Bridgewater College will host Kristen Shahverdian, Director of Higher Education and Free Expression at PEN America, for a discussion about the importance of free speech on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Boitnott Room in Rebecca Hall at the college. This event, part of BC’s Endowed Lectures series, is free and open to the public.
Shahverdian will participate in a moderated conversation with Dr. Leona Sevick, BC’s Provost and Executive Vice President, and Dr. Leslie Frere, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.
PEN America works to ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, to convey information and ideas, to express their views, and to access the views, ideas, and literature of others. Founded in 1922, the nonprofit organization’s mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. They do advocacy work and host public programming and events on literature and human rights.
In her role at PEN America, Shahverdian develops campus engagements and public events related to free expression and education. Before joining PEN America, she was a senior lecturer at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and previously was an adjunct professor at Rowan University and Temple University. She received her BA in history and dance from Hamilton College, her MFA in dance from Temple University, and her MA in socially engaged art from Moore College of Art & Design.
This Endowed Lecture is sponsored by the Harold H. Hersch Educational Fund. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the event starting at 7:30 p.m.
Media Contact:
Heather Cole
Editor & Media Relations Director
hcole@bridgewater.edu
Published: October 6, 2026
