The format changed in 1993 in favor of a lecture format followed by an extensive question and answer period. Collaboration, both financially and verbally, is important for most events. Budgets are tight, so, co-sponsorship is a must for events to happen. Audience sizes have ranged from 1,800 to 25 in number. But, one quality has always been consistent.
All guests are people of stature.
Guests are not afraid to present ideas that challenge audiences with respect to understanding issues in greater detail. Speakers reflect a sense of self-esteem due to the fact that they are willing to put themselves on the line for an idea or belief. Some speakers are general in nature while others may center on controversial subjects. The Office of Student Programs makes every effort to link subject matter to the academic environment or interest groups on campus. In the late eighties and early nineties, it was much easier to secure large audiences for on campus programs plus large numbers of students for off campus trips.