Event Series

Convocations

The Oberlin Convocation Series, presented by the Finney Lecture Committee and the Office of the President, presents free, public discussions of cutting-edge issues by some of the country’s most prominent thinkers from an array of disciplines and professional fields. These talks are open to the public and take place in Finney Chapel.

Lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. A question and answer session with the presenter follows each talk.

Michelle Norris Convocation (photocredit: Yevhen Gulenko)

Past Events

Convocation: An Evening with Paul Beatty

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Finney Chapel

Paul Beatty is the author of four novels― Slumberland , Tuff, The White Boy Shuffle , and The Sellout ―and two books of poetry: Big Bank Take Little Bank and Joker, Joker, Deuce . He is the editor of...
Paul Beatty

Convocation: An Evening with Professor Robert Spano '84

Thursday, September 14, 2017

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Finney Chapel

Conductor, pianist, composer, and teacher, Robert Spano ’84 is known worldwide for his intense artistry and distinct communicative ability. His visit to Oberlin marks the first Convocation of the academic year.
Robert Spano

Convocation: An Evening with Terry Tempest Williams

Friday, November 17, 2017

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Finney Chapel

Conservationist, free speech advocate, and author, Terry Tempest Williams has a long history of environmental activism. Currently the Provostial Scholar at Dartmouth College, Williams writes of how...
Terry Tempest Williams

Presidential Convocation: A Conversation with Jesse Milan

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

12:15 pm to 1:30 pm

Finney Chapel

Webcast Available

Jesse Milan Jr., JD, will present a talk titled “You are the Keeper of the HIV Movement.” Milan is president and CEO of AIDS United. Milan leads AIDS United, a national organization...
Jesse Milan

Convocation: Beautiful Boy

Thursday, April 11, 2019

7:30 pm

Finney Chapel

Convocation Series ‘‘A Conversation with David Sheff and Nic Sheff, moderated by Kameron Dunbar ’19’’ Nic Sheff was drunk for the first time at age 11. In the years that...
Convocation poster advertising Beautiful Boy, a film.