Background
In 2008, the UAlbany Student Association conceived and organized the World Within Reach Speaker Series in order to bring world leaders and thinkers to campus. Since its inception, the event has featured a variety of renowned speakers whose influential voices have provided students an opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions about a variety of disciplines.
In recent years, the speaker series has evolved into the University at Albany Speaker Series, a university-wide collaborative initiative overseen by an Advisory Committee with the events produced by the Office of University Events. Its goal, however, remains unchanged - to bring renowned guest speakers from across the globe to campus in order to engage the University and Capital Region communities in compelling and purposeful discussions addressing contemporary issues and events.
Advisory Committee
The Speaker Series Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from each of the following offices:
- Division for Student Affairs
- Student Association
- Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Office of Student Involvement
- Student Programming Board
- University Auxiliary Services
- Division of Academic Affairs
- Division for University Advancement
- Alumni Association
- New York State Writers Institute
- Office of University Events
Speaker Selection Process
In collaboration with campus and community partners, the University at Albany Speaker Series sponsors presenters from varying industries and backgrounds to speak on relevant and compelling topics that appeal to both our students and our community at large. Speakers bureau, agency representatives, or campus constituencies with speaker recommendations are welcome to contact the Office of University Events. Those suggestions will then be brought to the Advisory Committee for review.
Support and Funding
All production expenses and/or speaker fees for the University at Albany Speaker Series are covered by the following UAlbany Partners:
- Division for Student Affairs
- Student Association
- University Auxiliary Services
- Alumni Association
Outside of the above funding sources, no Research Foundation funds, tuition dollars, or general gifts to UAlbany or The University at Albany Foundation are used to support the program.