All Annual Lecture Series
Endowed lectures at University of Denver's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are annual events that serve as an opportunity to highlight today's innovators and thought-leaders across the liberal arts, those of whom are often DU professors or alumni, that serve as a testament to the excellence of our College and the education our programs provide.
Many of the following endowed lectures are supported by the continued generosity of donors and alumni that believe in the importance of sharing in community with CAHSS students to cultivate a love for the arts and humanities for years to come.
Estlow Lecture & Anvil of Freedom Award
Who: Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies; The Estlow Center
What: Each year, the Estlow Center works with industry professionals and academic leaders to select the Estlow lecturer, a media professional or organization that also receives the Anvil of Freedom Award. The recipient serves as a keynote speaker at a University-wide event, and provides learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community through classroom visits. These events forge interdisciplinary and cross-institutional connections, while positioning DU as a leader in the exploration of journalism's commitment to ethics, integrity and democratic freedoms.
When: Typically in the Fall quarter
More info can be found here.
Morton L. Margolin Distinguished Lecture
Who: Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies
What: Beginning in 2015, the Morton L. Margolin Distinguished Lecture has been given each year in honor of renowned Colorado business journalist Morton Margolin. During his distinguished 35-year career as a journalist with the Rocky Mountain News and the Colorado Business Magazine that he co-founded, Margolin received many awards, including a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize.
When: Typically in the Fall quarter
More info can be found here.
Tracy Mott Economics Workshop
Who: Department of Economics
What: Named after Professor Emeritus Tracy Mott, this workshop highlights the work of DU faculty and students and shares the expertise of prominent economists around the world.
When: Typically in the Fall quarter
More info on the 2024 lecture can be found here.
Fred and Audrey Friedman Marcus Holocaust Lecture
Who: Center for Judaic Studies
What: Presented in partnership with the Mizel Arts and Culture Center and created in 2003 in memory of Fred Marcus, a Jewish educator who was born in Berlin and spent the war years in Shanghai as a refugee from Nazi Germany, the Marcus Lecture highlights new scholarship and perspectives on the Holocaust and illuminates its continuing significance today.
When: Beginning in 2025, the Marcus Lecture coincides with International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) to provide educational programming to the community around the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
More info can be found here.
Harper Distinguished Speaker Series
Who: College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
What: The annual Harper Distinguished Speaker Series from the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences brings to Denver a prominent leader from a liberal arts field. We invite innovative leaders in the liberal arts to discuss topics relevant to their work and to our community. We welcome our alumni, the Denver community, and colleagues and students from across campus to hear scholars that matter, and to join us in engaging in and shaping critical conversations that make a difference in the world.
When: Typically in the Spring quarter
More info on the 2023 lecture can be found here.
Lanius Lecture
Who: School of Art & Art History
What: The Lanius Lecture series brings to the DU campus distinguished artists, scholars, and curators working in areas formerly marginalized by art historical and museum institutional narratives. By shifting our attention to these areas of focus, particularly the global south, diasporic communities, and indigenous communities, this lecture series reaffirms the DU School of Art and Art History’s commitment to amplifying these voices.
When: Typically in the Spring quarter
More info can be found here.
Vinnik Evening of Jewish Culture
Who: Center for Judaic Studies
What: Sandy Vinnik was a passionate advocate for the advancement of Jewish studies and a leader in the Denver Jewish community. Each year, we honor her memory at the Vinnik Evening of Jewish Culture, which brings the community together for a night of film in partnership with the Denver Jewish Film Festival.
When: Typically in the Spring quarter
More info can be found here.
John C. Livingston & Jeanne Abrams Lecture
Who: Center for Judaic Studies
What: John Livingston was a beloved professor of history at the University of Denver and an active participant in Jewish life within Denver, Colorado. He was a founder of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society (RMJHS) and Beck Archives and served long terms on the board. Jeanne Abrams was the longtime director of the RMJHS and Beck Archives who established the annual John C. Livingston Lecture in American Jewish History to celebrate and educate others on the vibrant history of Jewish experience in the Rocky Mountain region.
When: Typically in the Spring quarter
More info on CJS events can be found here.
J. F. Foster Awards & Guest Lecture
Who: Department of Economics
What: J. F. Foster was a beloved economics professor at the University of Denver from 1946 to 1976 where he not only taught hundreds of students but contributed to institutional economic theory. This lecture was established to honor his legacy via an award ceremony and guest lecture from a leading economist in the field.
When: Typically in the Spring quarter
More info on Dr. Foster can be found here.
Breck-Martin Lecture
Who: Department of History
What: This workshop highlights the work of DU history faculty and students and shares the expertise of a prominent historian.
When: Typically in the Spring quarter
More info on DU History events can be found here.
Visiting Scholar Series
Who: Department of English & Literary Arts
What: This lecture series highlights visiting scholars from across the globe who are employed for a limited time at University of Denver to conduct international research and teach unique and innovative courses in the fields of English and literature.
When: Ongoing
More info on the most recent Visiting Scholar lecture can be found here.
John C. Livingston Lecture in World History
Who: Department of History
What: The John C. Livingston Lecture in World History highlights a current CAHSS faculty member, and their work related to history.
When: Typically either in the Fall or Winter quarter
More info can be found here.
Wolzien Visiting Professor Lecture
Who: Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies
What: The Wolzien Visiting Professor of the Practice and corresponding annual lecture was funded by a generous $500,000 gift from DU Alumni Tom and Valerie Wolzien. The gift will also allow the department to bring on a different visiting professor each year for the next four years to speak to students on relevant topics in the fields of media, film and journalism.
When: Typically in the Spring quarter
More info can be found here.
