The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Student Activities Department of Student Involvement
Distinguished Speaker Series
About the program
The Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) is a signature program under the leadership of Student Activities, that aims to provide the university and surrounding community with world-class speakers and lecturers. DSS hosts public events with priority seating for UTRGV students, faculty, and staff.
The series has brought in notable speakers such as former leader of Russia Mikhail Gorbachev, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, author and civil rights activist the late Dr. Maya Angelou, Emmy award-winning CNN host Larry King, and Grammy/Oscar award-winning R&B artist John Legend.
2020-2021 Speaker Lineup
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February 8, 2021 Terry Crews Actor, Artist & Activist |
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November 14, 2020 Anderson Cooper CNN News Anchor, Host of Anderson 360 Virtual Event |
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September 24, 2020 John Leguizamo Actor, Voice Actor, Stand-Up Comedian, Producer, Playwright & Screenwriter Virtual Event |
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September 16, 2020 Johnny Earle (a.k.a Johnny Cupcakes) Keynote Speaker for L.E.A.D. Conference CEO, Johnny Cupcakes, Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Brand Hysteria Expert and Top Innovator in Retail. Virtual Event |
Previous Speakers
2019-2020
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March 2, 2020 Ruth Carter Academy Award Winning Costume Designer Edinburg, TX |
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September 26, 2019 Emmitt Smith Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back, Businessman and Entrepreneur Edinburg,TX |
2018-2019
"Celebrating 15 years for DSS"
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January 28, 2019 George Takei Actor, Social Justice Activist and Social Media Mega-Power |
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September 27, 2018 Wilmer Valderrama Actor, Producer and Activist |
2017-2018
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March 7, 2018 Daymond John American Businessman, Investor, Television Personality from ABC’s Shark Tank, Author and Motivational Speaker |
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February 1, 2018 Diane Guerrero Actress and Author White House Ambassador for Citizenship and Naturalization |
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September 27, 2017 Julian Castro Former United States Housing and Urban Development Secretary Former Mayor, San Antonio, TX |