On Saturday, May 25, 2013, seven honorary degree recipients spoke at Amherst.
“Amherst to El Salvador to South L.A.: A Life in Work, Family and Social Justice.” A talk by Madeline P. Janis ’82, a national leader in efforts to combat working poverty and rebuild the middle class and national policy director of the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy.
Audio if Madeline Janis' talk:
“Improvise, Adapt, Overcome.” A talk by Paul J. Rieckhoff III ’98, founder and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Audio of Paul Rieckhoff's talk:
“When Hope and History Rhyme.” A talk by Barry Scheck, leading civil rights attorney and co-founder and co-director of The Innocence Project.
Audio of Barry Scheck's talk:
“revolution...rock...the doors...jumping jack flash...nietzsche...mayor daley’s armpit...and a 3 Second Ad Lib At Amherst That Changed My Life.” A talk by Jim Steinman ’69, composer, lyricist, producer, arranger and performer of rock, pop and theatrical music. Hear audio:
“The Liberal Arts College: What Does the Future Hold?” A talk by Diana Chapman Walsh, former president of Wellesley College; former trustee of Amherst College; and acclaimed author, speaker and consultant. Hear audio:
“The AIDS Epidemic: The Personal Journey of a Physician-Researcher.” A talk by Robert Yarchoan ’71, chief of the National Cancer Institute’s HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch and a member of the three-person National Cancer Institute team that developed the first effective therapies for HIV infection. Hear audio:
“Jazz Traveler: The Give and Take Between Jazz and World Music as Experienced by Freddie Bryant.” A performance by Freddie Bryant Hollister ’87, renowned guitar virtuoso and prolific composer. Watch video: