UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jim Jimirro, Penn State alumnus and former chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications division, will present a talk on Sept. 26 in the Boardroom of the Nittany Lion Inn as part of the 2025-26 Penn State Forum Speaker Series.
The popular forum series, modeled after the National Press Club Speaker Series, includes a presentation by an invited speaker, followed by audience questions. Register here for Jimirro's talk.
Jimirro played a pivotal role in shaping the Walt Disney company’s television and media presence. Throughout his career, he has earned recognition for his leadership and innovative approaches in entertainment and technology.
As a passionate advocate for higher education, his philanthropic work has greatly impacted Penn State, where he continues to make a difference through strategic initiatives and donations that support students, faculty and academic excellence.
About the talk: "Broadway, Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley – How They Produced the Greatest Popular Music Ever Heard"
The Great American Songbook was largely derived from Broadway, Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley. These musicals, and the songs they generated, are part of the soundtrack of America — and, indeed, the world. This presentation, which includes classic renditions of these songs, underscored by curated visuals, will heighten the love affair that people already have with this music. But you will hear them as never before, sprinkled with stories, history, fun facts and even insider backstage lore about the productions. Broadway musicals to be featured will include the likes of "South Pacific," "Phantom of the Opera," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "West Side Story." Hollywood musicals, including those of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, will also be highlighted.
About Jim Jimirro
Jimirro received his bachelor's degree in radio-television from Penn State, and has been honored as a distinguish alumnus by the University. He received his master's in mass communications from Syracuse University.
He is the creator and founding president of the Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video. During his tenure at the Disney Channel, he was responsible for the conception, development and launching of the fastest growing pay service in history. He also was former chairman of the board of the National Lampoon.
He has been honored by Vision Fund of America for achievement in the entertainment industry. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (for the Oscars). He also is active in a number of enterprises involving the Great American Songbook. These include having served as chairman of the selection committee in the "Traditional Pop" category at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (for the Grammys).
Jimirro has recently established a new theater venture, the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company, which presents an annual series of musical revivals in New York City. The company has already received a number of awards and accolades, and has collaborated with such Broadway luminaries as John Kander ("Chicago," "Cabaret"), Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked"), Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime"), and David Zippel (Disney’s "Mulan"). His sessions on Broadway and Hollywood have been presented around the world.
About the Penn State Forum Speaker Series
The buffet-style luncheons are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in various venues on the University Park campus. All events are open to faculty, staff, students and the general public. Tickets are $25 each, or $250 for a table of 10, and include a buffet lunch.
Upcoming speakers include:
- Oct. 13: Caroline Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of GOALS, a consultancy and media platform dedicated to growing women’s sports
- February 2026: Pearl Gluck, associate professor of communications and the 2025–26 Penn State Laureate
- April 2026: Ryan Newman, Penn State alum and managing director at Goldman Sachs
Registration is now open for the Fall 2025 speakers. Registration for the spring speakers will be made available at a later date.
More information about the series, as well as previous and forthcoming topics and speakers, is available on the Penn State Forum website. Suggestions for future Penn State Forum speakers can be shared with Forum coordinator Cassie Marsh-Caldwell.