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President Thomas A. Parham established the Presidential Distinguished Lecture Series to engage the campus and surrounding community in thought-provoking discussions on some of society’s most pressing issues. Each year, the series will bring leading scholars, artists, and leaders to share their thoughts and experiences with the Toro community. Speakers are chosen for their eloquence as well as the impact of their actions, both within their respective industries and throughout the nation and world. The series is open to CSUDH students, faculty, and staff, as well as the general public.
Kenny G Lecture and Performance
March 17, 2020
4-6 p.m.
Join this highly anticipated event featuring music icon Kenny G. A link to reserve tickets will be sent by email to CSUDH faculty, staff, and students. Tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
This event will not be livestreamed or recorded.
About Kenny G
Melodies and music have long been a signature part of Kenny G’s life. Since releasing his self-titled debut disc in the fall of 1982, Kenny G has become the biggest selling instrumental musicians of the modern era and one of the best-selling artists of all-time with global sales totaling more than 75 million records. His biggest album was 1992’s Breathless – which sold a staggering twelve million copies in the United States alone. In addition, his 1994 Christmas disc Miracles: The Holiday Album ranks as one of the most successful Yuletide albums ever – with sales over eight million copies. Seven of his singles have hit the Top-40 on the Billboard Hot 100. He has also been ranked as one of the most-played artists in the Adult Contemporary format – with nine top ten singles. Kenny G has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business during his legendary career, ranging from Michael Bolton to Katy Perry to Weezer to Whitney Houston.
Xavier Becerra - Fighting for a Sustainable Future and Healthy Communities
February 7, 2019
The Honorable Xavier Becerra was the featured speaker for the Presidential Distinguished Lecture Series in February, 2019. Attorney General Becerra discussed California’s efforts to defend environmental protections that are critical to our health and well-being. The event was one of several marking President Thomas Parham’s inauguration as the 11th President of California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Since taking office in 2017, Attorney General Xavier Becerra has made protecting the environment a top priority and has filed multiple lawsuits to uphold the rule of law when it comes to protecting the planet. In 2018, Attorney General Becerra established the Bureau of Environmental Justice at the California Department of Justice. The Bureau focuses on protecting people and communities that endure a disproportionate share of environmental pollution and public health hazards.
The lecture was followed by a panel discussion featuring Dr. John Thomlinson, CSUDH Professor & Chair of Biology; Tim Watkins, President/CEO, Watts Labor Community Action Committee; and Hawk McFadzen, CSUDH graduate student and CalFresh Outreach Coordinator.
Tommie Smith - Silent Gesture: Athletics and Courageous Conscience
November 7, 2018
The lecture series began with legendary Olympic athlete Tommie Smith, whose raised fist on the medal platform at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics has become an iconic and defining moment in the fight for civil rights. Smith's lecture was followed by a panel discussion regarding athletes and social activism, with former NFL star Reggie Bush, NFL Network reporter Steve Wyche, UC Riverside athletic director Tamica Smith Jones, and CSUDH volleyball player Esther Duru. A video of the event can be viewed here or at left.