The Penn State Forum Speaker Series committee announced its lineup for the upcoming school year in a release.

The monthly speaker series in modeled after the National Press Club Speaker Series, which includes a presentation by an invited speaker followed by audience questions. Luncheons are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Topics this year touch on a little bit of everything. In addition to two lectures on mental health, the topics range from human rights to ecology to everyone’s favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers. Speakers include a grief consultant, a social entrepreneur, and a performing artist and educator.

The series is open to the general public. Tickets are $25 and include a buffet lunch. Tickets can be purchased through the id+ office in 103 HUB or by calling 814-865-7590 or emailing [email protected].

The 2019-20 speakers include:

Molly Melching — September 25

• founder and creative director of Tostan
• presenting “The Hidden Heart of Human Rights Transformation” in Nittany Lion Inn Ballroom

Jessica Weiner — October 15

• social entrepreneur, change agent, and CEO of Talk to Jess
• presenting “Generational and Cultural Differences in Branding and Consumer Behavior” in President’s Hall of The Penn Stater

Lacresha Berry — November 5

• performing artist and educator
• presenting “Finding Your Lane: A Crash Course on Believing in Yourself and the Work You Create” in President’s Hall of The Penn Stater

Maxwell King — December 4

• CEO of the Pittsburgh Foundation
• presenting “The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers” in President’s Hall of The Penn Stater

William Doan — February 17, 2020

• Penn State theatre professor, former president of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, fellow in College of Fellows of the American Theatre, and 2019-20 Penn State Laureate
• presenting “The Anxiety Project: An Artist’s Look at Mental Health and Wellness” in President’s Hall of The Penn Stater

Megan Devine — March 25

• author, speaker, grief consultant, and founder of Refuge in Grief
• presenting “It’s Okay You’re Not Okay” in Nittany Lion Inn Ballroom

Derek Lee — April 22

• principal scientist at the Wild Nature Institute and associate research biology professor at Penn State
• presenting “True Tall Tales from Tanzania: Giraffe Science and Reasons for Hope in the Biodiversity and Climate Crisis” in Nittany Lion Inn Ballroom