McGinty Lecture Series

The McGinty Lecture Series brings prestigious scholars, authors and historians to Salve to engage our campus community in thought-provoking discussions. Supported by the John E. McGinty Fund for History, the lecture series connects students, faculty and staff with experts and broadens their understanding of critical historical and contemporary issues.

Past lectures have featured Pulitzer Prize-winning historians and New York Times bestselling authors, who offered insights into topics ranging from the Civil War to transatlantic marriages to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Mr. McGinty was not only a successful businessman, but he was also a major history buff. His legacy has been an incredible blessing for our department, and it does so much to enhance the academic experience for our students.
Dr. William Leeman, professor, Department of History

2025 McGinty Lecture: Craig L. Symonds

Symonds is a prolific historian, author and former Distinguished Visiting Ernest J. King Professor of Maritime History at the U.S. Naval War College. His talk, "War on Opposite Sides of the World: Eisenhower, Nimitz and the Second World War," explored how these two leaders commanded the most critical theaters of World War II.

Craig Symonds standing at a podium giving his McGinty Lecture, with Salve branding and an American flag behind him.

2024 McGinty Lecture: Timothy Snyder

An award-winning historian, Snyder delved into the complex historical narrative surrounding the lands and people of Ukraine - spanning from prehistory to the present day. Going beneath the surface, he explored the multifaceted motivations for conflict and the intricate role that Ukraine has played in global history. Vladimir Putin's utilization of historical myth to justify the Russian invasion of Ukraine was examined, shedding light on alternative perspectives and deeper insights into the region’s historical significance.

2023 McGinty Lecture: Thomas J. Sugrue

A prize-winning historian and leading authority on 20th-century American politics, urban history, civil rights and race, Sugrue's lecture was based on his book "Sweet Land of Liberty," written about the fight for racial equality in states from Illinois to New York - and how the North's battle differed from and was inspired by the South's.

Connections in the Classroom

In addition to delivering the McGinty Lecture, each speaker also engages directly with students in a guest lecture for one of our history courses, chosen in relevance to the lecture topic. This allows our students to interact with notable historians in an intimate academic setting where they can gain deeper insights and make meaningful connections. It's a chance for students to engage with experts in their field, enhancing their learning experience and broaden their understanding of history.