Ubben Lecture Series

The Timothy and Sharon Ubben Lecture Series brings the world's leaders to DePauw's campus.

A notable list of eminent individuals from a variety of backgrounds — including politicians, scientists, journalists, artists and human rights activists — have presented 89 Ubben Lectures since the series began in 1986. Ubben Lectures are free and open to the public.

Past speakers have included Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Spike Lee, Elie Wiesel, Benazir Bhutto, Mikhail Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher.

The Ubben Lecture Series celebrated its 25th anniversary during November of 2011.

Recent Speakers

A list of DePauw's most recent Ubben Lecturers is available below, and a roster of 1986 through 2009 speakers is available in the Ubben Lecture Archives. Most include summaries and video links.

Bill Clinton

The 42nd President of the United States and founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation - November 18, 2011

Jimmy Wales and Nicholas Carr

Wikipedia founder and technology critic engage in Ubben debate - March 30, 2011

Lee Hamilton '52

Former Congressman and Veteran Statesman - March 15, 2011

Oscar Arias

Former President of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize Winner - December 8, 2010

Rebecca Skloot

Author, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" - September 9, 2010

F.W. de Klerk

Former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize Winner - May 7, 2010

Jason Reitman

Award-Winning Director and Screenwriter - March 15, 2010

Steven Levitt

Economist and Co-Author of "SuperFreakonomics" - November 30, 2009

Howard Dean and Karl Rove

Former Governor and DNC Chair; Former Senior Adviser to President George W. Bush - September 11, 2009

Jane Pauley

Award-Winning Journalist - April 17, 2009