2008-2009 UB Distinguished Speaker Series

This year’s Distinguished Speaker Series at UB has been announced, and it looks pretty spectacular.  The lineup includes a debate sure to rock the socks off of anybody who’s alive and planning on voting, an acclaimed internationally known author, a scientist known for his showmanship as well as brainiac knowledge, as well as a prolific journalist and columnist.

First on the schedule is the Debate to End All Debates 2008.  You’ll remember the last time the series hosted a live debate it was between former Attorney General Janet Reno and staunchly conservative reporter journalist writer person Ann Coulter.  It was a doozy, folks.  This year, in the ring we have Bushman former Bush advisor Karl Rove and former Democratic vice-presidential (and later presidential) candidate John Edwards.  Should be interesting.  Which would do you think looks better in a Hulk Hogan-style wrester’s belt?  I’m guessing Edwards.
John Edwards and Karl Rove Friday, Sept. 26, 8 p.m. Alumni Arena

Next is acclaimed author Khaled Hosseini, whose novel “The Kite Runner” has taken the literary world by storm since its 2003 debut.  The book about an Afghani boy who befriends a peer from the other side of the political thermostat, pushing social, political and interpersonal limits to new places.  The book was made into a movie and has been published in 40 languages.  This should be an awesome addition to the already growing local author speaker scene with events like Babel and centers like Just Buffalo Literary Center.
Khaled Hosseini Thursday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Alumni Arena

Jon Stewart from Comedy Central’s The Daily Show is next on the list, and even with the Rove/Edwards matchup, Stewart is the headliner of this year’s series.  Stewart has been on the top of students’ wish lists for a long time.  I remember his name appearing on the list of potential speakers every year we’d be polled as students for our choice of speakers.  He’s finally coming, and right before the big election.  Expect huge laughs and timely, constructive conversation.
Jon Stewart Saturday, Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Alumni Arena

Other names including in the series are Democratic political campaign advisor Donna Brazile (Thursday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m. UB Center for the Arts) who is this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Event Speaker; journalist and Newsweek columnist Anna Quindlen (Wednesday, March 4, 8 p.m. UB Center for the Arts); and TV personality Bill Nye the Science Guy (Wednesday, April 22, 8 p.m. Alumni Arena).

Season tickets to this year’s series are now available, and any available single tickets will be put on sale closer to the date of each event.  For more information, check here.

Posted by on 08/06 at 01:41 PM