Tim Wise Speaks to More Than 400 Students, Faculty and Staff

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Tim Wise addresses students regarding Anti-Racism and Leadership.

Anti-racist speaker Tim Wise lectured to over 400 students, faculty, and staff on April 25 and 26. Wise presented a lecture on Wednesday to a packed out Giffels auditorium regarding wealth, race and privilege. Students from numerous departments on campus turned out to hear his viewpoint on such an important topic. The number of faculty, staff and students in attendance left standing room only for those that arrived after Wise began speaking.

Thursday Wise spoke to a crowd of approximately 150 students from various campus student organizations. Wise gave students tangible ways they can promote equity across campus. He encouraged their participation and advised them to “do something” even if it’s small to make a difference.

Whitney Ghassani, a senior in the School of Social Work, shared her excitement regarding Wise’s visit to campus. She felt Wise was a “compelling speaker and delivered a powerful message for which the whole world should hear.” Students gave positive feedback and several even asked event organizers to bring Wise back to the university again.

The School of Social Work partnered with several organizations and departments across campus to host Wise’s visit as part of their second IDA policy, practice, and research summit. With the help of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, the Ford Foundation, Diversity Affairs, the African and African American studies program, the University Multicultural Center, the office of student activities, the Sam M. Walton College of Business' Diversity Programs, and the university's Honor College, the School of Social Work was able to host Wise for his two-day visit. The Social Work team would like to thank again everyone involved in making this event a huge success!