The Public Affairs Conference is next week.

The conference theme is From Words to Deeds: Creating Collaborative Communities. The conference will challenge us: In a world where words are not enough, how do we move toward meaningful action in our communities?

Marlee Matlin headlines conference

The featured speaker is Marlee Matlin. Matlin received critical acclaim for her film debut in Paramount Pictures’ “Children of a Lesser God.”

At 21, she became the youngest recipient of the Best Actress Oscar. She also received a Golden Globe, her Apple TV+ film “CODA” was nominated for three Academy Awards, and she was a member of the cast that became the first deaf actors to be recognized as Best Ensemble in a Feature Film by the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Matlin has dedicated her life to help deaf and hard of hearing people as well as those struggling with domestic abuse and addiction.

Matlin’s presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 20 in Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. The presentation is free, and you do not need tickets to attend.

The MSU Foundation will host a VIP reception with Matlin before her presentation. Tickets for the VIP reception are $125 and include:

• A photo opportunity with Matlin.
• An autographed copy of her book, “I’ll Scream Later.”
• Cocktails, beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
• Special reserved seating at the keynote.

Conference focuses on taking action

The full schedule is available on the Public Affairs Conference webpage.

Highlights include:

• 18 live Zoom webinar panel sessions featuring national and international speakers.
• A plenary presentation by spatial justice activist Liz Ogbu at 12:15 p.m. Sept. 21 via Zoom.
• A plenary presentation by MIT Media Lab Fellow Jamira Burley at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 in the PSU Theater.
• A plenary presentation by NPR’s Morning Edition and Up First Host Leila Fadel at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 22 in the PSU Theater.
• A closing keynote by award-winning comedian Zach Anner at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in the PSU Theater.

Set aside time to participate

All sessions of the conference are free and open to the public. No registration or tickets are required to attend.

The Zoom webinar links for virtual events are listed on the schedule page of the conference website.

As in prior years, employees may use up to two hours of their work time, in coordination with their supervisors, to attend the conference. I encourage you to attend, and I encourage supervisors to facilitate attendance by individuals in your offices or divisions.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!