McDowell Institute Lecture Series

The McDowell Institute Lecture Series hosts speakers who examine and discuss the problems and prospects of leadership, constitutionalism, political economy, politics, and ethical reasoning. Open to students, faculty, staff, and the larger Richmond community, the lectures feature some of the world's top scholars and most influential thinkers.

2024–25 Events

Brad Wilcox

Mar. 27, 2025 • 5 p.m. • Jepson Alumni Center 
Mammon or Marriage? How to Maximize Happiness in Life and Love
Brad Wilcox
Professor of Sociology at University of Virginia

Danielle Allen

Sept. 12 • 5 p.m. • Queally Center for Admission and Career Services
Justice by Means of Democracy
Danielle Allen 
James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University and Director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
*Co-sponsored by the Gary L. McDowell Institute, the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, and the School of Arts & Sciences.
Watch the presentation. Listen to the audio.

Barton Swaim

Nov. 13 • 5 p.m. • Robins School of Business, Ukrop Auditorium
The Zero-Risk Society
Barton Swaim
Editorial Page Writer at The Wall Street Journal
Watch the presentation. Listen to the audio.