Lectureships & Speaker Series

Susquehanna’s diverse selection of lectureships and speaker series brings together esteemed scholars, industry leaders and influential voices to share their expertise and perspectives with the campus community. These events serve as vibrant platforms for critical thinking, fostering a culture of intellectual exploration and innovation.

2024–25 Lectures

A robust series of lectures is presented annually in locations across campus. Click each event to learn more.

Alice Pope Shade Lecture

Each year, the Department of Religious Studies and the Office of the Chaplain sponsor a lecture presented by nationally and internationally renowned religious scholars and leaders.

Arlin M. Adams Lecture

The Arlin M. Adams Center for Law and Society presents the annual Arlin M. Adams Lecture, which brings legal scholars to campus to present on relevant legal topics.

Claritas Distinguished Lecture in Sciences

Endowed by George E. ’64 and Margaret Lauver ’66 Harris, this series brings an accomplished scholar in the sciences to our campus annually to present a public address.

Image of a lecture speaker at Susquehanna.

Dr. Bruce L. Nary Theatre Guest Artist Lecture

Established in 2005, the Dr. Bruce L. Nary Theatre Guest Artist Fund aims to invite renowned professionals from the theatre industry to campus.

Image of 2022 Nary Lecture speaker sitting on stage with host.

Edward S. and A. Rita Schmidt Lectureship in Ethics

Made possible through the generous gifts of Edward R. Schmidt ’69, this lectureship brings to the university a distinguished scholar and/or leader to address a topic of current and vital interest and importance in the field of ethics.

Seavey Reading Series

Internationally recognized writers visit Susquehanna University to give public readings of their works.

Other Lectureships and Speakers

The annual Publishing & Editing Lecture brings to the university accomplished working professionals, alumni and leaders in the publishing industry to engage students, faculty and the public in conversations about contemporary practice and change in the industry. The purpose of the series is to address and explore the current technologies, cultures and politics shaping the future of all sectors of the industry — trade, independent, university and educational — as well as retail, wholesale and nonprofit distributors.

The Arts Amongst Arbor Lecture is the highlight of Susquehanna University’s artist-in-residence program. This public event provides students, faculty and the community a unique cultural experience, featuring established and emerging artists, musicians, performers, and writers who share insights from their professional journeys following their residency on campus.

The Ottaway-Daily Item Lectureship in Public Affairs was established by Ottaway Newspapers Inc. in 1977. It brings to the Susquehanna campus and Central Pennsylvania individuals of outstanding reputation in the fields of journalism and public affairs.

The Stella Freeman Weis Cultural Endowment annually sponsors critically acclaimed artists in performance at Susquehanna. This fund was established in 1976 by Robert and Patricia Weis in memory of his mother.