Suzanne S. Youngkin Named Honorary Chair of Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities

Today, Virginia Humanities announced that First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, will serve as the honorary chair of the inaugural Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities.

The lecture series is designed to foster deeper reflection on how the humanities continue to shape and respond to societal shifts. The inaugural lecture features New York Times columnist David Brooks and takes place April 10 in Richmond at the Altria Theater. Following the lecture, there will be a moderated conversation by award-winning journalist Barbara Hamm Lee. The lecture is a signature event of Virginia Humanities’ year-long 50th anniversary celebration.

“We are honored to have Mrs. Youngkin as the honorary chair of our Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities,” said Matthew Gibson, Virginia Humanities’ executive director. “We have spent the last 50 years engaging Virginians in conversations about Virginia’s unique histories, cultures, and peoples. The Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities is an opportunity to have an even broader conversation about the intersections of public life and culture, exploring how the humanities are relevant in today’s world, especially in a civically engaged society.”

In her service as First Lady of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Mrs. Youngkin has prioritized listening to the needs of Virginians and celebrating the many good works happening across the Commonwealth. Motivated by the ever-present Spirit of Virginia, Mrs. Youngkin created the Spirit of Virginia Award to recognize and give thanks to the persons and organizations exemplifying works of goodwill. She created a first-of-its-kind art exhibit in the Governor’s mansion that celebrates and promotes Virginia artists, highlighting original works and artifacts of vast natural beauty and highly diverse content. She serves as an honorary member on many boards including the State Ballet of Virginia, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Council, and the Wolf Trap Associates Board and now is the honorary chair of the Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities.

The public Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities is preceded by a special dinner and awards presentation. During the ceremony, Virginia Humanities will celebrate remarkable individuals and organizations with three statewide humanities awards recognizing exceptional contributions to the humanities in Virginia. Awardees include Lynda Johnson Robb, Dominion Energy, and the Elegba Folklore Society.

Tickets to the public lecture and awards dinner are available at VirginiaHumanities.org.

Virginia Humanities is the state humanities council. We’re headquartered in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia, but we serve the entire state. We aim to share the stories of all Virginians—or, better yet, find ways for people to share their own stories. We want Virginians to connect with their history and culture and, in doing that, we hope we’ll all get to know each other a little better. Founded in 1974, we are one of fifty-six humanities councils created by Congress with money and support from the National Endowment for the Humanities to make the humanities available to all Americans. To learn more, visit VirginiaHumanities.org.