Global Summit XVII sponsorship
Support the JES's mission of fostering dialogue for the Erie region on a global level.
Our audiences continue to show up to explore critical topics—from politics and global affairs to cutting-edge science, technology, sports, and more. And thanks to our sponsors, we’ve kept ticket prices unchanged since day one, ensuring that access to these powerful learning experiences remains open to all.
Last year, the 2024 Global Summit featured bold conversations on politics, sports, history, artificial intelligence, and social issues. It culminated in a landmark event: former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney in conversation with Erie’s own Sr. Joan Chittister—the largest event in JES history and the largest educational event ever held at the Bayfront Convention Center.
This year, we look forward to kicking off this year’s Global Summit with President Barack Obama. We will also host and welcome renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and community leader Jim Kelly, Vice President Mike Pence, and acclaimed historian Lindsay Chervinsky, plus many additional distinguished speakers who will engage and inspire audiences of all ages.
Whether you’ve sponsored the Global Summit before, supported other JES initiatives, or are considering a sponsorship for the first time, thank you for helping our community grow and thrive. Your support makes it possible for us to offer inclusive, high-quality programming that fosters civic engagement and civil dialogue—providing residents across Erie County with access to the ideas, conversations, and learning opportunities that matter most, especially in times when thoughtful public discourse is so urgently necessary.
If your organization is interested in becoming a Global Summit XVII sponsor, please contact Christine Gerlock by phone at 814-459-8000 or by email at gerlock@jeserie.org.
Faith, Religion, and American Politics: A Conversation with Vice President Mike Pence and Paul McNulty
A firm believer that faith, family, and liberty are foundational American values, former Vice President Mike Pence will be joined by Paul McNulty to discuss how those core beliefs play into national politics today.
Pence was born in Columbus, Indiana, in 1959, into a family that epitomized the American Dream, instilling in him values of hard work, faith, and family. After graduating from Hanover College and Indiana University School of Law, he embarked on a multifaceted career, including law practice, hosting a talk show, serving as a congressman for six terms, and championing limited government and fiscal responsibility. Pence then was elected the 50th governor of Indiana, focusing on tax cuts, job creation, education reform, and infrastructure investment while maintaining fiscal responsibility. His accomplishments in Indiana led to his selection by GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump to be his running mate. Pence's conservative philosophy, which he said was inspired by by Ronald Reagan, led to his founding Advancing American Freedom.
Paul J. McNulty recently retired after 11 years as president of Grove City College, his alma mater. A 1980 graduate of the college, McNulty spent over 30 years in Washington, D.C., as an attorney in public service and private practice before becoming the college's ninth president in 2014. In 2006, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed McNulty to the position of deputy Attorney General, the second in command at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Chief Operating Officer of the department's 100,000 employees. He previously served as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and was a leader in the U.S. response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He served as a senior attorney in the U.S. Congress, including as chief counsel and director of Legislative Operations for the House Majority Leader, and led the global corporate compliance and investigations practice for Baker McKenzie, one of the world's largest law firms.
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 7:00-8:30PM
Location: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Admission:
- General Admission: $35
- Preferred Seating: $60 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee
Parking: Lot behind building, State Street, 33rd Street, 32nd Street, French Street
NEED TO KNOW INFO:
Arrive early: Doors open at 6:00 p.m., please be patient with our volunteers and staff as we all make sure the event is enjoyed by all.
Seating: Seating is first-come, first-served per each designated section.
Photo ID: You must present your valid Government issued Photo ID at the door to enter the event.
Ticket holders: NO ONE who is not registered BY NAME will be admitted. If you purchased tickets for someone who is no longer able to attend, you must call to update us with the name of the person coming in their place. Tickets cannot be transferred to anyone while checking into the event. Please call us to update any ticket holder information 48 hours before the event- 814.459.8000.
Updated information: Please check the JES website, JESErie.org, for the most up-to-date event information.
Mike Pence was born in Columbus, Indiana, on June 7, 1959, into a family that epitomized the American Dream, instilling in him values of hard work, faith, and family. After graduating from Hanover College and Indiana University School of Law, he embarked on a multifaceted career, including law practice, hosting a talk show, serving as a Congressman for six terms, and championing limited government and fiscal responsibility. Pence then was elected the 50th Governor of Indiana, focusing on tax cuts, job creation, education reform, and infrastructure investment while maintaining fiscal responsibility. His accomplishments in Indiana led to his selection as the 48th Vice President of the United States. Pence’s conservative philosophy, inspired by Ronald Reagan, led to his founding Advancing American Freedom which continues to advocate for faith, family, and liberty as foundational American values.
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Paul J. McNulty recently retired after 11 years as president of Grove City College, his alma mater. A 1980 graduate of the College, McNulty spent over 30 years in Washington, D.C., as an attorney in public service and private practice before becoming the College’s ninth president in 2014. In 2006, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed McNulty to the position of Deputy Attorney General, the second in command at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Chief Operating Officer of the department’s 100,000 employees. He previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and was a leader in our nation’s response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, a senior attorney in the U.S. Congress, including as Chief Counsel and Director of Legislative Operations for the House Majority Leader, and led the global corporate compliance and investigations practice for Baker McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms.
