Contact CU Independent News Staff Writer Sonia Fraser at sonia.fraser@colorado.edu
With the annual Conference on World Affairs coming up, the University of Colorado recently announced the list of speakers scheduled to attend. For five days in April every year, eminent professionals from a variety of fields flock to CU’s campus to share their knowledge and experience with students and community members. Here is a small sampling of the many guests to whet the appetite for what is to come:
Bwire Chirangi
Dr. Chirangi is the medical director at Shirati District Hospital in Tanzania. In his prominent position, he fulfills a number of roles, ranging from obstetric surgeon to administrator. An advocate for accessible health care, Dr. Chirangi has had to endure everything from unreliable electricity to poor transport of patients. He began his work in the medical field in 1995, when he worked as a clinical officer at Mugumu hospital. After several years, he decided to return to school to become an assistant medical officer. He continued his education in Holland, where he attained a masters degree in public health before returning to Tanzania in 2008. There, he took on the position of Medical Director at the Shirtai District hospital. He has been serving his community as both a health care provider and an advocate for better healthcare ever since.
Ernie Watts
Watts is a two time Grammy–winning jazz saxophonist. He has been playing since the age of 13, giving him more than 50 years of experience. Having been featured on more than 500 recordings with artists from virtually every genre of music, he has truly proven his versatility as a player. Watts was the recipient of the Frankfurt music prize in 2014, making him one of the few jazz musicians ever to receive the honor.
Seth Shostak
Shostak is a senior astronomer and participant in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program at the SETI Institute. He heads the International Academy of Aeronautics SETI Permanent program, and has published many articles and texts on the universe. His fascination with the stars began when he was a child and has stuck with him ever since. Now, at the age of 72, his accomplishments precede him. He is a recipient of the Klumpke-Roberts Award for his outstanding contributions to the understanding of astronomy.
Joe Sexton
Sexton is a senior editor for ProPublica, a non-profit newsroom. He previously worked for as a reporter 25 years, becoming an editor at the New York Times. Under his direction as the metropolitan editor, his staff won two Pulitzer Prizes. He covered a number of high–profile stories from the London games to the Penn State scandal during his time as a reporter. Sexton has also received multiple awards for his photography and writing; his work has been anthologized with some of the best sports writing of our time.
Sofie Karasek
Karasek is an activist focused on ending sexual assault on college campuses. A sexual assault survivor, Karasek has been instrumental in the passage of various pieces of legislation across the country. These laws have aimed at taking steps to redefine the meaning of consent. Her controversial battle against rape culture began when she filed a Title IX complaint against the University of California Berkeley for its mishandling of her sexual assault case. This led her to create The Hunting Ground, a documentary chronicling her struggle for justice. She now works in advocacy and awareness, continuing to fight for a future that does not include sexual assault and abuse.
These are just a few of the speakers scheduled to be in Boulder the week of April 4. A full list can be found online, along with speaking schedules and parking maps.
