The Merrill Series

Created in 2006, The Merrill Series features an annual panel discussion highlighting the diverse talents and interests of Commonwealth community members. The Commonwealth School Alumni/ae Association (CWSAA) named these spirited discussions as a fitting way to honor the educational philosophy of Charles Merrill

We invite you to watch recent Merrill Series recordings below and to check this page for upcoming events in the future.

Past Events

#Storytelling for a Modern Audience

Featuring Diantha Parker ’90, moderated by David Kravitz ’82

How can you craft stories that hold the attention of savvy digital readers and listeners in a saturated market? And how has journalism shifted post-Internet, post-podcast boom, and post-pandemic? Tune in as Diantha Parker ’90 covers these questions and more, while delving into her experience working with NPR, The New York Times, and other platforms in another fascinating conversation moderated by David Kravitz ’82.


 

Building Community-Scale Renewable Energy

Featuring Raphaela Hsu-Flanders ’11, moderated by David Kravitz ’82

We were delighted to welcome Raphaela Hsu-Flanders ’11 as our 2022 Merrill Series speaker. She discussed her work as the Renewable Programs manager at the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, where she leads the development and implementation of community-scale renewable energy for low-income and tribal communities across the Pacific Northwest. Many thanks to our moderator David Kravitz ’82 as well!


 

Building Inclusive Technology

Featuring Cecily Morrison '98, moderated by David Kravitz ’82

Cecily Morrison ’98, Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research, joined us on February 27, 2021, to discuss her work in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Computer Interaction designing accessible technology for people who are blind or low vision. Our sincerest thanks to Cecily and to David Kravitz ’82 for serving as our host.


 

A Conversation about the Courts—What's at Stake?

Featuring David Kravitz ’82 and Trustee Charles Fried P’79, ’81, GP’19, ’23

On December 3, 2020, we were delighted to welcome David Kravitz ’82 and trustee Charles Fried P’79, ’81, GP’19, ’23 as our first Uncommon Conversations speakers, as they discussed the future of the courts, inspired by Professor Fried’s recent opinion piece on the Supreme Court in The New York Times.