Texas State University presents an academic theme each year with events for everyone. This is our Common Experience. We offer opportunities to interact with some of the world's leading voices. During the fall and spring semesters, there are now more than 200 total events. Among these is the LBJ Distinguished Lecture Series, named for Texas State’s most famous alumnus, President Lyndon Baines Johnson. The series fulfills his promise to bring important leaders to the university to share their philosophies, perspectives and experiences. Other events include film screenings, philosophy dialogues, panel discussions, exhibitions, conferences, and performances in music, theater and dance. We also provide all incoming first-year students with a powerful Common Reading book related to the year's theme. Students discuss the book and explore the theme in University Seminar and other courses. While approaches may be tailored specifically for first-year students, most events are intended for all students — undergraduates and graduates — as well as faculty, staff, and community members. The Common Experience is for everyone. The Common Experience at Texas State is the nation’s #1 initiative of its kind, leading in academic events, participation rates, and social media engagement. Our thematic approach and remarkable collaborations enable us to offer more opportunities than any other university in the nation.