The Great Lives lecture series returns beginning Jan. 24, 2017, with a new name. Originally called the Chappell Lecture 
Series, reflecting the instrumental role of John Chappell and his family in providing the initial endowment and continuing support for the program, it will be called the William B. Crawley Lecture Series. The name reflects the crucial role played by the distinguished professor emeritus of history who created the series in 2004 and has since served as its director.
Chappell initiated the change. “We have long recognized Bill [Crawley] as the architect of the success of Great Lives, and we are grateful,” he said.
The 2017 lineup will feature diverse personalities from ancient to modern times and wide-ranging fields of 
accomplishment. Many of the speakers are the pre-eminent authorities on their subjects, and a number have won Pulitzer Prizes.
Harvard historian and Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Annette Gordon-Reed, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Hemingses of Monticello, will speak on the Jefferson and Hemings families. New York Times best-selling writer James Kaplan, author of Sinatra: The Chairman, will discuss the singer. Guggenheim fellow Catherine Clinton, author of Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom, will speak on Tubman. Other subjects include Nat Turner, Agatha Christie, George Lucas, Mark Twain, and the witches of Salem.
For more information visit umw.edu/greatlives or call 540/654-1065.