The High Center at Elizabethtown College will welcome one of the most iconic figures in golf history, Jack Nicklaus, as the keynote speaker for its annual High Center Business Forum on Wednesday, March 18, at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in Lancaster. The event begins with a reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and an exclusive conversation with Nicklaus.
“We are thrilled to hear from golf legend Jack Nicklaus, whose career transcended his sport and allowed him to become a role model worldwide,” Mike Mitchell, Executive Director of The High Center said. “We look forward to hearing him share powerful insights on leadership, excellence, and success. The Forum is an exciting evening that brings our business and nonprofit community together to learn, connect, and leave inspired.”
Over a five-decade career, Nicklaus amassed 120 professional victories, including a record 18 major championships. The event falls only weeks before the 2026 Masters Tournament, where a spotlight will shine on the 40th anniversary of Nicklaus’ iconic win in the 1986 Masters, which gave him a record six Green Jackets. Nicklaus is one of only six players to win all four modern majors and complete the career Grand Slam.
Beyond playing, Nicklaus built a global brand and became one of the world’s most influential course designers, creating nearly 325 courses worldwide. Still active in course design, he continues to shape the game.
Tireless philanthropists, Jack and his wife, Barbara, launched the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, which supports numerous pediatric health-care services in South Florida, as well as nationwide. Since its inception in 2004, the foundation has raised over $250 million to support and improve pediatric care.
Renowned Miami Children’s Hospital and Miami Children’s Health System have been re-branded to Nicklaus Children’s, and along with the flagship hospital, there are over 30 Nicklaus Children’s Centers spread across Florida.
Using his success as a platform to give back and impact society, Nicklaus became the first athlete/sportsperson and just the fourth person in history to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005), the Congressional Gold Medal (2015), and the Lincoln Medal (2018).
This year’s High Center Business Forum will celebrate alumnus Wes Bricker ’00, the 2025-26 Educate For Service: Service Through Professional Achievement Award recipient. The Educate For Service Awards are the highest honors bestowed upon alumni by Elizabethtown College and the Elizabethtown College Alumni Association.
Registration and a ticket fee are required to attend the High Center Forum.
The High Center Forum is part of the Elizabethtown College Lecture Series, one of the region’s most notable programs, which continues a rich tradition of hosting speakers who provide audiences with bold ideas, powerful stories, and unforgettable conversations. This year’s Lecture Series continues on Thursday, Feb. 12, when the College welcomes New York Times columnist, author, and science journalist Carl Zimmer, for the annual Lefever Lecture in Leffler Chapel and Performance Center. Register to attend the lecture.
About the High Center
Founded in 1995, the High Center serves over 225 family-owned and privately-held businesses as well as nonprofits throughout south-central Pennsylvania and beyond through Executive Peer Groups, Best Practice and Exit Planning surveys, and its Leadership Speaker Series with nationally acclaimed speakers. Learn more: thehighcenter.com.