Great Lives FAQs
What time do the Great Lives lectures start?
The doors to Dodd Auditorium, located in George Washington Hall, open at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.
Is there a cost to attend a Great Lives lecture?
Fortunately, this is a free lecture series that the University offers to the public and students of the University. Donations are welcome. Gift cards for donations are available in the lobby of Dodd Auditorium. You can also contribute online.
Do I need to buy a ticket?
Tickets are not necessary to attend the lectures and seating is on a first come, first served basis.
Where can I park?
Parking is available for Great Lives attendees in the George Washington Hall parking lot, which is the first lot on the left as you enter Double Drive. Additional spaces (marked for Admissions and Visitors) are available for Great Lives attendees along Double Drive. Parking is first come, first served. Please see our UMW Visitor page for a campus map and directions.
What constitutes a “Great” life?
It is perhaps the most common misconception that “great” equates to “good” or “admirable” in selecting subjects for the Series. The key criteria is not virtue, but rather influence on history or culture in a significant way—for good or (sometimes) ill. (This explains why the Series has occasionally included some fictional characters.)
How are subjects chosen?
A number of factors are taken into account. The guiding principle is diversity of subject matter—not just in terms of race or gender, but other areas of diversity as well, particularly fields of accomplishment. Thus topics include persons who have gained significant recognition in the areas of politics, military, literature, science, visual arts, music, theatre, sports, and popular culture. An effort is also made to incorporate lectures by the most recent scholars on various topics. As a rule, subjects are not repeated unless considerable time has elapsed between lectures or the second lecture involves a new and/or controversial approach to the topic.
How can I be added to the Great Lives mailing list?
Please submit your information on our Contact Us page or reach out to the Great Lives team at (540) 654-1276.
How can I help support Great Lives?
Great Lives is funded by donations. Learn more about supporting Great Lives.