Commencement Speakers

As Director of the Hayden Planetarium and the host of PBS NOVA Science NOW, Dr. Tyson is one of the most high profile astrophysicists in America. Tyson is always working to pique the scientific curiosity of a new generation of young people. His recent books include "One Universe: At Home in the Cosmos," "Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries," "Origins," and "The Pluto Files."

Lilly Ledbetter was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber for nineteen years before she discovered that she was paid far less for the same work as her male peers were being paid. The lawsuit she filed against them eventually reached the Supreme Court. While she will not ever receive the money that was denied her in the many years she worked for Goodyear, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which is named after her, was passed so that other women will not have to suffer from such inequity. She notes "I'm just thrilled that this (law) has finally passed and sends a message to the Supreme Court: You got it wrong."

Chairman, President and CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm, Gary Hirshberg has overseen Stonyfield's phenomenal growth, as the world's leading organic yogurt producer. As a pioneer in organic farming, Hirshberg has developed sustainable and socially responsible technologies and practices in the field.

Once called "the most popular children's entertainer in the western world" (Washington Post), Raffi now lectures on his Child Honouring philosophy. He calls it a "compassion revolution." Raffi challenges his audience to become a catalyst for change with an idea whose time has come.

Jeff Lieberman is the star of Discovery Channel's Time Warp, where he focuses on the use of high speed photography to show viewers new things about the world. Lieberman is also a musician, roboticist, sculptor and photographer, and holds four degrees from MIT. To quote Jeff: "I talk about the arts, the sciences, education, and the potential for people to become passionate about all three. If we first approach the universe with a sense of awe and mystery, the sciences become not only a pleasure for us to learn, but also a gateway to understanding our connection with the cosmos, and our interconnectedness with each other."

Could the food you eat or the floors you walk on be toxic? Praised as "the new Rachel Carson" for her groundbreaking book "Living Downstream," Steingraber raises awareness of how toxins all around us adversely affect our health. She takes a personal and scientific look at the ecological links to cancer and other medical problems, and offers insight into how we can protect our environment and ourselves. Her new documentary Living Downstream, based on her highly-acclaimed book, was recently released. [Photo Credit: Dede Hatch]

Essayist Richard Rodriguez discusses how America – and every American - is shaped by the continual interaction of cultures, blurring boundaries between “black” and “white,” Hispanic and Anglo. He is the author of the critically acclaimed books "Hunger of Memory," "Days of Obligation: An Argument With My Mexican Father" and "Brown: The Last Discovery of America."

Leading the battle for environmental justice, from dealing with the toxic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to curbing urban sprawl, Dr. Bullard tells the stories of frontline warriors who are fighting environmental and human rights abuses. His research and activism challenges government and industry policies that place people of color and the poor at special risk. He is the author of 15 books, including “Race, Place, and Environmental Justice After Hurricane Katrina."

Dr. Reagon is a Freedom Singer who highlights her forty year journey as a cultural activist, scholar and artist. Founder of 'Sweet Honey In the Rock,' she renders her passionate convictions in a moving and memorable mixture of song and spoken word, drawing on the life stories of 19th and 20th century African American women whose struggles for freedom guide her in this moving presentation.

A true Renaissance man, Johnson is a poet, Buddhist philosopher, novelist, teacher, cartoonist, screenwriter and essayist. His writing, including the National Book Award winning novel, "Middle Passage," braids history, philosophy and artistry to show how the power of the past shapes the present. His engaging speaking style draws the audience into an unforgettable dialogue.

Cult movie icon in the Evil Dead series, star on the hit TV show Burn Notice, and author of books like "If Chins Could Kill", Bruce Campbell's multimedia talk offers a hilarious and insightful look at his career and Hollywood pretension.

A powerful storyteller, Mann's most recent book "1491" explores the history of the Americas before Columbus. A three-time National Magazine Award finalist, he has received awards for his articles and books on everything from emerging technologies to the business of medicine to endangered species. [ Photo Credit Josh D'Aluisio-Guerrieri ]

With his work both praised and attacked for the forceful vision and social critiques they bring to audiences, the provocative director and producer has become an American film icon, and continues to lead the way in defining the African American experience for millions of people. Lee talks about movies, money, race and the need for greater diversity in film, media and life.

NBC News National Correspondent Lisa Myers is a frequent panelist on "Meet The Press" and "NBC Today". She has covered six Presidential elections, and is highly regarded for her investigative reports. Her political reporting has been called "astute and clever".

A world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator, and one of the most widely read American poets, Giovanni remains as determined and committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality. Her focus is on the individual, specifically, on the power one has to make a difference in oneself, and thus, in the lives of others.

Among the most honored and versatile of writers, Frank Deford's work has appeared in virtually every medium. The dean of America's sportswriters, he exposes the hype and hypocrisy that often goes on in sports today. Best known for his commentary in Sports Illustrated and on National Public Radio, he is also the author of Everybody's All American and other books.