College & Independent Schools
Performing Arts
Performing Arts:
Leading Authority on European Travel
A well-known travel expert who offers a uniquely accessible view into other cultures, Rick Steves provides fascinating presentations on Europe, Iran, and other destinations.
NBA Legend & NY Times Best Selling Author
A global icon that changed the game of basketball, Kareem is a Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner who now works to bring innovative educational opportunities to underserved communities.
New York Times Columnist & Pulitzer Prize-Winner
Maureen Dowd, winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary and author of three New York Times best sellers, became an Op-Ed columnist in 1995. In August 2014, she also became a writer for The Times Magazine.
Filmmaker & Former CEO, the Black Family Channel
Raised by a single mom on the West Side of Chicago, Townsend transcended his environment to become an actor, writer, director, comedian, producer and ultimately, the President and CEO of the Black Family Channel.
One-Man Jazz Show
St. Louis Missouri native, saxophonist and playwright, Jeff started the band the Jeff Robinson Trio in 1995 as a bridge between music and theatre. Jeff’s one-man show about jazz legend Charlie “Bird” Parker entitled “Live Bird” has appeared in NYC.
Noted Activist & Actor
Known for his role on M*A*S*H, Mike Farrell is dedicated to protecting human rights. A spokesperson for CONCERN/America, he speaks about overlooked topics as arms control, veterans’ rights, prison reform and more.
Storyteller, Author & Family Entertainer
Called “the Mark Twain of contemporary children’s music” by Entertainment Weekly, Bill Harley is one of the best storytellers by bringing commonality and humanity through comic songs and confessional spoken works.
Award-Winning Musical
The award-winning musical “Witness Uganda” documents the true story of Griffin Matthews, a black American who is battling to find his place in a world full of injustice and inhumanity.