Tufts’ Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life announced on Sept. 12 its latest choices for its yearly Solomont Speaker Series.
From politicians to medical professionals, Tisch College states that the “Solomont Speaker Series hosts a diverse group of leaders in civic life to share their expertise and inspire discussion among the Tufts community.” The series aims to highlight all forms of civic life and give the Tufts community the opportunity to hear from distinguished guests on a variety of issues.
Some featured speakers chosen for the 2024 season include: U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla.; journalist and author Jodi Kantor; Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell; Dr. Jim O’Connell, a public health advocate and physician; New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and finally rapper and activist Dee-1.
Each event, scheduled throughout the semester, will be open to all members of the Tufts community. The majority of series talks — which all offer remote viewing options — will take place on the Medford/Somerville campus with a few special exceptions, like Dr. O’Connell, who will present at the Boston campus.
Dee-1 is also slated to serve as the inaugural Alan Solomont Artist-in-Residence. Tisch College will host a separate student meet and greet with Dee-1 on Sept. 26.
In addition to the different speakers’ presentations, Tisch will also host events like civic life lunches centered on special topics, office hours with Dayna Cunningham, dean of the Tisch College of Civil Life and a special day of service to celebrate the inauguration of President Sunil Kumar.
In anticipation of the start of the series, Dean Cunningham shared her enthusiasm for this year’s speakers and set programming.
“We are looking forward to an exciting and engaging semester of speakers at Tisch College, and we encourage everyone to be part of these events,” Cunningham wrote in an email to the Daily.
Cunningham elaborated on the qualifications and intriguing qualities of the 2024 Solomont speakers, as well as a brief overview of the topics to be discussed.
“This group of speakers represents the many ways individuals can lead, work for change with communities, and build robust and inclusive democracy,” she wrote. “Please join us for thought-provoking conversations on topics like housing, carceral reform in Massachusetts, Gen Z political representation, the 2024 election and more.”
The first speaker of the 2023-24 season is Jodi Kantor, who will present on Oct. 11 in the ASEAN Auditorium.
