Distinguished Speaker Series
The Stanford Parents' Club Distinguished Speaker Series brings together renowned Stanford professors and experts to share their insights on academics, career success, research innovations, and global perspectives. These engaging talks provide parents with a deeper understanding of the Stanford experience, offering valuable knowledge and inspiration from some of the university’s brightest minds. Whether you’re looking to explore new ideas, gain expert advice, or stay connected with the Stanford community, we invite you to join us for these thought-provoking sessions.
📌 Missed a talk? Watch past recordings here: Distinguished Speaker Series Recordings
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Online Meetings
Stanford Parents’ Club hosts club-wide meetings so you can hear about our upcoming events and updates. Meetings are held virtually on Zoom to accommodate our global membership. To attend a General Meeting, you need to be a member of the Stanford Parents' Club. Dates and Zoom links are provided in our monthly newsletters. If you are not yet a member of the club, please JOIN today!
Thursday, October 10, 2024
10 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Electoral Reform in the United States: Proposals for Combating Polarization and Extremism
Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute
11 - 11:30 AM
Q&A Moderator - A Conversation with President Levin
Vice Provost for Institutional Equity, Access & Community
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
The Stanford Parents' Club proudly kicks off the year with a special event featuring Stanford President Jonathan Levin in a moderated discussion with Patrick Dunkley, Vice Provost for Institutional Equity, Access & Community.
We are also honored to welcome Professor Larry Diamond, a leading scholar on democracy, renowned author, and Senior Fellow at both the Hoover Institution and Stanford's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
10 AM - 11:45 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Margaret Jacks Professor of Education, Emeritus
What is it about the Internet that spins smart people around in circles?
11 - 11:45 AM
Senior Director of Student Engagement
Assistant Vice Provost & Deputy Dean of Students
Director of Facilities, Operations and Student Unions
Associate Dean for Residential Academic Advising
Panel on Student Life
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Sam Wineburg is the Margaret Jacks Professor of Education and, by courtesy, of History & American Studies, Emeritus, at Stanford University. He is the co-author with Mike Caulfield of "VERIFIED: How to think straight, get duped less and make better decisions about what to believe online"
GOLD FORMAT TEMPLATE - Thursday, February 13, 2025
10 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Food’s Protective Power Against Disease
Clinical Associate Professor, Immunology and Rheumatology
11 - 11:30 AM
Panel on Pre-Professional Advising
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Food’s Protective Power Against Disease
Clinical Associate Professor, Immunology and Rheumatology
11 AM - 12 PM
Panel on Pre-Professional Advising
Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director, Career Education
Director, Alumni Career Connections and Student Programs
Director, Pre-Professional Advising, Academic Advising Operations
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Food’s Protective Power Against Disease
Clinical Associate Professor, Immunology and Rheumatology
11 AM - 12 PM
Panel on Pre-Professional Advising
Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director, Career Education
Director, Alumni Career Connections and Student Programs
Director, Pre-Professional Advising, Academic Advising Operations
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Food’s Protective Power Against Disease
Clinical Associate Professor, Immunology and Rheumatology
11 AM - 12 PM
Panel on Pre-Professional Advising
Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director, Career Education
Director, Alumni Career Connections and Student Programs
Director, Pre-Professional Advising, Academic Advising Operations
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
10 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Sweet Revenge on Cancer
2022 Nobel Laureate and Baker Family Director of Sarafan ChEM-H, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences
11 - 11:30 AM
Student Affairs - Observations, Updates and Priorities
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Professor Carolyn Bertozzi is known for her wide-ranging work spanning both chemistry and biology. Her research includes synthesis of chemical tools to study cell surface sugars called glycans and how they affect diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and viral infections like COVID-19.
Michele Rasmussen became Stanford University’s Vice Provost for Student Affairs on September 10, 2024. As vice provost, she oversees the Student Affairs division that manages residential life and student experiences outside the classroom. She is a member of the University Cabinet.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
10 AM - 11:45 AM Pacific Time
11 - 11:45 AM
Bing Overseas Study Program -Overseas Opportunities for Students
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
A distinguished scholar of American culture, Professor Alexander Nemerov explores our connection to the past and the power of the humanities to shape our lives. Revered for his breadth of scholarship and celebrated for his eloquent public speaking, Nemerov inspires audiences with his belief in the affirming and transfiguring force of art.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
10 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Are Our Federal Officials Becoming Less Accountable?
Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Professor of Public Interest Law
Co-Director, Supreme Court Litigation Clinic
11 - 11:30 AM
Support and Resources When Students Are in Distress
Senior Associate Dean of Students
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
A productive scholar and an award-winning teacher, Professor Pamela Karlan is co-director of the school’s Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, where students litigate live cases before the Court.
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, October 12, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford School of Medicine; Visiting Fellow, Stanford Center for the Study of Languages and Information, President, R42 Group
Professor Ronjon Nag
Entrepreneurship Opportunities in A.I.
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, October 12, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford School of Medicine; Visiting Fellow, Stanford Center for the Study of Languages and Information, President, R42 Group
Entrepreneurship Opportunities in A.I.
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, October 12, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford School of Medicine; Visiting Fellow, Stanford Center for the Study of Languages and Information, President, R42 Group
Entrepreneurship Opportunities in A.I.
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, November 9, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:05 -11:00 AM
Professor Anne Friedlander
Movement for Healthy Aging
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Director of Student Engagement
Student Engagement as we Emerge from the Pandemic Together
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, November 9, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:05 -11:00 AM
Movement for Healthy Aging
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Director of Student Engagement
Student Engagement as we Emerge from the Pandemic Together
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, February 8, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 -11:00 AM
Associate Professor of Bioengineering and one of the founders of the field of Synthetic Biology; runs the Endy Lab at the Shriram Center.
Synthetic Biology:
From the Arts to Application
11 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, March 14, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford Medicine
Director and Founder of Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
Compassion is a Key Correlate of Mental and Physical Health
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arts at Stanford
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, March 14, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford Medicine Director and Founder of Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
Compassion is a Key Correlate of Mental and Physical Health
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Vice President for the Arts
Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arts at Stanford
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, March 14, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford Medicine
Director and Founder of Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
Compassion is a Key Correlate of Mental and Physical Health
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Vice President for the Arts
Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arts at Stanford
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
Starting at 10 AM
Annual Club Elections
Thursday, April 11, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
Annual Meeting
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Osgood Hooker Professor of Fine Arts in Art Department's Film and Media Studies Program and the Department Chair
Early Cinema:
Poetics and Politics
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, May 9, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
Annual Meeting
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Science Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University
Dr. Seppala is also the co-creator of the most popular class in history at Yale University on Happiness, is the acclaimed author of The Happiness Track, and has a new book coming out April 23rd called Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos. Sovereign is available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
The Art and Science of Emotional Intelligence - Research Findings from her Two Books - Happiness Track and Sovereign
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Social Time