Nancy Pelosi Speaks to Packed House, Sings LMU’s Praises in Nation’s Capitol

Nancy Pelosi, speaker emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives and the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in the U.S. Congress, recently rose on the House floor to sing the praises of her February 2026 visit to LMU, calling the time spent a privilege, a "glorious occasion," and declaring herself grateful.

Pelosi urged students, "Be ready, know your why." And she shared this about the university where her youngest child, Alexandra Pelosi '92, an English major and documentary filmmaker, graduated: "Appreciate the education you have at this Jesuit institution, which is there for the greater glory of God as its value system. So, it's not just about the education, but about the values that are being conveyed."

LMU President Thomas Poon, Ph.D., responded on LinkedIn: "Speaker Emerita Pelosi honored LMU on the House floor today, reaffirming the message she shared with our Lions: that a hope-filled future is possible, and it will be shaped by young people who know the power of their unique selves while advocating for the good of others." He added: "We are so grateful to Speaker Emerita Pelosi for her visit and the inspiring conversation with our students."

That visit took place on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, and was divided into three segments. First, Poon hosted a VIP breakfast; Pelosi then appeared in a packed Ahmanson Auditorium for an audience Q&A and conversation with Fernando J. Guerr a, professor of political science and Chicana/o Latina/o studies and the founding director of StudyLA. Finally, Pelosi met in McIntosh Center with a select group of 14 students, each of whom came prepared with a question.

Pelosi's arrival took place amidst a monthlong series of events around the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The other activities are organized by Michael Genovese, president of the Global Policy Institute and professor of political science and international relations. Pelosi's visit was spearheaded by BCLA Dean Richard Fox, BCLA's Irish Studies Program, and LMU External Relations. VIPs in attendance included the Irish Consul General.

At both Ahmanson and McIntosh, Pelosi addressed a wide range of topics, including the Declaration, the Constitution, and how she believes that democracy is at stake as the history of expanding freedoms in the country regresses. "[We were] always becoming more free as a country, until now" she said. "Now we are not really honoring that, and that's the debate we're having in our country."

Pelosi also talked about the passing of the Affordable Care Act, income inequality, and climate change; offered advice for students, including to be their authentic selves; discussed the more than five-time increase in the number of women in the House since she was first elected to represent San Francisco in 1987; and answered foreign policy questions about Latin America and about her role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

The Ahmanson gathering proved so popular that staff added folding chairs to accommodate more attendees. "It was exciting to see so many people here are energized by a political leader," said Fox, dean of the LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and professor of political science. "It can feel like a lot's happening in the world, and there isn't that much excitement about politics. I think she really energized the room."

Jadyn Garcia was among the capacity crowd. Garcia, a sophomore political science student from Whittier, California, heard about Pelosi's visit from her constitutional law professor, Evan Gerstmann.

Garcia's reaction afterward? "Wow, she's a great speaker. She covered a lot of different topics and she's very well-spoken, very classy - I didn't expect anything less." Garcia noted how Pelosi discussed women in politics, and how women influence politics, and how they have been underrepresented.

Upstairs in McIntosh, Makenzie Ganje '26 was the first student to pose a question. She's a political science major and business law minor from Orange County, California, and the president of the BCLA Student Advisory Board. She and Pelosi shared a hug. "She said, 'Congratulations on your leadership.' And I said, 'Congratulations on yours,'" Ganje recounted, with a laugh. Ganje continued: "The question I asked her was about what advice you would give to women who are nervous, or don't feel qualified enough to engage in politics?"

The answer? "She said to know your why and know your what, and be confident and proud of yourself," Ganje said. "It's definitely important advice that I'm going to take into law school."

Throughout the morning, Pelosi displayed her renowned sharp wit, including a playful jab at Professor Guerra when he attempted to one-up her about the number of children in their respective families. Later, when a student asked what she would be a year from now, Pelosi deadpanned, "a stand-up comedian," before saying she can't fully announce her post-House plans, but they will include training young leaders for the future.

Pelosi has a successful politician's gift for shorthand and symbols - for example, she spoke of the "three M's" of politics: mobilizing, message and money; she wore a lapel pin with the flags of the U.S. and Ukraine; she said she had a bag that reads, "Free Jimmy Lai," for the imprisoned Hong Kong pro-democracy activist; and she referenced bracelets she wears that read, "faith, hope and charity."

"I believe inherently that the American people are good. Our founders believed that - that's why they thought democracy could succeed. That gives people hope," Pelosi said. "Hope right now is our resistance. And our resistance is hope to make sure that for the people, for the children, they can have a future."