Abstract:  This record group contains documentation relating to lectures and annual lecture series held at Marquette University. Records generally include correspondence regarding event planning, press releases, fliers, and lecture programs.

Historical Note:  The Edward J. O'Donnell, S.J., Distinguished Lecture Series was inaugurated in 1982. It was funded by a grant from the Todd Wehr Foundation, Inc., in honor of Rev. Edward J. O'Donell, S.J., Marquette University president from 1948 to 1962. The series concluded in 1989.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series was initiated in 1933 by the Rev. George H. Mahowald, S.J., head of the department of Philosophy at that time, for the purpose of bringing to Milwaukee and the university outstanding leaders in Thomistic thought in both its historical and theoretical aspects. The lectures have been published since 1937 by the Marquette University Press.

The Père Marquette Lecture Series was inaugurated in 1969 under the auspices of the Department of Theology in order to celebrate Père Jacques Marquette, S.J. The Joseph A. Auchter Family Endowment Fund endows the lecture series. The lectures have been published by the Marquette University Press since 1969.

Restrictions:  Access to these records is unrestricted. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of these records. Consult an archivist for further information.

Scope and Content: Series 1 and 2 consist of records relating to lectures and lecture series sponsored by the administration of Marquette University. Series 3 consists of founded or endowed lecture series records. Although there is some variation, the record series generally consist of correspondence relating to event planning, press releases, fliers, and lecture programs. Incomplete, uncataloged sets of Aquinas and Père Marquette Lectures, published by Marquette University Press, are kept with the collection.

Arrangement: Within series 1, files are arranged alphabetically by sponsoring unit. Within the other series, files are arranged chronologically according to the date of each speaker's appearance on campus.

Related Material: Sound recordings of some lectures are contained in the University Archives' general collection of cassette tapes. Video recordings are contained in the University Archives general collection of films and videotapes.

Series 1	Lectures Sponsored by the University Administration, 1919-ongoing
Series 2	Edward J. O' Donnell, S.J., Distinguished Lecture Series, 1981-1989
Series 3.1	St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series, 1937-ongoing
Series 3.2	Père Marquette Theology Lecture Series, 1969-ongoing