Campus Speakers & Headliners (U)

<p>Best known for his role as the “Culture Vulture” in the Emmy Award-winning show <em>Queer Eye For The Straight Guy</em>, Jai has been helping to shape American culture—and the cultural representation of the LGBTQ community—for nearly two decades.</p><p> Emmy Award-winning actor Jai Rodriguez’s career began at age 18, when he was cast as Angel in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical <em>Rent</em>.

<p>Aly Raisman, team captain of the gold medal winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Gymnastics teams in 2012 and 2016, is the second most decorated American gymnast of all-time with six total Olympic medals. </p><p>The most decorated U.S. gymnast at the 2012 Games, Raisman captured the hearts of millions as she became the first American gymnast to win gold in the floor exercise. One of only two U.S.

<p>As the first openly LGBTQ+ professional to play in the NFL, R.K. Russell articulates how truth is essential to not only survive but to thrive.</p><p>In addition to being a professional football player in the NFL, he is also a published poet, writer, and artist. R.K. dedicated his life to football. He learned the responsibility and hard work it took to become a Big Ten Starter, an All-Conference player, and a reliable teammate. Off the field, he began to take his studies more seriously, write long-form creative pieces, and discover his sexuality. R.K.

<p>From DJing sets worldwide to captivating the hearts of “Thronies” across nations, Kristian Nairn has made a name for himself. Better known as ‘Hodor’ from HBO’s Game of Thrones, this multitalented self-starter is an international sensation. </p>

<p>Amiyah Scott is a proud advocate of the <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">LGBTQ+ </span>community and has centralized her focus on giving Transgender Females a voice. Amiyah’s confidence and outspoken attitude resonates with the culture.

<p>Ice-T not only invented gangster rap, he lived it. He is the embodiment of LA Hip-Hop, an actor, and a cultural icon. </p>

<p>Through his music, his books, and his lecture tours of America’s prisons, high schools, libraries, and colleges (including Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford), Ice-T has become an influential spokesman for America’s youth, regardless of color. </p>

<p>Rita Moreno remains one of the busiest stars in show business. Rita recently starred in the critically-acclaimed Latino remake of Norman Lear’s classic sitcom, <i>One Day at a Time</i> on Netflix. Prior to that, Rita has also appeared in guest-starring roles in primetime TV series such as <i>Getting On</i>, <i>Jane The Virgin</i>, <i>Grey’s Anatomy</i>, and<i> Grace and Frankie</i>.</p><p>In 2015 Rita received the Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime Contributions to American culture.

Dascha Polanco is well-known for her groundbreaking roles in Hollywood as a leading young Latina actress. Polanco is recognized for her role as “Dayanara Diaz” on the hit Netflix original series, Orange is the New Black.

<p>Josh Radnor is a multifaceted artist, captivating audiences with his scene-stealing roles on screen and on stage, while also showcasing his talents as a writer, director and musician.</p><p>Radnor toplined NBC’s new series, <i>Rise</i>, inspired by Michael Sokolove’s novel <i>Drama High</i> and the famed theatre program at Harry S. Truman High School, the music-infused drama is about finding inspiration in unexpected places.

<p>Model, Actress, Author, Advocate and Activist Dominique Jackson is best known for her leading role of Elektra Abundance on the FX television series <i>Pose</i>.</p><p>From fleeing persecution as a transgender woman in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago to starring in television hits, Dominique Jackson has seen it all.