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.

2025–26 Events

Sept. 30 • 5 p.m. • Robins School of Business, Ukrop Auditorium
The Second Inaugural: Lincoln’s Rhetoric of Reconciliation
Diana Schaub
Professor Emerita, Department of Political Science, Loyola University

Nov. 18 • 5 p.m. • Queally Center for Admission and Career Services
Free Speech & Academic Freedom in Higher Ed
Greg Lukianoff
President and CEO, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)

Mar. 26 • 5 p.m. • Jepson Alumni Center 
Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious
Ross Douthat
New York Times Opinion Columnist