College & Theater Events

<p>An award-winning journalist and executive producer of several critically acclaimed digital series at Vox Media and NBC News, Liz Plank speaks about women’s issues, LGBTQ+ rights, social media, and feminism. </p><p>The CEO of Liz Plank Productions and a columnist for MSNBC, Liz has been named one of<em> Forbes</em>’ 30 Under 30, Mediaite’s Most Influential in News Media, <em>Marie Claire</em>’s Most Powerful Women, and was named one of the World’s Most Influential People in Gender Policy by Apolitical.

<p>Good humored, multi-faceted, and tenacious are all words that describe Josh McDermitt. A well-known name in comedy, McDermitt is recognized for his dramatic roles as well, including in his current role as ‘Dr. Eugene Porter’ on AMC’s record-breaking hit, "The Walking Dead". He also recurred on the final season of Mad Men on which he had a dramatically different role.</p>

<p>Jamelle Bouie equips audiences with a deeper understanding of current events, a stronger grasp of the historical context shaping them, and practical insight into how to interpret American society today.</p><p>Jamelle Bouie is a columnist for <em>The New York Times </em>and one of today’s most influential voices interpreting U.S. politics and policy through the lens of American history.

<p>A groundbreaking figure in the history of American space exploration, Captain Scott Kelly shares invaluable insights on leadership and teamwork, resilience, and embracing failure to achieve personal and professional goals.</p><p>Holding the record for the single longest mission of an American astronaut in space, Captain Scott Kelly draws from his epic life journey to help individuals and organizations redefine and reach beyond their limits.

<p>General Richard Myers provides battled-tested strategies for being an effective leader and shows organizations how to take charge during times of change to achieve mission critical objectives.</p><p>As the fifteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Myers led America in the aftermath of 9/11 and the early stages of the war on terror. During his tenure under President George W.

<p>Steve Wozniak is best known as the co-founder of Apple Computer, which helped shape the personal computer industry with the popular Macintosh. An inductee to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, he is constantly innovating, teaching the lessons of Apple to show that evolution can be achieved from the ground up.

<p>In August 1993, Matt and his Ranger company deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of Operation Gothic Serpent. The battle was made famous by the best selling book and movie <em>Black Hawk Down</em>. </p><p>Matt spent almost nine years in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. He later served at the US Army War College and taught leadership at The Johns Hopkins University. Matt’s last military assignment was an Infantry Company First Sergeant in the 10th Mountain Division.

<p>One of the most visible and trusted faces in broadcast news, award-winning journalist Jonathan Karl helps audiences understand America’s ever-changing political landscape and shares what to watch for as we enter a new Trump presidency.</p><p>Jonathan Karl is ABC News Chief Washington correspondent and co-anchor of <em>This Week with George Stephanopoulos.</em> He is the author of<em> Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign that Changed America</em>, along with three other <em>New York Times</em> bestsellers.

<p>One of the biggest national abduction news stories of our time, the kidnapping and recovery of Elizabeth Smart captured the nation’s attention from June 5, 2002, when she was taken at knifepoint, to when the police safely returned her back to her family on March 12, 2003. Held prisoner for 9 grueling months, repeatedly threatened and tormented, Smart emerged a symbol of perseverance and strength when she triumphantly testified before her captor and the world about her very private nightmare.</p>

<p>True survivor of extreme challenge, and business leader, Lauren Manning shares experiences that help organizations thrive even in the most difficult of times.</p><p>“It was my moment. my choice. Keep fighting or surrender and die. I made the choice. I decided to live.”</p><p>The most catastrophically wounded survivor in the September 11th attacks, Lauren battled against all odds to emerge from the fires. A world-renowned role model for her resilience and fortitude surmounting personal and professional challenges.