Howard Buffett to Speak at Central College with Harry Smith '73

Central College welcomes Howard Buffett, newly appointed chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, philanthropist and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, back to campus for a conversation with Harry Smith, award-winning journalist, storyteller and 1973 Central graduate.

The conversation will be held at noon, Wednesday, Sept. 30, Van Emmerik Studio, Maytag Student Center. It is free and open to the public.

A pillar of focus for Buffett's foundation is mitigating conflicts, especially on a global scale, and finding solutions for the fallout these conflicts create. Since 2022, it has been assisting communities in Ukraine that have faced displacement, food insecurity and economic shortfalls due to Russian invasion.

Buffett has documented this work in Ukraine in his book, "Courage of a Nation: Three Years of War." In it, Buffett recounts his experiences through his own words and photography.

On Central's campus, Buffett will share what he's learned from the people of Ukraine, including those on the frontlines of the war, and those who are still striving for freedom in their day to day lives, despite being under Russian occupation.

Smith welcomes Buffett to Central as part of the curriculum in his class on campus, "Commencement: The Beginning."

"The work Howard Buffett is doing sheds a light on a war that is very much still alive, despite media focus shifting to other international conflicts," Smith says. "These are incredible stories that will remind us of the humanity of these situations. He will also share a wide range of interests and his role in doing a world of good."