Distinguished Speakers' Series
Since 2021, the Foundation has been inviting famous authors and speakers as part of the Distinguished Speakers' Series, which is supported by a generous donation from the Laurie I and Mathew J Hogan Charitable Fund. Below is a list of the Distinguished Speakers' Series events.
- January 2021: Dr. Ibram Kendi, author of How to be an Antiracist.
- October 2021: Eric Klinenberg, author of Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life.
- September 2022: Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, speaker, author, and thought leader gave a talk on the four tenets of happiness. A recording of Dr. Chopra's talk is available online.
- November 2022: Stephan Puleo, historian and best selling author, spoke about his latest book, Voyage of Mercy: The USS Jamestown, the Irish Famine, and the Remarkable Story of America's First Humanitarian Mission.
- March 2023: Best selling author Hank Philippi Ryan discussed her writing style and new book, The House Guest.
- July 2023 - June 2024: Three programs on the topic of artificial intelligence were offered.
- Dr. Fabricio Murai from Worcester Polytechnic Institute gave an informative talk on the history and status of AI.
- Congressman James McGovern and State Senator Michael Moore delivered a stimulating presentation and discussion on proposed regulations around AI.
- Dr. Yvonne Masakowski guided the audience through the world of ethics and global security in the process of implementing the power of AI.
- October 2024: Best selling author Chris Bohjalian spoke on the process of storytelling.
- March 2025: Russel Johnson, author of Beyond Civility in Social Conflict: Dialog, Critique, and Religious Ethics, gave a talk titled "Communicating in Polarized Times".
- June 2025: Dr. David McManus, the founding director of the UMASS program on Digital Medicine, gave a talk titled "Can AI Save American Healthcare". A recording of the talk is available through Shrewsbury Media Connection.