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2024-2025 Guest Assembly Speakers Bring the World to Hopkins
In its storied history, one of the School’s many traditions has been inviting guest speakers to all-school Assemblies to share real-world experiences and impart time-tested wisdom. During the 2024–2025 academic year, Hopkins expanded on this tradition, welcoming a diverse range of guests—from scientists and chefs to poets, politicians, and musicians. Anchored by the year-long Democracy Speaker Series, the lineup, which included several Hopkins alums, reflected the School’s mission to foster intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and critical thinking.
Jack Greenberg ’14, September 20, 2024
The Democracy Series opened with Jack Greenberg ’14, a doctoral candidate in political science at Yale University. Greenberg offered a primer on the mechanics of U.S. and Connecticut elections,emphasizing the importance of civic engagement without the noise of political cycles. “If you achieve this balance—a balance that many smart people in this country fail to maintain—I think you are well positioned to be of service to the country in future times,” he told students. Full recap.
The Democracy Series opened with Jack Greenberg ’14, a doctoral candidate in political science at Yale University. Greenberg offered a primer on the mechanics of U.S. and Connecticut elections,emphasizing the importance of civic engagement without the noise of political cycles. “If you achieve this balance—a balance that many smart people in this country fail to maintain—I think you are well positioned to be of service to the country in future times,” he told students. Full recap.
Stacey Abrams, October 7, 2024
A jam-packed crowd of over 1,200 filled the Athletic Center for a conversation with Stacey Abrams, moderated by journalist and Yale Law professor Emily Bazelon P’18 with a panel of students from New Haven schools including Hopkins senior Asher J. ’25. Abrams emphasized the power of voting and civic engagement. “We are entitled to the best version of this country we can imagine,” she said. “To be an American is to say that my voice matters so much I refuse to allow myself to be silent.” Full recap.
A jam-packed crowd of over 1,200 filled the Athletic Center for a conversation with Stacey Abrams, moderated by journalist and Yale Law professor Emily Bazelon P’18 with a panel of students from New Haven schools including Hopkins senior Asher J. ’25. Abrams emphasized the power of voting and civic engagement. “We are entitled to the best version of this country we can imagine,” she said. “To be an American is to say that my voice matters so much I refuse to allow myself to be silent.” Full recap.
Akhil Reed Amar, October 11, 2024
Constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar P’17, ’19, ’19 delivered an engaging lecture on the U.S. Constitution. “In 1787, the Constitution was deeply imperfect,” he said. “But compared to what had come before, it was remarkable. And over time, it got better. We’re not done yet.” Students appreciated Amar’s balance of historical depth and optimism for the future of democracy. Full recap.
Constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar P’17, ’19, ’19 delivered an engaging lecture on the U.S. Constitution. “In 1787, the Constitution was deeply imperfect,” he said. “But compared to what had come before, it was remarkable. And over time, it got better. We’re not done yet.” Students appreciated Amar’s balance of historical depth and optimism for the future of democracy. Full recap.
Jason Hammel ’90, October 25, 2024
Alumnus Jason Hammel ’90, executive chef and owner of Chicago’s renowned Lula Cafe, returned as the Hopkins 2024 Fall Fellow to speak on hospitality, food equity, and the connective power of storytelling through cuisine. Following his talk, students enjoyed sampling Lula Cafe recipes during lunchtime and engaging with Hammel in class discussions. Full recap and retrospective.
Alumnus Jason Hammel ’90, executive chef and owner of Chicago’s renowned Lula Cafe, returned as the Hopkins 2024 Fall Fellow to speak on hospitality, food equity, and the connective power of storytelling through cuisine. Following his talk, students enjoyed sampling Lula Cafe recipes during lunchtime and engaging with Hammel in class discussions. Full recap and retrospective.
Jonathan Gudjohnsen ’08, November 14, 2024
In honor of Veterans Day, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Gudjohnsen ’08 shared reflections from his service as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot with the U.S. Army National Guard. Having flown over 1,000 hours, including missions in Iraq and Syria, Gudjohnsen offered a candid and moving account of duty, teamwork, and sacrifice. Full recap.
In honor of Veterans Day, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Gudjohnsen ’08 shared reflections from his service as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot with the U.S. Army National Guard. Having flown over 1,000 hours, including missions in Iraq and Syria, Gudjohnsen offered a candid and moving account of duty, teamwork, and sacrifice. Full recap.
Dick Wingate ’70 HGS, November 15, 2024
Dick Wingate ’70 returned to campus to discuss his influential music industry career as the Distinguished Alumnus for 2025. From helping launch Columbia Records artists to pioneering digital music platforms, Wingate credited Hopkins with giving him the tools to adapt and lead. “Hopkins opened me up to a lifetime of learning,” he said. Full recap and retrospective.
Dick Wingate ’70 returned to campus to discuss his influential music industry career as the Distinguished Alumnus for 2025. From helping launch Columbia Records artists to pioneering digital music platforms, Wingate credited Hopkins with giving him the tools to adapt and lead. “Hopkins opened me up to a lifetime of learning,” he said. Full recap and retrospective.
Sam Greco ’11, December 13, 2024
Florida State Representative Sam Greco ’11 returned to Hopkins to discuss conservative politics and the importance of engaging across political differences. “No matter where we stand politically, we are all Americans,” he said. Greco also visited several classes for deeper discussions on public service and civic responsibility. Full recap.
Florida State Representative Sam Greco ’11 returned to Hopkins to discuss conservative politics and the importance of engaging across political differences. “No matter where we stand politically, we are all Americans,” he said. Greco also visited several classes for deeper discussions on public service and civic responsibility. Full recap.
Dr. Juan Sebastián Chamorro, January 24, 2025
Political economist and former Nicaraguan presidential candidate Juan Sebastián Chamorro addressed the Hopkins community about his experience as a political prisoner and refugee. “Standing up for what’s right doesn’t depend on timing,” he said. “It’s about doing it now.” Full recap.
Political economist and former Nicaraguan presidential candidate Juan Sebastián Chamorro addressed the Hopkins community about his experience as a political prisoner and refugee. “Standing up for what’s right doesn’t depend on timing,” he said. “It’s about doing it now.” Full recap.
Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean, February 7, 2025
As part of Hopkins’ Black History Month celebration, Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean—a scholar, advocate, and Hopkins parent—delivered a powerful talk on solidarity and perseverance. “Even when people doubt you, you can persist,” she said. Full recap.
As part of Hopkins’ Black History Month celebration, Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean—a scholar, advocate, and Hopkins parent—delivered a powerful talk on solidarity and perseverance. “Even when people doubt you, you can persist,” she said. Full recap.
Dr. Noam Weissman & Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, February 21, 2025
In a respectful discussion, Jewish-American scholar Noam Weissman and Muslim-American professor Mehnaz Afridi modeled civil discourse around the Israel–Palestine conflict. Students explored how to navigate polarization and media narratives through curiosity and empathy. Full recap.
In a respectful discussion, Jewish-American scholar Noam Weissman and Muslim-American professor Mehnaz Afridi modeled civil discourse around the Israel–Palestine conflict. Students explored how to navigate polarization and media narratives through curiosity and empathy. Full recap.
Elena Grewal ’02, March 28, 2025
Returning as the Spring 2025 Fellow, Elena Grewal ’02 shared a personal story of persistence, reinvention, and community-building. A former head of data science at Airbnb and now the owner of Elena’s on Orange in New Haven, Grewal emphasized the importance of asking for help—a lesson she learned at Hopkins and carried with her through every stage of her career. “The point is to learn and grow, not do it yourself,” she told students. Full recap.
Patricia Lockwood, March 31, 2025
As part of the Visiting Writer Series, poet and novelist Patricia Lockwood spoke about authorship, identity, and humor in the digital age. “It’s okay to write the way you sound,” she told students. Her visit included a lively Assembly reading and smaller Q&A sessions in English classes. Full recap.
As part of the Visiting Writer Series, poet and novelist Patricia Lockwood spoke about authorship, identity, and humor in the digital age. “It’s okay to write the way you sound,” she told students. Her visit included a lively Assembly reading and smaller Q&A sessions in English classes. Full recap.
Professor Jordan Peccia, April 25, 2025
To close Earth Week, Yale environmental engineer Jordan Peccia spoke about humanity’s impact on the planet. He balanced the sobering science of climate change with hopeful news about cleaner energy, policy shifts, and student activism. “We still have managed to decrease our carbon dioxide,” he said. “That’s good news.” Full recap.
To close Earth Week, Yale environmental engineer Jordan Peccia spoke about humanity’s impact on the planet. He balanced the sobering science of climate change with hopeful news about cleaner energy, policy shifts, and student activism. “We still have managed to decrease our carbon dioxide,” he said. “That’s good news.” Full recap.
A Look Back
This remarkable year of Assembly speakers offered Hopkins students a front-row seat to diverse perspectives. Whether through a political lens, a scientific discovery, or a poetic voice, each guest brought a vital message: your voice matters, and your choices shape the world to come.
Hopkins is grateful to the donors who support speaker visits, including the Andrew J. Rossetti Memorial Fund and the Hopkins Fellows program, as well as the many faculty and students who help organize these unforgettable events.
To see more, visit the Speaker Series page at hopkins.edu/speaker-series.
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Jack Greenberg ’14
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Stacey Abrams
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Akhil Reed Amar
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Jason Hammel ’90
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Jonathan Gudjohnsen ’08
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Dick Wingate ’70 HGS
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Sam Greco ’11
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Dr. Juan Sebastián Chamorro
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Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean
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Dr. Noam Weissman & Dr. Mehnaz Afridi
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