Malcolm Gladwell is the author of five New York Times best-selling books, a journalist for The New Yorker and the next speaker for Guilford College’s Bryan Series program on April 12.
Gladwell, whose books include “The Tipping Point,” “Blink,” “Outliers,” “What the Dog Saw” and “David and Goliath,” will speak at the Greensboro Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. for the last event of the Series’ 2015-16 season.
At 4 p.m., an hour-long Q&A session with Gladwell will begin in the Community Center for Guilford students who have previously signed up. A book signing will follow the main talk.
“Because he covers so much territory in his books, he reserves the opportunity to speak on a topic of his choice, and we accept that because we know it’ll be interesting regardless,” said Ty Buckner, associate vice president for the Bryan Series and advancement communications.
In publicizing the event, the Bryan Series describes Gladwell as someone who “has explored how ideas spread, decision making, the roots of success and the advantage of disadvantages.”
Anna Kelly, sophomore and student intern for the Bryan Series spoke about Gladwell coming to the Bryan Series.
“He’s everywhere in writing, so he’s a really good example to see,” said Kelly. “Student response has been really good.”
Sophomore Danika Gottbrecht is one of the students who plans to attend both Gladwell’s talk and the Q&A session.
“I love Malcolm Gladwell’s books,” said Gottbrecht. “He was able to … inspire me to become more aware about things in our society. So, I’m really excited.”
Gottbrecht spoke about her expectations for the event.
“As one of his readers, I hope that I can gain a more personal perspective,” said Gottbrecht. “I want to know about the author behind the book and behind the pages.”
Registration for free tickets to the event were open for a week to Guilford students and faculty; however, additional tickets may be available.
Those who have registered can pick up their tickets at the information desk in Founders Hall from now until noon on April 12.
Tickets to the public, though, are sold out.
“Malcolm’s been popular in terms of input we’ve received from our subscribers, from students, faculty (and) staff for a number of years,” said Buckner.
Suzanne Ingram, associate director of the Bryan Series and Buckner work together to make sure that the programs run smoothly.
“It’s a pretty large production between … managing the ticket sales and customer service for our subscribers,” said Ingram.
The 2016-17 season of the Bryan Series will feature Michael Pollan, Mark and Scott Kelly, Amal Clooney, Bryan Stevenson and Alan Alda.
“With the (Bryan) Series, we like to be unique and to bring the best speakers … people who are change agents and also who have something really interesting to say … especially to students,” said Buckner.
