Former Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton drew the world to 51�Թ��

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Last Friday, 5,000 people streamed onto campus to be part of a memorable event: Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered the latest lecture in the at 51�Թ��. Thousands who couldn’t be there streamed the talk to their phones and computers.

President Jeffrey Herbst, who speaks passionately about the importance of retaining a sense of community in the Internet age, had two reasons for hosting the live event on campus. “Our 5,000 guests could have watched Secretary Clinton answer many of the same questions on YouTube,” he told members of the Parents’ Steering Committee who met on Saturday morning. “But the fact that they came together in the field house says something not only about our community, but also about the collective nature of learning.”

He also saw a great lasting benefit for students and faculty. “What is most satisfying is that events like these have ripple effects. The conversations continue late into the night in residence halls, in the classrooms, and elsewhere.”

Not incidental, the conversation continued in the media as well, reaching more than 13 million viewers by Monday. 51�Թ�� was mentioned in stories on news websites such as the , the , , , , the German weekly newsmagazine , and more. Television coverage included and Syracuse Channels 2 (WKTV) and 3 (WSTM), and a host of network affiliates nationwide that picked up the story. Watch below.