Lectures and Conferences

Overview

Each year, distinguished speakers—renowned scientists, artists, authors, poets, politicians, environmentalists, and activists—open new pathways to learning through lectures, presentations, and class visits in the Upper School.

The Courtney Steel ’87 Visiting Author Program

This lecture was established to honor and remember Courtney Steel ’87 by her parents, family, and friends. This annual lecture brings a writer of national stature to the School, in recognition of Courtney’s passion for literature, gift for writing, and respect for the nuances of language. Past authors have included J. Mae Barizo, Jacqueline Woodson, James McBride, Barbara Krauthamer, and Naima Coster ’04.
2024–2025 Guest Speaker: Paul Yoon, American Fiction Writer
The Margaret Scolari Barr Lecture

In honor of its 25th Reunion in 1989, the Class of 1964 established the Margaret Scolari Barr Lecture in recognition of her contribution to arts education and in appreciation for her distinguished career at Spence. This annual lecture is dedicated to the visual arts. Past speakers have included Judith Lerner, Joan Mertens ’64, Emily F. Braun, and Ira Spar.
2024–2025 Guest Speaker: Dianne Dwyer Modestini, Clinical Professor for the Kress Program in Paintings Conservation at the Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU
The Mary Frosch Justice and Equity Lecture

Established by the Board of Trustees upon her retirement in 2015, The Mary Frosch Justice and Equity Lecture brings in an annual speaker and salutes Mary’s deep and enduring dedication to equity throughout her more than 30 years of teaching at Spence. Past speakers have included Jane Kim ’95, Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith, and Leticia Smith-Evans Haynes '95.
2023–2024 Guest Speaker: Kenji Yoshino, Director of Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law, NYU School of Law
The Anne Sophie Laumont ’99 Lecture

The Anne Sophie Laumont ’99 Lecture was established in 1998 by Sophie’s parents, family, and friends to honor her passion for knowledge, pay homage to her courageous spirit, cherish her legacy, and extend the spark of her creativity to future generations of Spence students. Each year, the school honors Sophie’s memory with a lecture in one of the following areas: the arts, literature, or the sciences. Past speakers have included Misty Copeland Maura McLaughlin, John McPhee, Shahid Naeem, and Celia Divino P’13.
2024–2025 Guest Speaker: Michael Cary, Curator, Gagosian Gallery
Head’s Forum

With a goal of examining the complexity around a variety of relevant issues, the Head’s Forum provides a platform for speakers to present multiple sides of an issue in the context of honest and open discussion and debate. The opportunity to experience how experts in a given field grapple with ideas, argue their point of view, and support their stance with evidence and examples broadens Grades 11-12 students’ vision of the world. Past speakers have included Alexis McGill Johnson, Kenji Yoshino, Stephen Greenblatt, and Ibram X. Kendi.
2023–2024 Guest Speakers: Allison Bishop, President and co-founder of Proof Trading, a startup agency broker-dealer for US equities, and Harper Carroll '14, Head of AI/ML at Brev.dev, focusing on creating AI guides for AI-ready GPUs (Graphical Processing Units).
Conference on Civic Engagement

Spence's Conference on Civic Engagement was established by Head of School Bodie Brizendine to give students a school-wide learning experience that explores the capacity of individuals to work within complex political systems to impact positive change. This annual event, which is immersive by design, gives students the opportunity to explore a current civics topic through panel discussions with civics experts, interactive workshops led by students, teachers and guest speakers, and small-group discussions in advisory teams.

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Notable Speakers

Anthony Veneziale

Creator of Freestyle Love Supreme
Carrie Mae Weems

Artist
James McBride

Author
Jane Kim '95

Civil Rights Attorney, Politician
Jhumpa Lahiri

Author
Peggy McIntosh

Feminist, Activist, Scholar
Stephen Greenblatt

Literary Historian and Author
Tony Kushner

Playwright

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Middle & Upper School

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Lower School

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Lectures and Conferences

Overview

The Courtney Steel ’87 Visiting Author Program

The Margaret Scolari Barr Lecture

The Mary Frosch Justice and Equity Lecture

The Anne Sophie Laumont ’99 Lecture

Head’s Forum

Conference on Civic Engagement

Notable Speakers

Anthony Veneziale

Carrie Mae Weems

James McBride

Jane Kim '95

Jhumpa Lahiri

Peggy McIntosh

Stephen Greenblatt

Tony Kushner

Middle & Upper School

Lower School

Athletic & Educational Facility