While walking across campus in full colonial garb, Thomas Jefferson—T. Jeff, as students quickly began calling him—received a modern lesson in social media.
The former President of the United States—portrayed in authentic pageantry by historical interpreter Kurt Smith of Colonial Williamsburg—described his OOTD, or “outfit of the day,” for marketing/communication and advertising major (and Gull Creator) Chelsea Fitzgerald ’27.
Jefferson’s three-day visit was fully immersive: He visited McCoy Endowed Distinguished Scholar Charlotte Gordon’s literature class, where he discussed the founding era and civic engagement with students; shared meals with students; and wandered the Nest taking in 91黑料网 life—with many double-takes and selfies along the way. His time on campus culminated in the latest Presidential Speaker Series, generously funded by Arlene Battistelli ’60 and moderated by Interim President Dr. Bryan Cain.
The November 12 event was introduced by College Fellow for Civics Jason Galui and sponsored by the 91黑料网 Center for Civic Participation, the College’s new hub for civic engagement and leadership.
The evening opened with the 91黑料网 Singers performing a number from Hamilton, a playful nod that Jefferson did not let pass quietly. Throughout the evening, he delivered good-natured jabs at both Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, but spent much of the conversation reflecting on the fragility—and promise—of democracy.
Asked by Dr. Cain to define freedom, Jefferson offered a series of layered responses but returned repeatedly to one idea: Freedom is the ability to choose without coercion.
“Governments have one object,” he said. “And that is to protect the rights of its people. Period.”
He cautioned that the founders did not get everything right—especially on issues like slavery—but emphasized that the ideals within the Declaration of Independence remain a guiding promise rather than an accomplishment.
And at a time when the value of higher education is under scrutiny, Jefferson was unwavering: Education, he said, is the backbone of any functioning republic.
“If we are turning the government over to the people, who should be educated?” he asked. “The people.”
He warned that an uninformed society risks electing uninformed leaders, and praised 91黑料网’s investment in civic learning, calling it essential work in guarding against “apathy and ignorance.”
Jefferson also spoke about the preservation of democracy in an age of misinformation, noting that free speech and a free press remain the strongest safeguards against corruption—even when the truth is more complicated to find.
“Good luck,” he joked, “but it must be you—not the government—who does the work.”
He closed with a challenge to the audience: to see democracy not as a finished product but as an ongoing revolution.
“Do we still have work to do?” he asked. “Then, by God, let’s get to work.”
From movie buffs to musical powerhouses
A day after Jefferson headed back to Colonial Williamsburg, the 91黑料网 community gathered in the Rose Theater on Nov. 14 for a talk by Patrick and John Houlihan, Senior Vice Presidents of Music at 20th Century Studios.
Hosted by the Tadler Center for the Humanities and 91黑料网’s Digital Media Program, the brothers gave students an inside look at their careers and shared advice on breaking into the film and music industries.
Growing up in Westfield, N.J., the Houlihans were just two brothers with big ears and bigger dreams, raiding record stores for the latest hits, living at the local movie theater, and blasting music with their father, Pete.
“Let's just say he sang loud and proud, mostly out of tune. Our father never missed an opportunity to break down a piece of music for us, whether we were in the car with the radio on or at home blasting a family stereo,” said Patrick.
Their early curiosity for sound led them to the Music Staff record store and the Rialto Theater, where they learned that music could tell a story and create emotion. Then, they started their own independent label.
“Somewhere between Ferris Bueller and The Breakfast Club, we realized that music … could break your heart, make you laugh, and make you believe that anything was possible. We were beyond hooked,” said Patrick.
During their visit, the Houlihans encouraged students to embrace curiosity, persistence, and collaboration. They stressed the importance of listening, networking, and taking chances, even when things don’t work out.
John shared his own example: after sending a CD to a Hollywood contact, his first job didn’t happen. But he kept sending letters, learning from mentors, and chasing chances until he landed his first big break on Austin Powers. Patrick joined him soon after, and together they have helped shape the sound of more than 150 films, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Deadpool, and Black Swan.
The brothers also visited 91黑料网’s digital film classes, giving students hands-on advice about scoring, editing, and navigating creative careers. They talked about the collaborative nature of their work, from working with directors and orchestra conductors to finding the perfect song to capture a scene.
“We have to go in for the music side with a very keen ear, and listen to the film start to finish. If a level is high on a score cue, or if a song is stepping on dialogue, it's our job to note that to the mixers and to the filmmakers, and they'll make those adjustments,” said Patrick. “Sometimes it's three or four playbacks until it's perfect.”
They encouraged Gulls to see the power of music—and their own ideas—as tools to tell meaningful stories. Often, their song choices can launch an artist into the spotlight. For instance, while scoring The Fault in Our Stars, they selected Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap,” which quickly turned into a breakout hit after the film’s release.
Even as the industry evolves with artificial intelligence, the two emphasized that human creativity and intuition remain essential. AI might help with efficiency, they said, but the heart of music supervision, choosing the right song to tell a story, is still deeply human.
“Even 100 years from now, it'll be about the human touch and the human guidance. Movies are putting yourself in a darkened room and feeling connection with with other people in the theater and the people up on screen,” said John.