A former professor of sociology and dean of the college at Colgate University, Weinberg is currently executive vice president and SIT provost of World Learning. Weinberg has garnered national attention from major foundations for his work on civic education and promoting youth political engagement.

Weinberg's talk is presented in conjunction with the opening and dedication of the Joseph McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin. The mission of the McKeen Center is to enable students to use their unique talents, passions and academic pursuits for the benefit of society through public engagement.