Guests of The Hist

Each session The Hist invites an array of esteemed guests to speak at medaling ceremonies, chamber debates, symposiums and more. From politicians to activists to artists, guests of The Hist offer insights from their careers and lives to further our mission of facilitating discourse. Previous guests of The Hist include former President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, US Senator Bernie Sanders, author Margaret Atwood, internet personality Hank Green, and singer-songwriter Joan Baez.

Medaling

Our student society grants medals to individuals whose stories honour the Hist’s core values: communication, passion, education and (of course) discourse. The Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse is awarded to guests who have dedicated their lives to dialogue— peacemakers, politicians, personalities. The Samuel Beckett Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts is awarded to our brilliant guests who apply their creativity, with recipients including revolutionary rockstar Sinéad O’Connor and popstar Rick Astley.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by Hist committee members where they may be given a tour of the Trinity College campus or grab a cup of tea in our committee room. For our medaling ceremonies, guests are escorted into the chamber of the Graduates Memorial Building where our interviewer will introduce the guest and award them with their medal. Guests are then welcome to a conversation with our interviewer, and the panel will open to attendants near the end of the hour.

Guest Etiquette Policy

The Hist is very privileged to welcome guests of great status. While this is exciting, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety, respect and comfort of all guests and all members of the Hist. We accomplish this through our Guest Etiquette Policy. We forbid physical contact with guests unless consented to by the guest. Photo and videography is permitted in the GMB chamber. In honor of our commitment to discourse, we encourage open conversation and critical challenges during our discussions. However, derogatory or hateful language to guests or members will result in disciplinary action and potential revocation of membership. We have faith that our society is a respectful and enjoyable host for esteemed guests, so we request sincere integrity to our etiquette policy.