A two-day celebration resulted in thought-provoking conversations and danceable music with a punk energy.

The inaugural CHASS Dean’s Speaker Series took place April 24-25 and featured Simon Tam, a CHASS alum, musician, and activist. Tam is best known for winning a U.S. Supreme Court case in 2017 that allowed him to safeguard the name of his dance rock band, The Slants. 

The CHASS Dean’s Speaker Series is designed to honor alumni, showcase CHASS faculty research, and welcome community members onto campus. This year’s celebration commemorated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  

 

Tam’s visit included a panel discussion at UCR ARTS in downtown Riverside, a meeting with law and society students, a concert at the bell tower, and a TEDx talk at University Theatre.

“I’m delighted to start a new tradition at UCR, bringing together CHASS alumni, faculty, and staff with the wider community,” Williams said. “My sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. I’m excited about what lies ahead.”