For more than seven decades, WashU’s Assembly Series has brought thought-provoking, globally renowned speakers to campus to share their thoughts, insights and ideas. The university’s signature lecture series is always free and open to the public.
Organizers recently released the series lineup for the 2024–25 academic year. Guests include:
Sian Proctor
The world’s first female commercial spaceship pilot and the only Black woman ever to serve as a mission pilot in space, Proctor will share the story of how she won her seat into orbit onboard SpaceX Inspiration4. Held in conjunction with the George & Carol Bauer Leaders Academy and WashU Leadership Week, she will take participants into a future centered around creating a just, equitable, diverse and inclusive space (JEDI space) both on Earth and beyond. Proctor, who is an artist, poet and scientist, will also reveal how she found her authentic voice through a life-long journey of exploration and discovery.
Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
4 p.m.
Graham Chapel
Zooey Zephyr and Erin Reed
Montana State Rep. Zooey Zephyr is the first transgender woman to hold public office in the state. Her fiancée Erin Reed is an award-winning trans journalist based in Washington D.C. Together, the power couple will discuss what it’s like to embrace the same issues from two different perspectives — as a journalist and as a politician. Zephyr and Reed will explain how the fight for LGBTQ rights shows up in elections, laws and public discourse, how the political climate affects their personal and interpersonal relationships, and ways they find hope amidst the attacks on their freedoms.
The event is presented in partnership with the Masters and Johnson 2024 lecture.
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Clark-Fox Forum, Hillman Hall
Sandro Galea
On the eve of his installation as the inaugural Margaret C. Ryan Dean of WashU’s new School of Public Health, Sandro Galea, MD, MPH, DrPH, is scheduled to address the university. A physician, epidemiologist and author, Galea is one of the most cited social scientists in the world. Galea’s research focuses on the behavioral health ramifications of trauma, including those caused by firearms. He has documented the consequences of trauma and conflict worldwide — examining the massive toll of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa, and the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also is known for his research linking health to social disadvantages such as poverty and lack of education.
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025
4 p.m.
Graham Chapel
Some Assembly Series programs may have limited seating and require a reservation. Please check the Assembly Series website for new information or schedule changes.
