Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., will welcome A.G. Sulzberger, publisher and chairman of The New York Times, to campus next week as part of the Presidential Speaker Series. The talk will be accompanied by a public photojournalism exhibit highlighting the work of New York Times’ photojournalists around the world.
As The New York Times marks its 175th anniversary, Sulzberger will present “Lessons on Stewardship from America’s Paper of Record” at 6 p.m. Sept. 29 in the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre. The event and following reception are free to attend and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
The Presidential Speaker Series, launched earlier this year by Guskiewicz, brings leading thinkers and practitioners to MSU for conversations on consequential issues, and creates opportunities for the university community, especially students, to thoughtfully engage with ideas and perspectives that shape the world.
“At a time when the ways we receive and understand information are changing rapidly, thoughtful, independent journalism remains essential to an informed society,” Guskiewicz said. “A.G. Sulzberger will give our students and broader community a unique opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in journalism about the future of a free press and its role in helping us understand an increasingly complex world.”
Sulzberger has served as publisher of The New York Times since 2018, and chairman of The New York Times Company since 2021. Before becoming publisher, he worked as a reporter and editor, beginning his career at The Providence Journal and The Oregonian before joining the The Times in 2009. He later served as a national correspondent, newsroom strategy editor and deputy publisher.
Photo by Jim Vondruska for The New York Times
A key architect of The Times’ digital transformation, Sulzberger was the principal author of its 2014 Innovation Report, which helped chart the news organization’s strategy for reaching and engaging digital audiences. As publisher, he has overseen continued investment in investigative journalism and the expansion of the The Times into new digital formats, including audio and multimedia.
As part of the event, Sulzberger will discuss the commitments that have guided The New York Times through wars, recessions, technological disruption and other challenges during its 175-year history, as well as the role of independent reporting amid political polarization, artificial intelligence and challenges facing the free press. He will also engage with MSU journalism students and faculty during his visit to campus.
Sulzberger’s appearance is the second event in MSU’s Presidential Speaker Series. The inaugural event, held March 17, brought national leaders in higher education and public service to Wharton Center for a discussion on “The Future of Higher Education” and the role universities can play in strengthening civil discourse.
'Bearing Witness' photojournalism exhibit
Alongside Sulzberger’s visit, MSU will host “Bearing Witness,” an outdoor pop-up photojournalism exhibit presented by The New York Times, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 and 30 in Benefactors Plaza. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Created to mark The Times’ 175th anniversary, “Bearing Witness” brings together noteworthy photojournalism documenting the difficult, important eyewitness reporting required to unearth the facts and bear witness to some of the biggest moments of our time.
The photographs, accompanied by words from the photojournalists who took them, will feature photos from around the world, offering visitors an inside look at the difficult work required to capture and reveal conflict, upheaval and extraordinary human moments.
Both the Speaker Series and exhibit are presented in partnership with the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences and the School of Journalism.
