SMU's ace speaker lineup

SMU's annual lecture series will feature some very powerful people.

The intrigue: The Tate Lecture Series begins Sept. 16 and includes talks with author Brené Brown, 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Supreme Court justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and deep ocean diver Victor Vescovo.

• The eight-event series also includes innovator Mick Ebeling, stereotype-defying "Wicked" actor Marissa Bode, political commentator Fareed Zakaria and longevity advocate Dan Buettner.

How it works: The general public can buy tickets, and SMU students can try to get a free ticket. The university also hosts separate forums with each speaker for SMU students and staff and local high school students.

Reality check: Some of the events are already sold out but you can get on a waitlist or see if your SMU connections have any.