Forum History

In 1977, the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Foundation established the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Forum (formerly the Harpur Forum) to promote University and community relations and to encourage private support of the University. Since its inception, the Forum has cultivated a remarkable exchange of resources between the University and the surrounding community while providing important opportunities for discussions and networking. In recent years, these ties with local business, professional and community leaders have become increasingly important.

Throughout the years, the Forum has resulted in a remarkable exchange of resources between the University and the surrounding community — from fostering new University programs aimed at stimulating the local economy to sponsoring arts programs to enrich the region.

Previous Speakers and Performers

  • 2023 Dena DeRose Trio (Dena DeRose, Martin Wind and Matt Wilson)
  • 2022 Tony Danza, his four-piece band and their hit show "Tony Danza: Standards & Stories." 
  • 2021 Voice Your Choice: A Capella Showdown 
  • 2020 event postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
  • 2019 Robyn Adele Anderson '11
  • 2018 Esperanza Spalding
  • 2017 Mike Rayburn
  • 2016 Peter Sagal
  • 2015 Seth Rudetsky
  • 2014 Amy Dickinson
  • 2013 Neil Berg '86 — 100 Years of Broadway
  • 2012 The Water Coolers
  • 2011 Kevin Maney
  • 2010 General Montgomery C. Meigs
  • 2009 The Three Waiters
  • 2008 The Honorable Bill Bradley
  • 2007 Edward W. Stack
  • 2006 Frank Deford
  • 2005 Anna Deavere Smith
  • 2004 Dr. Ronan Tynan
  • 2003 M. Scott Carpenter
  • 2002 The Capitol Steps
  • 2001 Captain Gerald L. Coffee
  • 2000 Dr. Joseph MacInnis
  • 1999 Linda Wertheimer
  • 1998 Dr. Bernie Siegel
  • 1997 Mark Russell
  • 1996 Peter Schickele, PDQ Bach
  • 1995 George Plimpton
  • 1994 Steve Allen
  • 1993 Jack Anderson
  • 1992 Louis Harris
  • 1991 The Capitol Steps
  • 1990 Dick Cavett
  • 1989 R.E. "Ted" Turner
  • 1988 Hedrick L. Smith
  • 1987 Mark Russell
  • 1986 Madame Jehan Sadat
  • 1985 William D. Ruckelshaus
  • 1984 Henry J. Kissinger
  • 1983 Thomas J. Watson Jr.
  • 1982 Zbigniew Brzezinski
  • 1981 David Rockefeller
  • 1980 Elliot L. Richardson
  • 1979 Ernest L. Boyer
  • 1978 Clifton R. Wharton Jr.