Elon University has just unveiled its exciting lineup for the 2025-26 speaker series. This year, the university will welcome a mix of prominent figures including Olympian Katie Ledecky, author Alejandra Campoverdi, retired Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley, philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah, and writers Zeynep Tufekci and Frank Bruni.
Jeff Clark, the executive director of cultural and special programs, leads the selection process for speakers. He aims to find individuals whose messages resonate with the university community. "I want speakers who align with what we’re doing on campus," Clark explains, highlighting Tufekci’s expertise on AI’s impact on society as an important reason for her invitation.
Clark collaborates with students, faculty, and local community members to choose the speakers. He hopes these events inspire valuable conversations on campus and beyond.
Alejandra Campoverdi, known for her book "FIRST GEN," will give a lecture on September 18, 2025. Campoverdi’s background as a White House aide under President Obama and her work establishing the First Gen Fund, which supports first-generation college students, adds depth to her message.
Another highlight will be Katie Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer in history, speaking at the Fall Convocation on September 26, 2025. Clark notes that they look for "highly successful and recognizable people" for this event, especially since it’s part of Family Weekend.
Retired Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley Jr. will deliver a lecture on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. With a long career in military intelligence and deep ties to North Carolina, Ashley’s insights will offer a unique perspective on national security issues.
Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah will give the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address on January 8, 2026. Recognized as one of Foreign Policy’s top public intellectuals in 2008, Appiah’s work on ethics and global citizenship is timely and significant.
Techno-sociologist Zeynep Tufekci, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, will present the Baird Lecture on March 12, 2026. Her insights into the rise of AI provide a crucial framework as society grapples with technology’s rapid growth, with recent surveys showing over half of U.S. adults using AI tools like ChatGPT.
Lastly, Frank Bruni, a former New York Times columnist, will conclude the series on April 9, 2026. His engaging storytelling includes overcoming personal challenges, including losing vision in one eye. As a Duke University professor, Bruni’s experiences resonate strongly with many in academia.
The speaker series events are free for Elon University students, faculty, and staff but open to the public for a small fee. Clark emphasizes the event’s importance in showcasing Elon’s vibrant community and fostering discussions that can lead to change.
For more details about the speaker series, you can check out Elon University’s announcement.
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