University Lecture Series
The University Lecture Series features prominent individuals and premier programs for the intellectual engagement and cultural enrichment of the University of Miami community. Lectures feature prominent leaders and thinkers from around the world, who share their experiences and challenge, enrich, and inspire the UM community.

For more information or to get involved, contact the Department of Student Activities and Student Organizations .

A Conversation with the Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.
Chief Justice of the United States
facilitated by Jan Crawford Greenberg

Monday, November 13, 2006
BankUnited Center

Chief Justice Roberts served as a law clerk for Judge Henry J. Friendly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1979 to 1980 and for then-Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist of the United States Supreme Court during the 1980 term. Among his numerous appointments of distinction, he was Special Assistant to the Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice in the early 1980s, Associate Counsel to President Ronald Reagan in the White House Counsel’s Office from 1982 to 1986, and Principal Deputy Solicitor General in the U.S. Department of Justice from 1989 to 1993. From 1986 to 1989 and 1993 to 2003, he practiced law in Washington, D.C. He was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 2003. Nominated to the Supreme Court by President George W. Bush, Roberts took his seat as Chief Justice of the United States on September 29, 2005.

2006 Fall Convocation Speaker


The Gladwell Palm Card
Malcolm Gladwell
Tuesday, August 29
2006 Fall Convocation Speaker
The University community is invited to the Fall 2006 Convocation featuring best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell, 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29 at the BankUnited Center.  Author Malcolm Gladwell will be speaking on his book "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking", exploring the instantaneous impressions and conclusions that affect decision making.  A writer with The New Yorker magazine since 1996, Gladwell was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People. His two books “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” (2000) and “Blink” (2005) both claimed the No. 1 spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list.  The BankUnited Center doors open at 5 p.m.  No tickets are required, but all guests must have their 'Cane Card to enter. This event is for University students, faculty, and staff only. For additional information, contact the Department of Student Activities and Student Organizations at 305-284-6399.

Spike Lee
April 28, 2005
Lee, born Shelton Lee in 1957 in Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from Morehouse College and attended the graduate film program of the Tisch School of Arts. His 45-minute 1983 film Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads, earned him a Student Academy Award. In 1986 he directed She's Gotta Have It, a comedy about sexual relationships, which was made for $175,000 and earned more than $7 million. His latest film, She Hate Me, was independently financed and released in 2004. Other films that have received critical acclaim and box office success include The 25th Hour, The Original Kings of Comedy, Bamboozled, and Summer of Sam. Lee's films, including Girl 6, Get on The Bus, Do The Right Thing, and Clockers, display his ability to showcase a series of outspoken and provocative sociopolitical critiques that challenge cultural assumptions, not only about race but also class and gender identity.

Dr. Maya Angelou
April 27, 2004
2004 Graduate Convocation Speaker
Dr. Maya Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom.  Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelou's unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race and Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.”

Dr. Maya Angelou, The Official Website, © 2003

Patricia J. Williams
March 25, 2004
The Alchemy of Race and Rights: A Diary of a Law Professor
Sponsored by the President's Lecture Series, Residential Colleges and
H.O.P.E. at the University of Miami Law School

Russell Simmons
February 14, 2003
“Life and Def: A Conversation with Russell Simmons”
Founder of Def Jam Records, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and Phat Farm Clothing






Howell Raines
October 16, 2003
Pulitzer Prize winner and former Executive Editor of The New York Times