The 2023 First Amendment Week keynote speaker, Jennette McCurdy, a New York Times bestselling author and former Nickelodeon star, is set to speak on campus about her memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” In her inspiring book of resilience and independence, McCurdy uses candor and dark humor as she dives into her struggles as a former child actor — including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother — and how she retook control of her life.
McCurdy, best known for her breakthrough role as Sam Puckett in the Nickelodeon sitcom “iCarly,” from 2007-12, earned various awards for her role, including four Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Before leaving the network, she also reprised the character in the “iCarly” spin-off series “Sam and Cat,” 2013-14.
Past First Amendment Week speakers include L.A. Times executive editor Kevin Merida, rapper and singer Vic Mensa, social psychological and activist Monica Lewinsky, actress America Ferrera, singer John Legend, activist and actor Jesse Williams, journalist Jemele Hill, Oscar-winning screenwriter and producer Mark Boal, Democratic political consultant James Carville, Republican Party adviser Karl Rove, the rapper Common, The Onion editor Dan Mirk, and others.
Founded in 2003 by The Los Angeles Loyolan, LMU’s student newspaper, and co-sponsored by ASLMU, First Amendment Week is a university-wide celebration of freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition addressed in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This year’s keynote will take place on Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in Burns Back Court. The full schedule of events includes:
Monday, Feb. 13, The Living Room at 8 p.m.
First Amendment Open Mic Night
Sponsored by Mane Entertainment and The Los Angeles Loyolan
Wednesday, Feb. 15, Burns Back Court, 6 p.m.
First Amendment Week Keynote: An Evening with Jeanette McCurdy
Sponsored by The Los Angeles Loyolan, ASLMU and GSLMU
Thursday, Feb. 16, Gersten Pavilion, 8 p.m.
Bobblehead Night at Men’s Basketball vs. Gonzaga Game
Free Iggy bobbleheads for the first 500 students in attendance as LMU takes on Gonzaga. Sponsored by The Los Angeles Loyolan
Monday, Feb. 20, The Cave at Sacred Heart Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Religious Freedom and Human Dignity: A Student-Led Discussion
Sponsored by The Los Angeles Loyolan and Campus Ministry’s Interfaith Council
