Penn State students don’t have to wait until graduation to witness a powerful speech from an esteemed professional. With every new semester comes a new speaker series … The Penn State Forum Speakers Series, which gives students and the State College Community an opportunity to learn from a variety of outstanding leaders and innovators.
“The speakers series is such a unique opportunity for Penn State students because the audience is able to ask questions and create a captivating discourse with the speaker that goes well beyond the topics that were originally presented,” said Audrey Rueger, a 2017 Penn State graduate.
Fall 2017 Forum Speakers included a student activist, NBC executive, director and Vietnam War veteran. The spring 2018 speakers are just as impressive, ranging from a retired NFL player turned mathematician to an inspiring immigration and education activist. VALLEY is here to give you all the information you’ll need to be front row at the next event.
Jan. 25, Andrew Belser
Andrew Belser is a professor of acting, voice and movement at Penn State University. His presentation, “FaceAge: Empathy Rising Across Generations,” expands on his multimedia installation and documentary film. His presentation unpacks aging questions between the young and old through speech and touch. The presentation will be held in President’s Hall at the Penn Stater.
Feb. 20, John Urschel
Urschel, a name you may recognize on the back of Penn State and Baltimore Ravens jerseys, is speaking on a topic other than football. This retired NFL player expresses of his passion for mathematics in his presentation, “Order and Chaos.” The event will be held in the Ballroom of the Nittany Lion Inn.
March 20, Julissa Arce
Former Wall Street executive, Julissa Arce, has committed her life to advocating for immigrant rights. Her book “My (Underground) American Dream” brings up many questions regarding undocumented immigration as well as touches on her personal experience. Her presentation, “The American Dreamer: From Undocumented to Wall Street to Immigration Advocate,” will be held in the Ballroom of the Nittany Lion Inn.
April 24, Charlene Teters
As a Native American artist and educator, Charlene Teters is on a mission to protect the rights and respect of her culture. She is an academic dean at the Institute of American Indian Arts and her paintings have been featured in numerous exhibitions, commissions and collections. Her speech, “If Not You, Then Who,” will be held in the Ballroom of the Nittany Lion Inn.
All Forum events begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Penn State id+ office in the HUB for $21, and will give students access to the event as well as a complementary lunch buffet. By volunteering as a greeter or question taker at the event, students can get free admission.
