Spartan Speaker Series

Since 2016, the Spartan Speaker Series has brought distinguished authors, critics, scientists, activists, and artists to the 91猎奇 campus to explore and discuss critical issues shaping our society and impacting students today. The series highlights a broad range of perspectives and diverse voices, encouraging dialogue, reflection, and learning within the Spartan community.

Fall 2025 Spartan Speaker Series

Monday, October 27 - Natalie Nakase

Event Location: Student Union Ballrooms

Can't make it in person?

Time: 6:00pm

Natalie Nakase led the Golden State Valkyries to 23 regular season wins during its inaugural year, a WNBA single-season record by an expansion team, and also became the first-ever expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season. Nakase took the helm of the Valkyries following over 16 years of coaching professional basketball, including 10 seasons in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers, and three seasons as first assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, where they won the WNBA Championship in back-to-back seasons, in 2022 & 2023. Nakase was a walk-on women鈥檚 basketball player at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 1998-2003, where she played her way into the starting lineup and served as team captain for three seasons. A native of Los Angeles, she graduated with her bachelor of science in psychology.

Wednesday, November 19 - Jennette McCurdy

Event Location: Morris Dailey Auditorium

Time: 6:00pm

Submit a question for the Q&A here!

For event accommodations, reach out to Student Involvement at getinvolved@sjsu.edu or at (408)-924-5950.

Previous Spartan Speakers
	Julian Castro
	Janelle James
	Stephanie Hsu
	Stephanie Beatriz
	Ibram X. Kendi
	Wilson Cruz
	Kendrick Sampson
	Jenny Slate
	Roy Choi
	Ashley Park
	Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
	Dolores Huerta
	Tara Houska
	Angie Thomas
	Stephanie Land
	Yara Shahidi
	Eugene Lee Yang
	Nikole Hannah-Jones
	Gabby Rivera
	Simu Liu
	Leah Thomas
	Janet Mock