Distinguished Speaker Series

Updated February 16, 2021

For more than three decades, UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series (DSS) has brought to the campus and community a wide range of public figures in the arts, culture, society and global politics. The purpose of the series to foster dialogue and debate about the issues of the day. 

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Past speakers have included former U.S. presidents, best-selling authors, civil rights leaders, renowned scientists and Nobel laureates, among many others. These national and international thought leaders provide our community with a richness of discourse that enhances our region’s quality of life.

No state funding or student tuition revenue is used to pay speaking fees, which are financed entirely through ticket sales, sponsorships and endowments specifically directed to the DSS.

Agreements with speakers who participate in the DSS are maintained by the University at Buffalo Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization which, by New York State law, is not subject to the New York Freedom of Information Law. As such, these agreements, including information about speaking fees, are not public information.

When the university does possess records, they are released in accordance with the New York State Freedom of Information Law. Any request for information about agreements with DSS speakers should be made to the University at Buffalo Foundation. Release of the information would be solely under its discretion. The foundation is independent of the State of New York and of the State University of New York in the exercise of their fiduciary responsibilities.

More information about the foundation is available on its website: https://ub-foundation.org/.