Tickets

Category: Lecture Series

Each year, the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series brings thought leaders and newsmakers to share insights with the Kean community. Previous lecturers include Pulitzer-prize-winning presidential historian Jon Meacham, civil rights leader Martin Luther King III, journalists Soledad O’Brien and Abby Phillip, author Chelsea Clinton and political commentator Bakari Sellers.

Kara Swisher

Portrait of Kara Swisher, prominent tech journalist and podcast host, wearing glasses with a dark frame, a black blazer, and a white top. She has short, dark hair and is looking slightly to the side with a serious expression. The background is a gradient transitioning from green to orange.

Once called “Silicon Valley’s most feared but revered journalist” by New York Magazine, Kara Swisher has established herself as the oracle of the tech world with unrivaled access to the industry’s most significant leaders.

Giancarlo Esposito

Portrait of Giancarlo Esposito, actor known for his roles in 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Mandalorian,' wearing a dark textured jacket over a white shirt. He has short, curly grey hair and a trimmed goatee, with a contemplative expression as he looks slightly off to the side. The background is a gradient transitioning from green to orange.

Celebrated actor, director and producer Giancarlo Esposito shares his journey as an actor and about becoming a quality thespian, despite the standard industry hurdles many people of color face while trying to break into “the industry.”

Temple Grandin

Portrait of Temple Grandin, renowned scientist and autism advocate, wearing a black Western-style shirt with intricate beaded designs and a red necktie. She has short, wavy grey hair and is looking off to the side, standing against a gradient background transitioning from green to orange.

Temple Grandin is a world-renowned expert know to many for her trailblazing work as a spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behavior. She is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University.

Ndaba Mandela

Portrait of Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, wearing a light grey suit, white shirt, and a dark tie. He has a short beard and mustache, and stands against a gradient background transitioning from orange to green.

Following in the footsteps of his beloved grandfather Nelson Mandela, Ndaba Mandela has taken the torch – and ran with it. Today, Nelson Mandela’s legacy lives on as Ndaba continues to keep its beacon of hope bright.

Al Franken

Portrait of Al Franken, former U.S. Senator and comedian, wearing glasses, a light blue collared shirt, and a black blazer. He is smiling softly, standing against a gradient background transitioning from orange to green.

Through a blend of experience, satire, and sharp analysis, Former Senator Al Franken urges all Americans to recognize their power for positive change. The message is clear: it’s time to speak up and shape the future of democracy.

Tabitha Brown

Tabitha in a bohemian dress with her arms extended and a blue background

Kean University will welcome actress and author Tabitha Brown to share her inspiring message of positive change on Monday, January 29 as part of the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series.

A Different World: 35 Years Later

Two women and two men headshots within a dark blue background. DLSworld.

In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the iconic television series “A Different World,” we bring together the beloved cast members, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, and Cree Summer, to explore whether it is indeed still “a different world” in the present day. This panel promises to be a nostalgic yet thought-provoking journey through the lens of a show that left an indelible mark on television and society.