Stanford Open Minds

March 21, 2026: Washington, DC

We’re bringing Stanford’s president, leading faculty, and the latest insights. Together, we’ll explore how to navigate the future with open minds.

March 21, 2026 | 4:00–9:00 p.m. ET:Program overview

Here’s a preview of what you’ll find at Stanford Open Minds Washington, DC.

  • 4:00–4:45 p.m. Arrive + connect:Check in and refreshments

    We’re excited to see alumni and friends beyond the Farm! Come early to connect, reconnect, and join the Stanford Open Minds community.

  • 4:45–5:35 p.m. President’s welcome & fireside chat:Engaging in the Future of Stanford

    President Jonathan Levin will discuss the future of Stanford and the higher education landscape in a fireside chat with Lily Sarafan, ’03, MS ’03, chair of the Stanford Board of Trustees. Their conversation will be followed by a live audience Q&A with President Levin.

    Filming or recording is prohibited without express permission from the Stanford Alumni Association.

    Learn about President LevinLearn about Lily Sarafan
  • 5:35–6:20 p.m. Faculty microlectures:Open to Possibilities

    From new brain cancer treatments, to the impact of social media, and decoding the universe, leading Stanford faculty highlight some of the latest research and discovery taking place. Experience the best of Stanford in your own backyard!

    Speakers

    • Crystal Mackall and Michelle Monje, MD ’02, PhD ’04 | New hope for a deadly childhood brain cancer
      Monje is the Milan Gambhir Professor in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology and professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford Medicine; professor, by courtesy, of neurosurgery, of pediatrics, of pathology, and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Mackall is the Ernest and Amelia Gallo Family Professor at Stanford Medicine and professor of pediatrics and of medicine.

    • Matthew Gentzkow  | Social media and social good
      Landau Professor of Technology and the Economy in the School of Humanities and Sciences; director, Stanford Impact Labs; senior fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research

    • Risa Wechsler | Mapping the dark and dynamic universe
      Humanities and Sciences Professor II in the School of Humanities and Sciences; professor of particle physics and astrophysics; director, Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; director, Center for Decoding the Universe at Stanford

    Filming or recording is prohibited without express permission from the Stanford Alumni Association.

  • 6:20–6:40 p.m. Break:Refresh Your Mind

    Stretch your legs, grab a beverage, and share your thoughts with a friend during this 20-minute break.

  • 6:40–7:25 p.m. Faculty conversation:Open to Dialogue: Building a better tomorrow—the role of universities

    Join Stanford leaders for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the vital role of universities in shaping our future. Deans Jennifer Widom, Debra Satz, and Lloyd Minor will discuss how federally funded research fuels innovation and discovery, why the world needs strong research institutions, and how higher education can prepare students to be thoughtful, constructive citizens. Moderated by Secretary Condoleezza Rice, this dialogue will illuminate how teaching, research, and public purpose intersect to advance knowledge and serve society.

    Panelists

    • Condoleezza Rice (moderator)
      Tad and Dianne Taube Director, Hoover Institution; Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy; Denning Professor in Global Business and the Economy, Stanford Graduate School of Business 

    • Lloyd B. Minor
      Carl and Elizabeth Naumann Dean, School of Medicine; Vice President for Medical Affairs; professor of otolaryngology (head and neck surgery); professor, by courtesy, of bioengineering and of neurobiology

    • Debra Satz
      Vernon R. and Lysbeth Warren Anderson Dean, School of Humanities and Sciences, and Marta Sutton Weeks Professor of Ethics in Society and professor, by courtesy, of political science

    • Jennifer Widom
      Frederick Emmons Terman Dean, School of Engineering; Fletcher Jones Professor in Computer Science; professor of electrical engineering

    Filming or recording is prohibited without express permission from the Stanford Alumni Association.

  • 7:25–7:30 p.m. What’s next:Continuing the Conversation

    Howard E. Wolf, ’80, vice president for alumni affairs and president of the Stanford Alumni Association, concludes the formal program and encourages you to continue the conversation at the community reception.

  • 7:30–9:00 p.m. Reception:Open to Connections

    Mix, mingle, and deepen your connections with fellow attendees while enjoying a variety of food and beverage stations.

Washington DC speakers

Learn about the researchers, academics, alumni, and more who are making an impact—both on the Farm and in the world.

Jonathan Levin
President, Stanford University
Howard Wolf, ’80
Stanford Alumni Association
Lily Sarafan, ’03, MS ’03
Stanford University Board of Trustees
Michelle Monje, MD ’02, PhD ’04
Stanford Medicine
Crystal Mackall
Stanford Medicine
Matthew Gentzkow
School of Humanities and Sciences
Risa Wechsler
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Condoleezza Rice
Hoover Institution
Lloyd B. Minor
School of Medicine
Debra Satz
School of Humanities and Sciences
Jennifer Widom
School of Engineering
Pink lights and chandeliers in large white room

Travel:Plan your trip

Event Details

March 21, 2026 4:00–9:00 p.m. ET

Salamander Washington, DC
1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Visit hotel website

Please use the dedicated event entrance at Salamander Washington, DC, located on Maine Ave SW across from the Potomac. Upon arriving on Maine Ave SW, continue past the parking garage and enter the driveway for the event entrance. Look for the Stanford “S” and directional signage to help you find your way.

Registration

Early-bird pricing through February 27, 2026
General Admission: $55
Young Alumni: $25

Pricing after early-bird deadline
General Admission: $75
Young Alumni: $35

Getting Here

Rideshare
The best address to use for rideshare is 1201 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC 22024. Then follow the directions above to reach the hotel’s event entrance. 

Valet and Self-parking
All parking is hosted. No overnight parking. Limited complimentary valet is available. To valet your vehicle, arrive at the dedicated event entrance of Salamander Washington, DC, following the instructions above. Plan for a potential 15–20 minute wait for both drop-off and pick-up. The self-parking garage is located at 1201 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC 22024.

Thank you volunteers

These volunteers are helping to generate excitement about Stanford Open Minds Washington, DC, and spread the word in their local community!

See Washington, DC volunteers

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you wondering about something you don’t see answered here? Feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.