NCWC: Staley Lecture Series

Each year, through the generosity of the Thomas F. Staley Foundation, Wesleyan hosts a distinguished Christian speaker or artist. The program generally lasts for two days, and includes a public lecture, a chapel service, classroom visits, and other activities.

For information on upcoming Staley Lectures, please check the campus events calendar.

Recent Staley Lecturers at North Carolina Wesleyan include:

2000 (April 10):: Priscilla Pope-Levison and Jack Levison, Duke University. Topic: Jesus in Global Context
1999:: Dr. Linda McKinnish Bridges, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Topic: Celtic Christianity
1997:: Dr. Nancy Hardesty, Clemson University. Topic: 19th century Women's Missions movement.
1996:: Beverley Roberts Gaventa, Princeton Theological Seminary
1995:: Dick Keyes, Director of L'Abri Fellowship in Southborough, Massachussetts. Topic: "Pluralism and the Uniqueness of Christ"
1994:: Os Guinness, Trinity Forum, Washington DC. Topic: "Making the World Safe for Diversity: Freedom of Conscience in a World of Tribalism and Pluralism"
1993:: Mardi Keyes, L'Abri Fellowship, Southborough, Massachussetts. Topic: "Are Christianity and Feminism Compatible?"
1991:: Topic: "The Gospel of Mark"
1990:: Roger Nelson. Topic: "The Life of John Wesley"

The Thomas F. Staley Foundation

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Program is a project of the Thomas F. Staley Foundation of New York. This Lectureship was established in the Fall of 1969 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Staley of Rye, New York, in memory of their parents, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Staley and Judge and Mrs. H. H. Haynes.

The Thomas F. Staley Foundation is firmly persuaded that the message of the Christian Gospel, when proclaimed in its historical fullness, is always contemporary, relevant and meaningful in any generation. To this end, the Foundation seeks to bring to the college and university campuses of America distinguished scholars/artists who truly believe and who can clearly communicate the Christian gospel to students.

History

Thomas F. Staley was a grandson of Major D. Reynolds, elder brother of R. J. Reynolds. Major Reynolds was a convinced evangelical who, as a young man, underwent a conversion experience that led him to leave the tobacco business. Both of Mr. Staley's parents were evangelicals, especially interested in the foreign missionary movement. His mother particularly urged him to become a minister of the gospel. As a senior in college he persuaded her that he could do more for the Lord as a businessman. Mr. Staley went on to become a founding member of the brokerage firm Reynolds and Company, which eventually merged with Dean Witter to form Dean Witter Reynolds.

Faithful to his heritage, Mr. Staley supported his church and various philanthropic enterprises. Yet he felt there was much more he could do if only he could focus his resources. In 1967, after consultations with religious leaders such as Norman Vincent Peale and Billy Graham, he decided that one of the greatest needs of the day was the strengthening of the small Christian College. Thus was launched the Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Program.

Staley Foundation's Statement of Purpose

The Thomas F. Staley Foundation is a private, non-profit organization, established to administer funds to further the evangelical witness of the Christian church, with a particular concern for college students. Deeming the cause worthy and the need great, the trustees of this Foundation will support men and women who truly believe, cordially love and effectively propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its historical and scriptural fullness.