Lectures and Conferences

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.  

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 each year, in recognition of Courtney’s passion for literature, gift for writing and respect for the nuances of language. Past authors have included Jacqueline Woodson, James McBride, Barbara Krauthamer and Naima Coster ’04. 
2022-2023 Guest Speaker: Ralph Sneeden, Poet and Essayist

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 Maura McLaughlin, John McPhee, Shahid Naeem and Celia Divino, P’13.

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, Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith and Leticia Smith-Evans Haynes '95.

 

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 Grade 11 and 12 students’ vision of the world. Past speakers have included Alexis McGill Johnson, Kenji Yoshino Stephen Greenblatt and Ibram X. Kendi.