The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center’s Town and Gown Conversations program bridges the gap between the academic world and townspeople.

About four times a year, notable speakers are brought to the Center to meet with guests, share views, and exchange ideas on topics of mutual concern and interest, including art, the academy, business, history, philosophy, science, journalism, and politics.

Upcoming Programs

Stay tuned for upcoming T&G program coming summer 2025!

T&G History

Introduced in 1982, the dinner-lecture series was the brainchild of Mr. Martin D. Schwartz, Dr. Richard W. Burkhardt, and Dr. John T. Koumoulides, all of whom were active in both community and university activities. Their vision for the program was to cultivate rich intellectual and social interactions between the two communities, which still exists today. Since the beginning, the funding for these dinner-lectures has come solely from individual donors and administrative support has been provided by the university.

Donations

Town and Gown Conversations is funded by contributions from individual donors. Usually, four events per year are planned; two during fall semester and two during spring semester.

If you would like to support the Town and Gown program, you may give online, by mail, on the phone, or through other methods.

Please make your gift to the account #3808, “Town and Gown.”