World-Renown Anti-Capital Punishment Activist to Speak at Mount Mary

Mount Mary University welcomes world-renown death penalty abolitionist Sister Helen Prejean on Friday, Apr. 17, 2026. Prejean will speak at a community-wide event beginning at noon in Bergstrom Hall on the Mount Mary University campus. The presentation will be followed by a book signing.

Prejean is the author of several books, including “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States,” which served as inspiration for the Academy Award-winning 1995 film, “Dead Man Walking.” Her passionate advocacy work has spanned over four decades and has taken her across the globe. Prejean is an inspiring speaker and storyteller who is a frequent guest at various colleges and universities, on podcasts and TV shows, and is in conversation with influential figures in society–– including actors, religious leaders and U.S. presidents. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Mount Mary in 2010.

This event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required to reserve your spot. Please contact Dr. Zac Karanovich at karanovr@mtmary.edu for more information.