Marist College is set to launch its spring lecture series on January 28, beginning with an event featuring award-winning actor and comedian Aasif Mandvi. The series will bring a range of speakers to campus throughout the semester, offering discussions on topics such as global affairs, media, the arts, and personal career journeys.
Mandvi’s talk will be held in Fusco Recital Hall at the Murray Student Center. He will share experiences from his career in theater, television, film, and writing. Mandvi is known for his work on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” his OBIE-winning play “Sakina’s Restaurant,” and his memoir “No Land’s Man.”
Following Mandvi’s appearance, Dr. Fiona Hill—a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and Chancellor of Durham University—will speak on February 2 at Nelly Goletti Theatre. Her discussion will focus on current geopolitical issues. Dr. Hill draws from her service on the National Security Council and her memoir “There Is Nothing for You Here.” The conversation will be moderated by Marist President Kevin Weinman and Dr. Juris Pupcenoks.
On February 4, poet and author Ebony Stewart will present the First-Year Seminar Common Read Lecture at McCann Center Arena. Stewart is recognized for her contributions as a social justice activist and as a contributor to “Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes,” which serves as Marist’s common read for 2025–26.
Sean Carroll, Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, is scheduled to give a lecture titled “Find Yourself in a Large Universe” on February 10 in O’Shea Lecture Hall (Dyson 1008). Carroll is this year’s recipient of the Apostolos P. Stefanopoulos Prize in Philosophy.
A live taping of “The Back Room with Andy Ostroy,” featuring political commentator S.E. Cupp as special guest, is planned for March 23 in O’Shea Lecture Hall (Dyson 1008).
Dr. Jacqueline Reich, Professor of Film, Television, and Media Arts at Marist College said: “This year, we worked to curate a lecture series that is timely and engaging for faculty, staff, students, and the broader community. After welcoming renowned neurosurgeon and author Dr. Theodore Schwartz last semester, this spring’s lineup shifts focus to the creative industries, political science, philosophy, and poetry.”
The organization of these events involves multiple departments across Marist College including Student Affairs; Special Events; The Media Center; Information Technology; Campus Safety; First-Year Seminars; Honors College; Deans’ Circle; Student Government Association; Office of the President; and Office of the Provost.
The full schedule can be found through official college channels.
