ACCENT Speakers Bureau is the student government-run

speakers' bureau A speakers bureau is a collection of speakers who talk about a particular subject, or a company, which operates to facilitate speakers for clients requiring motivational speakers, celebrity appearances, conference facilitators, or keynote speakers. ...

of the

University of Florida The University of Florida (Florida or UF) is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida, traces its origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its ...

. It claims to be the largest student-run speakers' bureau in the United States. The organization is a student government agency. ACCENT was created in 1967 and its speakers' series was created originally as a symposium, with the first featuring author

Ralph Nader Ralph Nader (; born February 27, 1934) is an American political activist, author, lecturer, and attorney noted for his involvement in consumer protection, environmentalism, and government reform causes. The son of Lebanese immigrants to the Un ...

and then

Vice President A vice president, also director in British English, is an officer in government or business who is below the president (chief executive officer) in rank. It can also refer to executive vice presidents, signifying that the vice president is on ...

Richard Nixon Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913April 22, 1994) was the 37th president of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as a representative and senator from California and was ...

as the headline speakers. The next year, the symposium featured a "

liberal Liberal or liberalism may refer to: Politics * a supporter of liberalism ** Liberalism by country * an adherent of a Liberal Party * Liberalism (international relations) * Sexually liberal feminism * Social liberalism Arts, entertainment and m ...

versus

conservative Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy that seeks to promote and to preserve traditional institutions, practices, and values. The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the culture and civilization in ...

" debate featuring Harry Goldin and

James J. Kilpatrick James Jackson Kilpatrick (November 1, 1920 – August 15, 2010) was an American newspaper journalist, columnist, author, writer and grammarian. During the 1950s and early 1960s he was editor of ''The Richmond News Leader'' in Richmond, Virginia ...

. The symposium was accompanied by a politically charged magazine which featured writing from political science students and professors at the University of Florida. Over time, ACCENT broke away from the symposium format and turned into a year-long speaker series.

Speakers

In any given year, the chair must stretch the budget to bring in speakers that the Student Body would like to hear speak. While most shows are sponsored solely by ACCENT, many other student organizations turn to ACCENT for different events. Organizations including, but not limited to, Black Student Union, Jewish Student Union, Hispanic Student Union, Asian American Student Union, Pride Student Union, Islam on Campus, and the Board of College Councils work with ACCENT to bring in speakers who are both relevant to their group and hold wide appeal.

Past speakers

Organizational information

ACCENT has the second-largest budget out of all the agencies, as well as the largest staff. Chapter 563 of the University of Florida Student Body Statues outlines the general practices of the Speakers Bureau. Over 50 student volunteers work with the chairman to bring speakers to the University of Florida. The chairman is required to appoint three vice chairs, but the remainder of the organizational structure is left up to the chairman. Vice chairships, directorships, and assistant directorships range from productions to promotions and every job in between. Applications are usually found on the official website at the beginning of each semester.

References

External links

University of Florida Student GovernmentStudent Body Statues outlining ACCENTAccent brings in Kevorkian in St. Pete Times article
{{University of Florida University of Florida Organizations established in 1967 1967 establishments in Florida