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.
A robust series of lectures is presented annually in locations across campus. Click each event to learn more.
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.
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.
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.
Established in 2005, the Dr. Bruce L. Nary Theatre Guest Artist Fund aims to invite renowned professionals from the theatre industry to campus.
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.
Internationally recognized writers visit Susquehanna University to give public readings of their works.
The Jane Conrad Apple and Joan Apple Zimmerman ’48 Fund was established in 1980. The fund sponsors lectures or seminars at Susquehanna University by recognized scholars in the field of Elizabethan studies; supports an annual production of an Elizabethan play; and purchases worthy library holdings related to the Elizabethan period.
The Literature Program Lecture was established in 1977 by the widow and friends of Charles A. Rahter to provide resources to bring to campus prominent scholars in the field of British literature.
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 men and women of outstanding reputation in the fields of journalism and public affairs.
The Uncommon Individual Foundation Endowed Event Series was established by Richard E. Caruso ’65 and Sally Feitig ’68 Caruso in honor of James W. Garrett and Robert Pittello, Dr. Caruso’s football coaches at Susquehanna, 1961–1965. The purpose of the fund is to help students understand the importance of taking charge of their own lives and learn from the experience of individuals who have successfully developed and realized dreams that others could neither imagine nor believe to be achievable. The fund will underwrite at least one annual event to be focused on one or more individuals who have achieved local, national or international recognition for successfully realizing a vision against seemingly insurmountable odds through their own efforts and determination. While that success could have been achieved in any number of areas including but not limited to business, the arts, sciences, government, volunteerism, or religion, the Fund sponsored event should consistently focus on enabling and encouraging students with the theme of “becoming the entrepreneur of one’s own destiny in the pursuit of life, liberty, and personal happiness.” The fund will also underwrite the publication and dissemination of the events.
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.
The Witmer Endowment for the Performing Arts was established in 1981 by the family, friends and business associates of the late Ralph Witmer ’15 to perpetuate his lifelong interests in the university and in the Central Susquehanna Valley. The income from this fund is used annually to help support the Susquehanna University Artist Series.
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.