Elevate Your Knowledge through the Tate Lecture Series

Since its inception 100 years ago, SMU’s mission is to provide a top-notch education, conducting groundbreaking research, and fostering intellectual entrepreneurship. One key event contributing to this mission is the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series. This series brings in thought-provoking and entertaining speakers from all over the world to engage with the SMU community and the greater Dallas area. The Tate Lecture Series ranks as one of the top forums for thought-provoking and insightful discussions, giving students, faculty, and the community a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful debates and connect with leading global experts.

Recap of this Week’s Tate Lecture Series Speakers

The recent Tate Lecture featuring James Stavridis, Fareed Zakaria, and David Gergen was an incredibly insightful and thought-provoking event. These highly accomplished and respected individuals shared their perspectives on current events and global issues facing society.

James Stavridis, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral, brought his vast experience in military strategy and international affairs to the table. As the former supreme allied commander of NATO, Stavridis provided valuable insights into the current state of global security and the challenges facing the international community.

Fareed Zakaria, a best-selling author and political commentator, offered a unique perspective on the intersection of politics, economics, and culture. His analysis of current events and trends shed light on the complex dynamics shaping our world today.

David Gergen, a professor of public service and founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, emphasized the importance of leadership in addressing the challenges of our time. He spoke about the need for a new generation of leaders committed to public service and possessing the skills and values needed to navigate complex global challenges.

Upcoming Tate Lecture Speakers

The Tate Lecture Series is hosting an impressive lineup of speakers in 2023. On Tuesday, October 3, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Chris Urmson. Urmson is one of the co-founder and CEO of Aurora, who will offer valuable insights on self-driving technology. Lisa Ling, a respected journalist known for her fearless reporting, will take the stage on Tuesday, October 17. The organizers have scheduled Baratunde Thurston, a talented storyteller, to speak on Tuesday, November 14. And on Tuesday, December 5, Jimmy Chin, a renowned mountain athlete, filmmaker, and author, will share his valuable experiences with the audience.

How to Attend the Tate Lecture Series

To claim your ticket as a student, all you need is a valid SMU ID. You can receive your ticket in the basement of McFarlin Auditorium starting at 7 p.m. before the lecture. But note tickets are given on a first-come-first-served basis.

Each talk starts promptly at 8 p.m. and ends at 9:15 p.m. And if you’re interested in getting even more involved, you can also attend the Turner Construction/Amazon Student Forum, a free question-and-answer session with the featured Tate speaker. This forum takes place at the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Theater unless otherwise noted.

Karcher Auditorium at Storey Hall will host the forums on Oct 17 and Nov 14. Where doors open at 4 p.m., and the forum starts at 4:30 p.m. Seating is guaranteed until 4:15 p.m., after which it’s first-come-first-served. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn and engage with some of the most influential figures.