2021–2022
Michelle "MACE" Curran ~
US Air Force Thunderbird pilot
2019–2020
David Shoemaker ~
Astronomer and AstrophysicistBryan Mealer ~
Bestselling Author & Journalist
2018–2019
James Prosek ~
Artist, writer, and naturalistRuta Sepetys ~ Bestselling
author of historical fiction2017–2018Robert Edsel ’75 ~
Bestselling author and historian
Grace Lin ~ Children's Author and Illustrator
2016–2017
Casey Sherman ~
Bestselling author, screenwriter, and storyteller
Dr. Alex McDonald ~ Pianist
2015–2016
Eugene Yelchin ~
Award-winning artist, author, and children’s book illustrator
Mr. Carl Zimmer ~ Science Writer & Blogger
2014–2015
Dr. Harold Tanner ~ History Professor & World Traveler
James O’Donnell ~ Organist and Master of the Choristers, Westminster Abbey
2013–2014
Dr. Robert M. Sapolsky ~
Biologist, Neuroscientist, Writer, and Stress Expert
Celebration Jazz Orchestra ~ Musical Group
2012–2013Billy Collins ~
Former U.S. Poet Laureate
Dr. Wade Davis ~ Ethnographer, writer, photographer, and filmmaker
2011–2012Dr. Andrea Bertozzi ~
Applied MathematicianDr. David Gonzalez ~
Latin Storyteller2010–2011Robin Wiszowaty ~
Kenya Program Director, Free The ChildrenCraig Kielburger ~
Founder & Chair, Free The ChildrenRob Kapilow ~
Conductor/Composer2009–2010
Dr. Spencer Wells ~
Population GeneticistDr. Charles Kimball ~
Director of Religious Studies, University of OklahomaJeffery Davis ~
Poet & Creative Writing Coach2008–2009Dr. Mark Moffett ~
Ecologist & National Geographic PhotographerAlma Guillermoprieto ~
Latin American JournalistDr. H.W. Brands ~
Professor of American History, UT2007–2008Cedza Dlamini ~
Social Developer in AfricaThe N’Awlins Gumbo Kings ~
Jazz MusiciansJanet Wallach ~
President, Seeds of Peace2006–2007Dr. Alan Stern ’75 ~
Planetary ScientistNaomi Shiham Nye ~
Poet, Essayist, and TeacherDr. Louise Leakey ~
Paleoanthropologist2005–2006James McLurkin ~
RoboticistDr. Deborah E. Lipstadt ~
Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust StudiesDr. Francisco Jimenez ~
Writer & Professor of Mexican-American Literature2004–2005Gus Lee ~
Author & EthicistJonathan Holloway & Raul Ramos ~
Yale Race Relations ProfessorsDavid H. Levy ~
Science Editor, Parade
Magazine; Co-Discoverer of Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet2003–2004Tim Severin ~
Explorer & WriterCharles Duff ~
Shakespearean Actor & DirectorWade Davis ~
Anthropologist, Ethnobotanist & Explorer