The Third Presidential Conference

Dwight D. Eisenhower
Soldier-President-Statesman

March 29-31, 1984

In 1984, the Hofstra Cultural Center presented its third presidential conference Dwight D. Eisenhower: Soldier, President, Statesman on March 29-31. The conference examined the life and career of Eisenhower divided into three segments, his military achievements, his Presidency and his statesmanship.

Panel topics included "Foreign Policy," "Civil Rights," "Economic and Social Policies," "International Turmoil: Through the Eisenhower Prism," "The Search for Peace," and "Eisenhower and the Press." There was also an exhibition in the David Filderman Gallery, of Eisenhower Art, Books and Manuscripts.

At the opening ceremony greetings were given by D. David Eisenhower II; the keynote address was given by Andrew J. Goodpaster, Defense Liaison Officer and Staff Secretary to President Eisenhower, 1954-1961; and an invitational address was given by Stephen E. Ambrose. The Banquet featured The Honorable William J. Casey, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and a banquet address by The Honorable Clare Boothe Luce, Ambassador to Italy, 1953-1957.

A special roundtable, "Staff Recollections: Eisenhower the Politician," featured Robert K. Gray, Secretary of the Cabinet, 1959-1960; Robert E. Merriam, Deputy Director of the Budget 1955-1958 and Deputy Assistant to the President, 1958-1961; L. Arthur Minnich, Assistant Staff Secretary under President Eisenhower, 1953-1960; E. Frederic Morrow, Executive Assistant to President Eisenhower, 1953-1961; and others.

Papers and presentations from the conference were complied into a book, Dwight D. Eisenhower: Soldier, President, Statesman, edited by Joann P. Kreig, published by Greenwood Press in 1987. The list price is $72.50.

Conference Director:
Eric J. Schmertz