The-13th-Annual-David-H-Caskey-Memorial-Lecture.php

The 13th Annual David H. Caskey Memorial Lecture

• Event
• 04/09/2025

Join us for the 13th Annual David H. Caskey Memorial Lecture featuring Ryan Busse, a former firearms executive who will discuss the complexities of America’s multibillion-dollar gun industry.

The event will take place on Monday, April 21, at 6 p.m. in the Physical Education Center at Rock Valley College, located at 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL. This is a free event open to the public.

In his lecture, Busse will pull back the curtain on how the gun industry has fostered extremism and racism, contributing to the radicalization of the nation and escalating cultural division. As an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and conservationist, Busse built a successful career selling millions of firearms for one of America’s most popular gun companies. However, he became disillusioned with the industry's shift towards hardline conservatism and internal policing, which he believes has sown division in our politics and society.

Busse’s decision to end his 30-year career in the firearms industry is a rare move among gun executives, and he aims to shed light on the factors that have led us to this critical juncture.

For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, please contact Michelle Rotert at M.Rotert@RockValleyCollege.edu or call (815) 921-3354. This event is sponsored by the David H. Caskey family and the RVC Philosophy Department.