I was very excited to find the Public Affairs Conference 2024 brochure in my mailbox last week. I’ve heard so many great things about the conference. After reviewing the week’s schedule, I can’t wait for it to begin.

The conference theme is “Between the One and the Many: Considering Community and Individualism.” It explores the ways Americans engage the one and the many, as we consider the role of community and individualism in American life.

As in the past few years, the conference will include a mix of in-person events on campus and live virtual sessions via Zoom. These events begin on Monday and run through Thursday, Sept. 23-26.

Attend the keynote

The featured keynote speaker is actress and entrepreneur Brooke Shields. She has combined a commitment to the common good through philanthropy as you’ll see in her story. She will talk candidly about her career trajectory and life in the public eye, as well as finding the mental and emotional strength to live life to the fullest.

Her presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 24 in Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. The presentation is free, and you don’t need a ticket to attend.

A rich variety of sessions

Other highlights from the week include:

• A special, pre-conference film screening of “Join or Die” followed by a discussion via Zoom with the film directors. “Join or Die” is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary “Bowling Alone” research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis (4 p.m. Sept. 23 in the PSU Theater)
• An in-person plenary presentation featuring renowned broadcaster and author Ray Suarez. He’ll address the topic of “The New Secular America” (12:15 p.m. Sept. 25 in the PSU Theater)
• An in-person plenary presentation hosted by Student Activities Council and featuring Tucker Bryant, entrepreneur, innovation strategist and poet. He’ll focus on “The Self and the Connected Community” (7 p.m. Sept. 25 in the PSU Theater)
• An in-person plenary presentation by Scott Tong, journalist, author and co-host of NPR and WBUR’s Here & Now (12:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in the PSU Theater)
• A live virtual plenary session featuring Wesley J. Watkins, IV, founder of The Jazz and Democracy Project, will close the conference. His talk is titled “In the Key of E Pluribus Unum: Individual Freedom and The Greater Good on the Jazz Bandstand (7 p.m. Sept 26 via Zoom)

Don’t miss out

As stated above, some of the sessions will be in-person and others will be virtual. Check the conference webpage for more details. As always, all conference sessions are free and open to the public. No registration or tickets are required to attend.

As in previous 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. Take the time now to add sessions to your calendar. I’ve already done it.

I hope to see you there.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff