UK welcomes Ross Lynch to distinguished speaker series SpeakBlue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 17, 2025) — The University of Kentucky Student Activities Board (SAB) will host its distinguished guest lecture series, SpeakBlue, from 7-8 p.m.Thursday, April 17, at the Otis A. Singletary Center for the Arts. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. This year’s event will feature a moderated conversation with Ross Lynch, followed by a brief acoustic performance.

 Lynch is a multi-talented actor, singer and performer best known for his role in Disney Channel’s hit series "Austin & Ally," which earned him multiple Kids Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. He also starred in the Disney Channel’s original movie franchise "Teen Beach Movie."

Lynch gained further recognition in the Netflix series "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," based on the popular comic. He also received critical acclaim for his performance as Jeffrey Dahmer in "My Friend Dahmer" and appeared in films like Offspring Entertainment’s "Status Update." Most recently, he starred in The Hollywood Bowl’s production of "A Chorus Line." Along with his acting career, Lynch is the lead singer of the band The Driver Era, which recently wrapped up a sold-out tour. In addition to his acting and music, he is also a competitive hockey player who has appeared in NHL celebrity event games. 

Student tickets for Speakblue can be purchased in-person only at the Singletary Center for the Arts ticket office for $20, with a valid UK student ID required at the time of purchase. Each student may purchase up to two tickets with two valid UK student IDs.

General public tickets are available for $30 and can be purchased in person, by phone or online through the Singletary Center for the Arts Ticketing Office. The Singletary Center for the Arts Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. For assistance, call 859-257-4929.

Ticket sales will conclude at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17. Ticket processing fees apply. Limited tickets are available while supplies last.

SpeakBlue provides students with the opportunity to engage with influential speakers who share their experiences and insights on meaningful topics. The event offers access to a high-profile speaker at a reduced cost, making it more accessible to the campus community. Past speakers have included notable figures such as Viola Davis, Richard Sherman, Bill Nye and more. The event is organized by SAB’s Pop Culture Committee, which uses insights from student feedback and current trends to shape engaging programming. The committee is led by Junior Shelby Hart, who previously served as SAB’s director of concerts and organized the 2024 Spring Concert featuring NLE Choppa.

“To be able to plan this event for SAB has been amazing,” said Shelby Hart, director of pop culture. “SpeakBlue is about having a popular figure talk about topics both close to their heart and close to the student's heart, and having Ross Lynch come to campus and be a part of this is so exciting.”

For more information on the UK Student Activities Board,  visit the website or follow on Facebook or Instagram for regular updates.

About Student Activities Board

The Student Activities Board at the University of Kentucky was founded in 1942. SAB is one of the largest programming boards at the university, providing more than 80 events a year to the student body. SAB has eight programming committees, a promotions team, executive team and advisors.

The purpose of SAB is to enhance the college experience by providing all University of Kentucky students and other members of the campus and local communities with entertaining, educational and/or enriching programs that are reflective of contemporary issues and trends.