This lectureship has been made possible through the generous gifts of Edward R. Schmidt ’69. In forming The Edward S. and A. Rita Schmidt Lectureship in Ethics at Susquehanna University, Mr. Schmidt has emphasized his desire to impart to students an understanding and appreciation for the value and role of ethics in professional and personal endeavors. It is his vision that this lectureship will encourage and promote dialogue on ethical thinking in all areas of academic preparation and contribute to successful personal lives and professional careers upon graduation. Mr. Schmidt has named the lectureship in honor of his parents, Edward S. and A. Rita Schmidt, of Hatboro, Pennsylvania, recognizing that the first teachers of ethics and moral behavior are parents. Mr. Schmidt’s father, Edward S. Schmidt, is the retired Vice President & Corporate Secretary of Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company. Following his retirement Edward S. Schmidt served as the first Administrator of the Pennsylvania Land Title Institute, a non-profit educational entity providing continuing education to the land title industry throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Edward R. Schmidt received his B.S. in Economics from Susquehanna University and graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1972. Mr. Schmidt is a corporate and real estate attorney with the Indianapolis, Indiana law firm of Krieg DeVault, LLP. He chairs the Tax-Exempt and Nonprofit Organizations practice group and is a former member of the executive committee of the firm. Previously he served as an Executive Vice President of Sallie Mae, Inc. Prior to his association with Sallie Mae, Mr. Schmidt served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel-Secretary and was a member of the Board of Directors of USA Group, Inc., the largest guarantor of student loans in the United States. He is admitted to practice law in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan, in addition to the United States Supreme Court and several federal district and circuit courts. Mr. Schmidt remains active and interested in Susquehanna University where he serves the alumni corporation of Theta Chi Fraternity. He and his wife, Donna, are the parents of three adult sons, Jeffrey D. Schmidt, Esq., Todd E. Schmidt, M.D. and Michael J. Schmidt.

Mr. Schmidt currently serves on the Board of Directors of United Student Aid Funds, Inc. and Lumina Foundation for Education, Inc. He was a founder and Director of MetroBank, of Indianapolis, and a past Director of Crossroads Rehabilitations Centers of Indianapolis, Fairbanks Hospital and Title Industry Assurance Company. He has served as a member of the Board of Governors of the American Land Title Association. He is a member of several bar associations, including the Indianapolis Bar Association where he has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow.

By funding this lectureship, Mr. Schmidt recognizes and salutes Susquehanna University and its faculty and staff for the profound and formative experience he received while attaining his degree.