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Distinguished Lecture Series

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Have an idea of a speaker you want DLS to bring next year?

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All free events sponsored by the WUD Distinguished Lecture Series are intended for UW-Madison students, faculty, staff, and Union members and guests.

Get In Touch

Omar Shahin, Director
dls@union.wisc.edu

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Committee Meetings

Spring Semester 2026
Every Tuesday, 6-7p
Memorial Union | TITU

Upcoming Events

Mar
10
Mar 10 2026 | 6 - 7pm
Memorial Union

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Amer Zahr
Mar
17
Mar 17 2026 | 6 - 7pm
Memorial Union

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Amer Zahr
Mar
23
Mar 23 2026 | 7 - 8:30pm
Wisconsin Union Theater
Ticketed Event

The WUD Distinguished Lecture Series and College of Letters and Science are excited to welcome John Martinis. “John Martinis: Engineering the Quantum Future” is a Donald Kerst Lecture Series and will feature a 60-minute lecture followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A. This is a free event taking place in Memorial Union’s Shannon Hall at 7:00 pm on March 23rd.

 A headshot of John Martinis wearing a button down and grey blazer.
Mar
24
Mar 24 2026 | 6 - 7pm
Memorial Union

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Amer Zahr
Mar
31
Mar 31 2026 | 6 - 7pm
Memorial Union

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Amer Zahr
Apr
07
Apr 7 2026 | 6 - 7pm
Memorial Union

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Amer Zahr
Apr
08
Apr 8 2026 | 7 - 8:30pm
Wisconsin Union Theater Memorial Union
Ticketed Event

On March 25th, students may redeem tickets using a promo code, which they will receive via email. Remaining tickets will become available to the general public on March 26th. Registration for the event will be available on the Wisconsin Campus Arts Ticketing Page. with a limit of one ticket per person. 

A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a bright yellow sweater looks back over her shoulder while sitting on a swing outdoors in a sunny garden.
Apr
14
Apr 14 2026 | 6 - 7pm
Memorial Union

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Amer Zahr
Apr
21
Apr 21 2026 | 6 - 7pm
Memorial Union

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Amer Zahr
Apr
28
Apr 28 2026 | 6 - 7pm
Memorial Union

Since 1987, Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) has contributed to broadening the educational experience of UW–Madison students and the community by bringing the smartest, most engaging, and influential people to campus, to encourage thought-provoking conversations and ideas. Through DLS-sponsored lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of seeking and spreading powerful ideas, while also allowing the passionate and dedicated students on our committee to be exposed to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas.

Amer Zahr