2022 Bernard Hirsch Herman Memorial Lecture | Maurice Carlos Ruffin

We were thrilled to welcome this year’s Bernard Hirsch Herman Lecture Honoree, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, to the Henson Auditorium stage. The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You, Maurice’s 2021 story collection, along with his 2019 novel, We Cast A Shadow, are just a few of the works the author spoke to in this year’s student-led panel conversation. While speaking with students, Maurice also emphasized the significance of words and the importance of actions to back them up.

 

“Don’t hear my words, watch my actions. Words are important but your actions are what matter most,” Maurice said. He went on to stress the significance of ciphering through information to find truth. “Your generation is especially adept at knowing what’s real and what’s not. Your barons are faster, you’ve seen more deception, and you know what’s actually going on. Use these wonderful brains that you have, and you’ll be fine. Actions before words.”

 

We are grateful to The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University and the Herman Family, all of whom worked to bring Maurice Carlos Ruffin to Newman’s campus. Watch the student-led panel discussion.