David Ortiz To Talk At Salem State Ahead Of Hall Of Fame Induction

SALEM, MA —A Red Sox legend and famous international human rights lawyer are among the impressive list of big names lined up for the 40th anniversary of the Salem State University Foundation Inc.'s annual Speaker Series.

Sox legend David Ortiz and international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney are scheduled for the series that is set to return to an in-person format after going virtual for two years during the COVID-19 health crisis.

"These speakers exemplify the types of discussions the Series has provided over the past 40 years," said Cheryl Crounse, vice president of advancement and executive director of the Salem State University Foundation, Inc. "They present opportunities for us to learn and grow together as a greater community, which is an extension of our university's public education mission.”

Ortiz will visit Salem State on May 4 for a talk on skills needed to succeed, leadership and the importance of giving back.

Clooney will be in Salem on Sept. 22 to discuss her work on the international stage.

Both events will be held in Salem State University's O'Keefe Complex, with the May 4 Series taking place in the Rockett Arena and the Sept. 20 Series in the Twohig Gymnasium.

Both events begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets will be available beginning on March 29 here or by calling 978-542-7555. Premium and individual tickets are available to the general public, with Salem State students receiving discounts.

Ortiz’s May 4 visit is the final event of the university’s annual day of giving, Viking Warrior Day, which is now in its fifth year. Proceeds from the Series and from Viking Warrior Day will benefit
the Salem State Annual Fund.

"The university has a long-standing commitment to meaningful engagement, so we're leveraging the anniversary of the Series as an integral part of Viking Warrior Day — Salem State University's annual celebration of giving back," Crounse said. "This is a chance for us to transform lives by building on the opportunities that Salem State University offers."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)