Student Leadership

Student leadership anchors each symposium, and in many cases, that leadership is acknowledged with academic credit.

With support and mentorship from faculty and staff, student leaders research and develop the symposium themes, invite and host speakers, create panels and workshops, curate art exhibits, develop publicity, manage budgets, and coordinate event logistics. In addition, students also present their own work, often alongside community leaders, distinguished scholars, and professional writers and artists. All symposia offer rich opportunities for meaningful collaboration, multifaceted research, and the use and development of sophisticated communication skills.

  • Alicia posing outside in a green garden. They are wearing a yellow top and a blue skirt.

    As cochairs, we wanted to create a symposium about exploring how borders impact us, the world, and communities around us, and what happens when we break down those borders and connect with each other.

    Alicia McMahon BA ’25
    History | Ethnic Studies | Springfield, Pennsylvania
    More about Alicia
  • Azucena Morales Santos BA '24

    Every Ray Warren Symposium event that I attended both affirmed and challenged my academic experience by making me think of thought-provoking questions.

    Azucena Morales Santos BA ’24
    Hispanic Studies, Sociology and Anthropology (double) | Hillsboro Oregon, but my roots are from Juxtlahuaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
    More about Azucena
  • Tara Elsa BA '25

    The topics discussed during the symposium were relevant to both the current state of the world and my thesis/capstone project topic.

    Tara Elsa BA ’25
    Rhetoric and Media Studies | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Innovation | Santa Rosa, California
    More about Tara