Past Speakers

Since 1987, the Distinguished Speakers Series has expanded to include internationally renowned scientists, authors, media experts and other leaders from a multitude of fields—all of whom continue to bring a crowd of people to UB each year.

Speakers By Year

Photo Highlights

"Legally Blonde" actress, Selma Blair, speaking at the Center for the Arts on March 15, 2023.

Former President & Direct-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Sherrilyn Ifill, speaking at the Center for the Arts on Feb. 16, 2023.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, speaking at the Center for the Arts on Nov. 15, 2022.

Actor and comedian, Ken Jeong, speaking at the Center for the Arts on Oct. 11, 2022.

Host of "Wildlife Nation," Jeff Corwin, showing the audience a baby sloth at the Center for the Arts on Apr. 5, 2022

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Creator of "The 1619 Project," Nikole Hannah-Jones, speaking at the Center for the Arts on Feb. 16, 2022

Gold Medal-Winning Gymnast, Aly Raisman, speaking at the Center for the Arts on Nov. 16, 2021

Virtual event with Tabitha Brown, Actress and Vegan Foodie, Apr. 14, 2021

Social Activist, Patrisse Cullors, speaks at a virtual event on Feb. 10, 2021

Tony Award-Winning Actor & Musician, Leslie Odom Jr., performed at a virtual event on Oct. 14, 2020

Daymond John in the Center for the Arts on Mar 11, 2020    

Peter Diamandis (Executive Chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation) with the Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, Tom Ulbrich, at the Center for the Arts on November 14, 2018

John Legend (Academy Award-Winning Songwriter, Singer, Musician, Producer, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur) at UB's Alumni Arena on December 3, 2015

John Oliver (Political Satirist and Star of HBO's "Last week Tonight with John Oliver") at Alumni Arena on December 3, 2014

David Blaine (Endurance Artist and World Renowned Magician) with audience members on stage at Alumni Arena on April 26, 2014

Mary Frances Berry (Author, Educator and Historian) and Diane Nash (Civil Rights and Peace Activist) at the Center for the Arts on February 26, 2014