The Spotlight Series presents recognized and engaging alumni and experts from within and outside the Amherst community discussing and debating important issues of our time. The events are hosted by President Biddy Martin. 

Supported by the Croxton Lecture Fund. Established in 1988 by William M. Croxton ’36 in mem­ory of his parents, Ruth L. and Hugh W. Croxton, to bring to campus well-known guest speakers who focus on topi­cal issues.


Event Videos

Ten Lessons for Financial Resiliency

October 26, 2020

President Biddy Martin hosts a conversation between Ron Lieber '93 and Sarah Bloom Raskin '83, P'14, '17 about what they have learned watching Americans respond to the two biggest economic crises of our lifetimes.
Read More

COVID-19, Civil Unrest, and Communitas: Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being in the Summer of 2020

July 22, 2020

A discussion of coping with stress and anxiety through the COVID-19 pandemic with Kimberlyn Leary '82 and Paula Rauch '77. The discussion is moderated by Associate Professor of Psychology Julia D. McQuade. Read Bios »

1619 and the Legacy that Built America: A Conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones

July 9, 2020

Associate Professor Khary Oronde Polk moderates this discussion of the legacy of slavery in our nation’s history and in our understanding of ourselves as a nation with Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones.
Read Bios »