Plenary Speakers

Doctor, global humanitarian, anthropologist Paul Farmer visits the Honors College

Paul Farmer speaks to the Rutgers-New Brunswick Community
Paul Farmer arrives at the Honors College
Paul Farmer, a beautiful human being

The Honors College hosted global humanitarian Dr. Paul Farmer as part of Rutgers' 250th anniversary celebration on November 10, 2015. 

Dr. Farmer had lunch with students and spoke about delivering healthcare to the world's poorest people in new and creative ways. His message, which students first learned about through their summer reading book by Dr. Farmer, To Repair the World, inspired them to leave their own ideas on our vision board for how they can help repair the world. 

Dr. Steven Pinker, World-renowned Scholar and Public Intellectual, Delivered Bold Message to Students

Dr. Steven Pinker during his talk to Rutgers University–New Brunswick students, faculty, and staff. Photo Credit: Andrew Daddio
Dr. Steven Pinker talking with students. Photo Credit: Andrew Daddio
Dr. Steven Pinker signing his book. Photo Credit: Andrew Daddio

Renowned scholar and public intellectual Dr. Steven Pinker recently delivered a bold and positive message to Rutgers University–New Brunswick students, faculty, and staff. In his talk, he surveyed progress through time and across many data points—from the increase in people with access to education to more people living in democracies, and from the decline in wars to the growth in numbers of people living above the poverty line. Through a thoughtful and exhaustive overview of the current state of the modern world, Dr.

Listening Is an Act of Love

Dave Isay signing his latest book.
Dave Isay meeting with Honors College students.
Dave Isay's lecture
StoryCorps Founder Dave Isay Visits the Honors College This spring, the Honors College welcomed award-winning StoryCorps founder Dave Isay to speak with students at the Forum, the mission course taken by all first-year Honors College students. Mr. Isay discussed the history of StoryCorps and the power of storytelling, and shared what it means to have purpose in your work. His ultimate message? Listening is an act of love.

Exploring the Meaning of Peace One Story at a Time: A Transformative Experience

John Noltner standing in front of his exhibit talking with students
John Noltner working with students through photography to create their own contributions.
Student portraits with words are wrapped around columns and across walls in the Honors College East Lounge

This February at the Honors College, I found myself face to face with strangers. And although none could directly speak to me, I was able to learn much from them about compassion, forgiveness, transformation, and peace. These strangers were featured on 60 3’ by 7’upright panels displayed throughout the Honors College in a stunningly intimate exhibit.