Members of the National Society of Leadership and Success chapter at OSU Institute of Technology will have the opportunity to hear from notable speakers in this fall's lineup of speaker broadcasts.

The livestream events are being provided free of charge for NSLS members and will each begin at 6 p.m. Scheduled speakers include American actor, comedian, singer, songwriter and YouTuber, Jack Black; Academy Award-winning actor and producer, Matthew McConaughey; and science educator, engineer, comedian, television presenter, author, and inventor, Bill Nye.

Kamie Crawford, NSLS advisor, said she is looking forward to this semester's speakers.

"These speakers are important to broaden the members' minds, see different perspectives, learn insight into a concept that others are passionate about," she said. "This is an opportunity to either connect on a topic that you agree with or learn and respect a perspective someone else has that may differ from your own."

This semester, there are six speaker events, including three rebroadcasts for those who were unable to attend the original or non-members who wish to view the broadcast. 

Black is scheduled to speak on Oct. 13. He is known for his roles in films such as Shallow Hal, School of Rock and, the Kung Fu Panda franchise. Outside of acting, Black is the lead vocalist of the Grammy Award-winning comedic rock duo Tenacious D and was inducted into Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 2018. He has cemented himself as one of the most versatile and sought-after talents in entertainment with an illustrious career that includes projects in film, television, music, and more. 

McConaughey is scheduled to speak Oct. 28. In 2009, McConaughey and his wife founded the just keep livin Foundation, which helps at-risk high school students make healthier mind, body and spirit choices. In 2019, McConaughey became a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin and Minister of Culture/M.O.C. for the University of Texas and the City of Austin. McConaughey is also a brand ambassador for Lincoln Motor Company, an owner of the Major League Soccer club Austin FC, and co-creator of the bourbon, Wild Turkey Longbranch. He will be speaking about his first book, Greenlights, an approach to living meant to yield more satisfaction.

Nye is scheduled to speak Oct. 20 about the Science of Success. He has a mission to help foster a scientifically literate society and help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. Making science entertaining and accessible is something Nye has been passionate about his entire life. He fights to raise awareness of climate change and the value of critical thinking, science and reason. Through all his work, Nye hopes to inspire people everywhere to change the world.

Rebroadcast events include NY Times best-selling author Charlene Li on Nov. 5; Tanya Acker, author of Make Your Case: Finding Your Win in Civil Court on Nov. 12; and Valerie Jarret, Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People”on Dec. 3.

These events are designed to inspire thought and reflect on one's own perspective. Although these events are required for NSLS members, Crawford encourages everyone to join in on the rebroadcasts.

"I think these events are important for everyone to attend," said Crawford. "It's important for people to understand how to listen to another person's point of view and then reflect on it, all while respecting that person regardless of what they think. You can agree or disagree with the stance, but it's not an all or none type of thing. You can learn something from every person you meet. You can find parts of the speaker's remarks to be motivating and encouraging in your own life's journey as well!"

NSLS members will RSVP in the NSLS Member's Area to receive the link to join virtually. Others that wish to participate in the re-broadcasts will RSVP through the OSUIT online calendar, and a guest link will be sent the day of the event to join and watch along with the members.

There are 62 current NSLS members for the fall semester. Nominations for the Spring 2020 term will occur in December, and students who meet the criteria to join NSLS will be sent an invite to join at that time.

For more information on the upcoming NSLS events or joining NSLS, please visit the OSUIT NSLS website page.