Speakers on the Square


On Tuesday, October 27, the New York University Alumni Association proudly presented the Fall 2009 Speakers on the Square Lecture “Hubble Trouble: The Expanding Universe and the Dark Energy Enigma,” featuring NYU Associate Professors of Physics Gregory Gabadadze and David Hogg.

The event was a great success and many alumni and friends came to Washington Square to reconnect and explore the wonders of the Universe with our distinguished speakers.

Please check back soon for information on future Speakers on the Square lectures!

The Speakers on the Square Lecture Series was made possible by the Jonathan Peterson and Philip Price Lecture Funds and created in 2005 by the New York University Alumni Association to create an opportunity to welcome alumni back to Washington Square. This series focuses on innovative research and vital issues facing the world today presented by some of NYU's most distinguished faculty and alumni.



Past Speakers on the Square lectures:

  • Is there a Vaccine Against Prejudice? featured Abraham Foxman (LAW '65) and was the inaugural Speakers on the Square lecture.

  • Global Immigration Today: The Best of Times, the Worst of Times featured NYU University Professor Marcelo M. Suárez-Orozco, and examined "new immigration" patterns with a focus on the experiences of immigrant children and youth.

  • The Economy and Today's Global Markets: Can US Businesses Survive and Thrive? featured business news anchor Maria Bartiromo (WSC '89) and provided an insightful discussion on managing businesses in uncertain times.

  • The Holy Vote: The Politics of Faith in America presented by journalist Ray Suarez (WSC '78) examined the advent of polarization in America, the way Americans worship, and how religion and politics intersect.

  • Why Do We Feel So Afraid? featured NYU University Professor Joseph LeDoux and examined mechanisms within the brain which led to fear and anxiety, and discussed possibilities on how to control and prevent these conditions.

  • The Politics of Economic Reform in China and the Implications on US-China Policy featured NYU Professor Doug Guthrie which untangled the cultural, political, and social processes that have led to China's successful reform, and explored the implications of that success on US and global politics.

  • Hooked on Technology: The Benefits and Dangers of the Digital Age explored the implications of our culture?s dependency on technology and featured distinguished NYU faculty members Anindya Ghose, Nasir Memon and Rae Zimmerman, with special remarks from NYU President John Sexton and President of the Polytechnic Institute of NYU Jerry Hultin.