The Newell & Mary Lee Witherspoon ’52, ’56, Lecture Series
In establishing an endowed lecture series, the Witherspoons endeavor to enhance the excellent educational opportunities available to Maryville College students by bringing to the campus presentations by outstanding academic and professional individuals.
“Maryville College has provided us and eight other members of our families the solid foundation upon which we all have built meaningful lives.” Newell’s parents, John and Helen Newell Witherspoon, were members of the Class of 1918. Newell’s four aunts and Mary’s sister and brother-in-law all benefited from the College’s liberal arts education. “At Maryville College we learned to love learning, to think critically, and to see the need for being active participants in the issues of the day.”
During Newell’s ten years on the faculty and Mary’s 20 plus years on the Board of Directors, we were impressed by the dedication and deep knowledge of the faculty. They know that in subsequent years the faculty has continued that great tradition. So it’s with enthusiasm and high expectations that they establish this endowment, knowing that Maryville College students, supported by faculty and staff, will benefit from listening to and discussing presentations by these individuals. And because they would like to be part of continuing the long and prestigious legacy of liberal arts education at Maryville College.
Upcoming lectures:
NOTE: Given the forecast for inclement weather, the first Witherspoon lecture has been postponed from Jan. 26 until Feb. 10.
- February 10 | Backcountry Revolution: Two Wars in Southern Appalachia and the Creation of the American Republic
Presenter: Dr. Aaron Astor, Professor of History, Maryville College - February 16 | The Original Volunteers: Overmountain Men in the Southern Campaign
Presenter: Dr. Michael Lynch, Director of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, Lincoln Memorial University - March 23 | Wataugan Self-Governance: The Trans-Appalachian South and the Declaration of Independence, 1763-1776
Presenter: Dr. Chris Magra, Professor of Early American History, University of Tennessee
All lectures will begin at 7 p.m. in the Lambert Recital Hall of the Clayton Center for the Arts and are free and open to the public.
