is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey, plays an integral role in assisting students with research projects, internships, service learning opportunities, job placement and overall career development.

Founded in 2001 by the late Professor David Rebovich (1949–2007), it is a dynamic and creative home where students can network, study and gain practical experience in New Jersey politics.

The attached image of Newt Gingrich was provided by Rider University.