The Silk Speaker Series at the University of San Francisco

Silk Speaker Series Video Transcript »

The University of San Francisco Silk Speaker Series includes key thought leaders on global affairs, the economy, and business.

The Silk Speaker Series is designed to provide learning opportunities and discussions for USF’s students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the university.

Upcoming Speakers

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 | War Memorial Gymnasium at the Sobrato Center

Kevin Johnson is president and chief executive officer for Starbucks. A passionate servant leader, he proudly carries on Starbucks legacy of human connection, driving the company’s core strategies for growth, and being of service to the more than 330,000 partners who wear the green apron around the world.

Past Speakers

Billie Jean King at the Silk Speaker Series

Billie Jean King, Tennis Legend and Equality Champion

When Billie Jean King picks up a racket and starts hitting autographed tennis balls into the audience to the tune of Elton John’s song “Philadelphia Freedom,” you know you've just attended a different kind of guest lecture.

Watch the entire Billie Jean King Lecture

Steve Kerr in conversation with two moderators

Warriors Coach Steve Kerr on Campus

Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr spoke at USF Oct. 23, discussing his transition from NBA player to coach, his approach to leading a team of leaders, and why he feels compelled to speak up on social and political issues.

Steve Kerr talks leadership

Janet Yellen (right) interviewed at USF by Associate Professor of Economics Suparna Chakraborty

Janet Yellen, former chair of the Federal Reserve

In a 90-minute, sit-down interview with Suparna Chakraborty, USF associate dean for academic effectiveness and associate professor of economics, Yellen explained the Fed's actions in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, tried to reassure audience members of the Fed's independence in the wake of public criticism by President Donald Trump, and more.

Watch Highlights from Janet's Interview

Harry Markowitz, current principal at Harry Markowitz Company, 1989 John von Neumann Award, 1990 Nobel Prize in Economics

Why Can’t My Life Decisions Be Made by Siri? Learn about taking finance further than just investing. Create a system to make life decisions, from college funding, to IRAs, to buying a house, to simplifying your life.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., NBA champion, current president of Lakers basketball operations, business luminary, and philanthropist

Magic Johnson told stories from his life and career to inspire students to believe in their abilities and to do good for their communities. "Affect change,” he said. “Get involved in your school, in the community ... go touch somebody else’s life that’s less fortunate than your own. Reach back and give back.” Johnson spoke at USF in October 2017; the conversation was moderated by Rick Welts, the president and chief operating officer of the Golden State Warriors.

MAGIC JOHNSON'S JOURNEY FROM BASKETBALL COURT TO BOARDROOM

Myron Scholes, Nobel Laureate in Economics

Scholes is the Frank E. Buck professor of finance, emeritus, at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where he still teaches a course called “Managing Under Uncertainty.” He has consulted widely with financial institutions, corporations, and exchanges, and has served as an adviser to the Guangdong provincial government. Scholes spoke at USF in August 2017.

VIDEO: MYRON SCHOLES on MANAGING UNDER UNCERTAINTY

Steve Wozniak, Co-Founder of Apple Inc.

A pioneer of the personal computer revolution, Steve "Woz" Wozniak revolutionized the status quo by inventing the first Apple computer. A consummate engineer, Wozniak even engineered a formula for happiness: H=S-F. “Happiness equals smiles minus frowns,” the Apple co-founder said. Wozniak spoke at USF in April 2017.

STEVE WOZNIAK TALKS ABOUT STEVE JOBS AND HOW TO BE HAPPY

Nobel laureate Robert Merton calls for a shift in mindset at USF Silk Speaker Series

Robert C. Merton, Nobel Laureate in Economics

Can financial innovation change our future? The next big financial test facing the U.S. economy is fixing our broken retirement system, says Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Merton, who spoke at USF as part of the Silk Speaker Series in February, 2017.

VIDEO: ROBERT MERTON on INNOVATION AND THE FUTURE

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at Silk Speaker Series

Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice answered audience questions with moderator and alumnus Jeff Silk '87, right, at the Silk Speaker Series in January 2017. "Your most important task in your four years in college is to find something you're passionate about," Rice said.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE TALKS ABOUT TRUMP, PUTIN, AND HACKING

Gift Establishes Innovative Speaker Series

Investment expert Jeff Silk ’87 and his wife Naomi have pledged a transformational gift to the University of San Francisco that will bring international thought leaders to campus for a speaker series on business, finance, and global issues.

Shining a Spotlight on USF