Former President of Poland Andrzej Duda Addresses Global Politics and Polish History at President's Speaker Series
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Pepperdine hosted esteemed lawyer and political leader Andrzej Duda, the former president of Poland, to discuss his leadership journey and Poland's role in global politics as part of the Pepperdine President's Speaker Series. In a discussion with Pepperdine president Jim Gash (JD 鈥�93), Duda highlighted his background, including his legal education and political roles, and emphasized Poland's support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion. Duda also reflected on Poland's historical experiences with Russian aggression and the importance of international solidarity.
Opening the event, President Gash emphasized the purpose of the President鈥檚 Speaker
Series and underscored the intention behind inviting each distinguished guest to campus.
鈥淲e are a place that pursues truth without fear,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e bring the brightest and most influential leaders to campus鈥攔epresenting a wide range of political and ideological perspectives鈥攆rom Barbara Barrett, former secretary of the United States Air Force, and Liz Truss, the 56th prime minister of the United Kingdom and current member of Parliament, to public intellectuals such as Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, , , and ,鈥� said Gash. 鈥淎s a Christian institution, we are dedicated to preparing students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership through intellectual, academic, and spiritual pursuits. Today, we welcome a world leader who embodies that calling, an individual who leads with deep purpose and has dedicated his life to public service, leadership, and education.鈥�
Duda began by reflecting on his transition from academia to politics, noting that both roles鈥攕haping future generations through teaching and serving his country on the global stage鈥攚ere equally meaningful to him. When asked about his impression of Pepperdine in comparison with his time as a researcher at Jagiellonian University in Krak贸w, Poland, Duda praised the campus鈥檚 beauty and its commitment to fostering thoughtful, influential dialogue.
The conversation then shifted to Poland鈥檚 role in regional politics, particularly in relation to Russia and Ukraine. Duda provided historical context on Poland鈥檚 complicated relationship with Russia and the hardships the nation endured under Soviet occupation, especially during World War II. Drawing on this legacy of oppression, he underscored the importance of safeguarding Poland鈥檚 sovereignty and the vital role of international alliances in sustaining regional stability. He noted that Poland has a 鈥渧ested interest in supporting Ukraine,鈥� not only because Ukraine lies between Poland and Russia, but also because of the deep historical ties shared by the two nations.
Duda also spoke about Poland鈥檚 relationship with the United States and the critical role that international partnerships played during his presidency. He described Poland鈥檚 efforts to rally global support for Ukraine鈥攊ncluding a visit from President Biden to demonstrate solidarity鈥攁nd praised him for providing military assistance and strengthening NATO鈥檚 role in maintaining regional stability. Duda further highlighted Poland鈥檚 substantial aid and humanitarian response, noting the country鈥檚 provision of military equipment, financial support, and extensive refugee assistance, which entailed hosting hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, offering temporary protection, healthcare, psychological services, and a wide range of social benefits.
鈥淲e wanted to show our solidarity and send a very strong message not only to Ukrainians, but to the world,鈥� said Duda. 鈥淲e Poles understand the tragedy of Ukraine, but our history proves that nothing can truly break the spirit of freedom. We are united in this fight.鈥�
President Gash concluded the event by presenting Duda with a commemorative coin honoring his commitment to serving his nation and others with purpose, a gesture that was followed by a standing ovation.
The event drew a substantial and diverse audience, including Pepperdine faculty, staff, students, and local community members. Among them was Jennifer Audette, chief executive officer and president of POLAM Federal Credit Union, who learned about the event from her daughter, a current Pepperdine student. Before speaking, Duda took time to interact with attendees鈥攊ncluding Audette, who was delighted to take a photo with the former Polish president and exchange a few words. She described him as unexpectedly 鈥渄own to earth鈥� and was thrilled to hear him speak so passionately about his country.
鈥淲hen I heard that the former president of Poland was coming to Pepperdine, it was
literally a dream come true,鈥� Audette shared. 鈥淭he questions were thoughtful, and
you could truly feel his passion. You could sense how deeply he continues to educate
and serve. When the president of Pepperdine asked him which path he felt had benefited
society more [his role as a former educator or politician], I remember thinking, 鈥榃ow,
that鈥檚 a tough question,鈥� because he continues to educate鈥攋ust now on a larger scale.鈥�
Seaver College students Sebastian Hood and Marcin Antczak were also appreciative of Duda鈥檚 candor and passion for his country, noting that the ability to attract significant world leaders to the campus reflects the University鈥檚 stature on the global stage.
鈥淭he fact that he decided to come to Pepperdine speaks volumes,鈥� said Hood. 鈥淧resident Gash mentioned that he had visited Princeton beforehand, so this just reflects that he seeks good schools that have strong values.鈥�
Antczak, a native of Poland, added, 鈥淚 really enjoy that he covered some of our Polish history and the significance of the political events. Many outside of Poland are not aware of the cultural impact these events have had, so I hope that those in attendance gained a better understanding of their impact.鈥�
For full broadcasts of President Gash and Duda鈥檚 conversation and previous events in the series, visit PeppLearn鈥擯epperdine鈥檚 newest resource providing users with live and on-demand content.