The Speakers Series is open to the public by subscribing to the Series. The lectures are held on seven different evenings, from September through April.
Become a subscriber to the Pittsburgh Speakers Series to guarantee your seats to all 7 performances. You will have the chance to interact with each speaker, as each event will conclude with a question and answer session. Please note that the Pittsburgh Speakers Series is only sold by subscription to the entire series - single tickets to individual lectures will not be sold.
The speakers for the 2009-2010 season, which begins this Fall, 2009 are:
PERVEZ MUSHARRAF
Former President of Pakistan
September 30, 2009 - Wednesday, 8pm
As President of Pakistan, he
occupied what Time described
as “the most dangerous job in the
world,” playing a critical role in
the War on Terror and directing
countless raids on Al Qaeda and
the Taliban. His memoir, In the
Line of Fire, speaks to his struggle
for the security and political
future of Pakistan, which he
believes can become progressive,
moderate and prosperous.
JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU
Underwater Explorer, Oceanographic Film Producer, Educator and Environmentalist
October 14, 2009 - Wednesday, 8pm
Since being thrown overboard from the Calypso at age 7 by his father, Jacques, this explorer, environmentalist, educator and documentary film producer has communicated his love and concern for our “water planet.” Today, as president of Ocean Futures Society, he travels extensively; teaching, exploring and producing films to reach millions the world over.
LAURA BUSH
Teacher, Librarian, Champion of Literacy and Former First Lady of the United States
November 23, 2009 - Monday, 8pm
As First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Bush was a staunch advocate for global literacy and human rights. While First Lady she convened a summit on early childhood development; led a nation to raise awareness about the challenges facing our nation's youth, and fought against breast cancer, heart disease, HIV, AIDS and malaria.
ROBERT REICH
Economic Advisor and Former Secretary of Labor
January 13, 2010 - Wednesday, 8pm
Having served in the Ford, Carter and Clinton administrations, and more recently as a member of President Obama's economic transition advisory board, Reich is well regarded as one of the nation's leading thinkers on business, labor and the economy. As Secretary of Labor he worked to pass the Retirement Protection Act, the Family Medical Leave Act and increased the minimum wage for hourly workers.
MIA FARROW
Award-Winning Actress and Humanitarian
March 10, 2010 - Wednesday, 8pm
One of Hollywood’s most iconic leading ladies, Farrow began her career at an early age and went on to star in more than 40 films including Rosemary’s Baby and Hannah and Her Sisters. In a riveting personal account of her life behind-the-scenes, Farrow explores the challenges that helped shape her inspiring humanitarian efforts with UNICEF and in Darfur.
DAVID BROOKS
Political Commentator, Author and New York Times Columnist
April 7, 2010 - Wednesday, 8pm
This political analyst, commentator, author and NYT columnist, brings audiences face-to-face with the spirit of our times, and does it with humor, insight and passion. He is a keen observer of our American way of life, and a savvy analyst of present day politics and foreign affairs.He appears regularly on The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and NPR’s All Things Considered.
GREG MORTENSON
Author, Three Cups of Tea; Founder of the Central Asia Institute and Pennies for Peace
April 28, 2010 - Wednesday, 8pm
According to the Seattle Post- Intelligencer, everywhere Greg goes people line up to hear his message about how to change the world… ever since his book Three Cups of Tea spent 91 weeks on The New York Times bestsellers list. He co-founded the Central Asia Institute which has built nearly 80 schools educating 18,000 girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
