Past O’Donovan Humanities Lectures

The O’Donovan Humanities Lecture is an annual event, featuring scholars and artists from around the country, which aims to instill a deeper appreciation of the importance of the humanities in everyday life. Named after the first Headmistress of Oakcrest, Pat O'Donovan—who opened Oakcrest in 1976 with 22 girls in Washington, D.C.—the lecture honors her legacy as a gifted teacher who could convey to students the joy of learning. Oakcrest hopes to spread this joy to others in the community through this annual lecture. 

2014: “On Nature and Grace: The Role of Reason in the Life of Faith” with Peter Kalkavage, St. John’s College, Annapolis

2015: “Healing the Culture One Story at a Time” Meghan Cox Gurdon

2016: “Life Lessons from the World’s Greatest Composers” Dr. Arthur Brooks 

2018: “Holy Eve: The True Wonder Woman” Dr. Glenn Arbery, Wyoming Catholic College 

2019: “The Second Greatest Story Ever Told: The Life of Cicero, Roman Statesman, Politician, and Friend” with Paula Rondon-Burgos, Oakcrest School 

2021: "Beauty, Piety and Fun in Medieval Literature" with Dr. Evelyn Birge Vitz

2022: "Ancient and Modern Grief: Presence and Absence" with Emily Austin and Victor Lee

2023: “Why Read Memoir” with Dr. Taryn Okuma, The Catholic University of America