A former U.S. Secretary of State, a world-renowned physicist and one of the nation’s top comedians are among the headliners for UB’s 2005–06 Distinguished Speakers Series. “This year’s series looks at our cities and our people, the world around us and the science of tomorrow,” says Dennis R. Black, UB vice president for student affairs. “It should make our community members think, wonder and dream.”

Alex Kotlowitz Journalist and author of There Are No Children Here, the 2005 UB Reads book selection for incoming freshmen September 29, 2005 8 p.m., Alumni Arena

Colin Powell The nation’s 65th secretary of state and an admired figure among Democrats and Republicans alike October 19, 2005 8 p.m., Alumni Arena

President’s Lecture for Science and Technology Brian Greene Physicist and groundbreaking string theorist; string theory attempts to bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity November 16, 2005 8 p.m., Alumni Arena

Keynote address for the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Event Tavis Smiley Public broadcasting talk show host (Tavis Smiley Late Night on PBS and The Tavis Smiley Show on Public Radio International) February 3, 2006 8 p.m., Center for the Arts, Mainstage

Laurie Garrett Medical and science journalist and the only person to win all three of the most elite awards in American journalism—the Peabody, the Polk and the Pulitzer April 6, 2006 8 p.m., Center for the Arts, Mainstage

Undergraduate Student Choice Speaker Conan O’Brien Comedian, writer, performer, interviewer and host of Late Night with Conan O’Brien April 22, 2006 8 p.m., Alumni Arena

For ticket and speaker information, go to www.specialevents.buffalo.edu.