University Speaker Series

Wednesday, March 27
Frank Warren: The Most Trusted Stranger in America
Reeve Ballroom: 227, 7pm

Frank Warren is the creator of Post Secret.  PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard.  The concept of the project was that completely anonymous people decorate a postcard and portray a secret that they had never previously revealed. No restrictions are made on the content of the secret; only that it must be completely truthful and must never have been spoken before.

Advance tickets are available with a Titan ID, starting Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the SLIC Desk.  Tickets reserve a seat up to 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.  Only one ticket available per Titan ID.  15 minutes prior to the start of the event, remaining seats will become available for the general public, if they are available.  

Wednesday, April 10
Zach Wahls: What Makes a Family? 
Reeve Ballroom: 227, 7:30 pm
*Following the Ally March*

On January 31, 2011, Zach Wahls addressed the Iowa House Judiciary Committee in a public hearing regarding a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Iowa. The then-nineteen-year-old son of a same-sex couple, Wahls proudly proclaimed, “the sexual orientation of my parents has had zero effect on the content of my character.” Hours later, his speech was posted on YouTube, where it went viral, quickly receiving more than two million views. By the end of the week, everyone knew his name and wanted to hear more from the boy with two moms. 

Same-sex marriage will be a major—possibly the defining—issue in this year’s election cycle, and Wahls speaks to that, but also to a broader issue. Sure, he’s handsome and athletic, an environmental engineering student, and an Eagle Scout. Yet, growing up with two moms, he knows what it’s like to feel different and to fear being made fun of or worse. In the inspirational spirit of the “It Gets Better” campaign, My Two Moms also delivers a reassuring message to same-sex couples, their kids, and anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider:

“You are not alone.” 

Meeting times: Wednesdays at 7:00pm in Reeve Union 220

University Speaker Series provides a tremendous opportunity for leadership and campus involvement for students.  University Speaker Series is a committee responsible for providing informative, educational, and/or entertaining programs of interest at little or no charge to the campus and surrounding community.

Those interested in joining the University Speaker Series may contact University Speaker Series at speakerseries@uwosh.edu or the advisor, Mike Lueder, Program Advisor for Volunteerism at luederm@uwosh.edu or at (920) 424-1269.

New members are always welcome!

USS members select the speakers, do all the advertising and marketing, meet the speakers in advance of the event, eat dinner with the speaker, and staff the event.  It's a great opportunity to meet people with amazing stories.  E-mail the Speaker Series account or advisor Mike Lueder if you are interested in joining, or just stop by a meeting.  

Co-Sponsorship

University Speaker Series is funded by the Allocations Committee, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.  University Speaker Series does co-sponsor events throughout the year.  If you are interested in applying for co-sponsorship, please fill out this form: CO-SPONSORSHIP FORM

Speaker selection is made in March for the following school year.  Speaking Agencies will be contacted on how to submit information before then.