Select Page

Penn State Forum

The Penn State Faculty/Staff Club began the Forum in 1996 to introduce members of the University community to some of the most notable leaders and policy makers in their respective professions. Modeled after the National Press Club, the Penn State Forum includes lunch, followed by remarks from the distinguished speaker. After the presentation, a facilitator poses questions submitted by members of the audience to the speaker.  Together, the speaker and audience have an opportunity to explore some of the most pertinent issues facing higher education and society today. The Forum is organized through the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.
 
The Forum is co-sponsored by the Penn State Bookstore, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business and the John W. Oswald Endowment.

Current Series

Jim Jimirro

Jim Jimirro

Former Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications

Date: September 26, 2025

Location: Nittany Lion Inn, Boardroom

  • 11:30-12 pm buffet lunch
  • 12 pm – 1 pm speaking event

Broadway, Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley – How They Produced the Greatest Popular Music Ever Heard

The Great American Songbook was largely derived from Broadway, Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley. These musicals, and the songs they generated, are part of the soundtrack of America. And, indeed, the world. This presentation, which includes classic renditions of these songs, underscored by curated visuals, will heighten the love affair that people already have with this music. But you will hear them as never before, sprinkled with stories, history, fun facts and even insider backstage lore about the productions. John Lahr, theater critic for the New Yorker, called this presentation “a home run”. Broadway Musicals to be featured will include the likes South Pacific, Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof, and West Side Story. Hollywood Musicals, including those of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly will also be highlighted And, even Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand will make appearances! “Your infectious enthusiasm for music was the highlight of our cruise, and beat the wonderful sites of the Baltic into second place” – a Crystal Serenity passenger.

Jim Jimirro is the creator and founding president of the Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video. During his tenure at the Disney Channel, he was responsible for the conception, development and launching of the fastest growing pay service in history. He was former Chairman of the Board of the National Lampoon. He received his BA degree in Radio-Television from Penn State University, and a Masters in Mass Communications from Syracuse University. He has been honored as a distinguish alumnus by Penn State and was the Vision Fund of America honoree for achievement in the entertainment industry. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars). Mr. Jimirro is active in a number of enterprises involving the Great American Songbook. These include having served as chairman of the selection committee in the Traditional Pop category at The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys) He has recently established a new theater venture, The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company, which presents an annual series of musical revivals in New York City (www.j2spotlightnyc.com). The company has already received a number of awards and accolades, and has collaborated with such Broadway luminaries as John Kander (Chicago, Cabaret), Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime), and David Zippel (Disney’s Mulan). His sessions on Broadway and Hollywood have been presented around the world. (www.jimirro.com).

Caroline Fitzgerald

Caroline Fitzgerald

Founder and CEO of GOALS - a consultancy & media platform dedicated to growing women’s sports.

Date: October 13, 2025

Location: Penn Stater, Deans Hall

  • 11:30-12 pm buffet lunch
  • 12 pm – 1 pm speaking event

Barbie, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and the Inevitable Prosperity of Women’s Sports

The examples of Barbie, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have undeniably proven that when women consumers are prioritized, profits soar. And when it comes to an entertainment product, women’s sports are perfectly positioned to serve an historically underserved female audience. This talk will make “the business case for women’s sports” and discuss how women’s sports are at a tipping point and are poised for incredible growth ahead.

As the founder of GOALS, a transformative organization focused on leadership coaching, skill-building, and goal setting, Caroline has worked with a diverse range of clients to help them unlock their full potential. Her work spans industries and has made a significant impact on youth empowerment, corporate leadership, and community development. Her unique perspective on mindset and performance has earned her recognition as a thought leader in personal development.

Pearl Gluck

Pearl Gluck

Penn State Laureate

February 2026 (date and location TBD)

Pear celebrates the intersection of storytelling, culture, and social impact. An award-winning filmmaker, professor, and advocate for justice, Pearl brings a unique voice to Penn State and to the broader creative community.

Pearl’s work explores complex issues of identity, gender, faith, and equity through the lens of powerful, human-centered narratives. Her films have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, and PBS, and she continues to use storytelling as a platform for dialogue and transformation. As a faculty member in the School of Theatre and the Bellisario College of Communications, she inspires students across disciplines to find their voice and purpose.

As Penn State Laureate, Pearl has engaged communities across the Commonwealth in conversations that bridge the arts, social justice, and education. While the specific theme of her campus talk is still being finalized, attendees can look forward to a thought-provoking experience that reflects her commitment to creativity, inclusion, and public engagement.

Stay tuned for more details on the date and talk of Pearl’s visit!

Ryan Newman

Ryan Newman

Penn State Alum and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs

April 2026 (date and location TBD)

Ryan L. Newman is a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, where he co-founded and co-leads a private wealth management team, managing in excess of $14 billion on behalf of Fortune 500 executives, Forbes 400 families, entrepreneurs, family offices and foundations and endowments. Newman is a member of the PWM Top Advisors and PWM Advisors Council, representing the top 10% of advisors globally at Goldman Sachs. He joined Goldman Sachs as a financial analyst in 2001 and was named a Managing Director in 2019.

Newman is a graduate of the Smeal College of Business, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Philosophy, with honors from the Schreyer Honors College in 2001, and served as Student Marshal for Economics during graduation. While at Penn State, Newman was awarded one of the first travel research thesis grants, working at a United Nations-sponsored Demography institute in Cameroon. He conducted his thesis research on Fertility Transition, which was subsequently accepted for presentation at the Population Association of America Conference in Washington, D.C.

Newman is the host of the Invent Penn State podcast, Dare to Disrupt, which he helped launch, and has achieved over 50,000 downloads. The podcast interviews successful Penn State Alumni who are innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, and the stories behind their success. Ryan’s remarks will center on his reflections interviewing over forty Penn State entrepreneurial leaders and insights he’s gleaned during the past four years as the podcast host.

Suggest a Speaker

We would enjoy hearing your ideas! If you have suggestions for future Penn State Forum speakers, please contact Forum coordinator Cassie Marsh-Caldwell.