The community is invited to hear North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley speak at Å·ÃÀÊÓƵ at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the Centrum, Knutson Campus Center.

The event, “Justice and Leadership in a Changing World: A Public Address and Conversation with the North Dakota Attorney General,” will explore the challenges and responsibilities of pursuing justice today and the vital role of education, ethics, and civic engagement in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.  

Drawing on his extensive career in law enforcement and public service, Wrigley will highlight the critical issues facing the criminal justice system today. The event also invites students to reflect on how a liberal arts education can prepare them to lead with integrity, uphold the rule of law, and promote safe and thriving communities. 

Conversations to bring Wrigley to campus began this summer as part of planning for the launch of Concordia’s new criminal justice program. Developed in partnership with Minnesota State Community and Technical College Moorhead, the program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, public service, and community engagement.

“Justice and leadership are not abstract concepts — they shape lives and communities,” said Dr. Leila Zakhirova, director of Concordia’s criminal justice program and chair/associate professor of political science. “Bringing Attorney General Wrigley to Concordia gives us an opportunity to explore these ideas in practice." 

This event is about more than launching a program, Zakhirova said. 

“It’s about creating space for our students and community to wrestle with the real-world challenges of justice, including how future leaders can best serve their communities,” she said.

This event is made possible in part through support from the James E. Leahy Freedom Lecture Endowment.

The event is free and open to the public and will include an opportunity for audience questions.