In 2007 and 2008 the Benwood Foundation partnered with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Community Research Council (now the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies) to host a public lecture series focused on issues affecting the Chattanooga community.

Benwood's goal is to promote and broaden understanding of critical community issues in order to stimulate creative and innovative efforts to build and strengthen the Chattanooga community. The George T. Hunter Lecture Series brings nationally renowned experts in each of Benwood's four focus areas to the city to disseminate information and leverage positive change within the community.

Lectures are held in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall located inside the Fine Arts Center on the UTC campus; admission is free and open to the public. Speakers in the 2009 series include: Doris Kearns Goodwin, John Merrow, Majora Carter, and David Brooks.  Speakers in the 2007-2008 series included: Dr. Madeleine Albright, Bill McKibben, Frank McCourt, and Fred Kent.

Click here to view Directions/Campus Map for the Lecture Series

Click here to download the 2009 Lecture Series Press Release

Click here to download the 2007-2008 Lecture Series Press Release