Gallery: Esther Gray’s last University Lectures

Canadian journalist, syndicated columnist and bestselling author Naomi Klein discussed climate change at her lecture in Fall 2015. Logan Reidsma | Photo Editor

Ross Douthat and Charles Blow, two op-ed columnists for The New York Times, debated what should be done about social inequality at their lecture in Fall 2015. Zach Barlow | The Daily Orange

Cheryl Strayed, author of "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail," signed copies of her book after her lecture in Fall 2015. Moriah Ratner | Assistant Photo Editor

Leon Fleisher performed two pieces for the crowd who attended his lecture in Fall 2015. Jingyu Wan | Contributing Photographer

Annie Griffiths, a National Geographic photographer and executive director of Ripple Effect Images, shared some of her work at her Spring 2015 lecture. Logan Reidsma | Photo Editor

Andreas Weigend, former chief scientist at Amazon and data expert, delivered his lecture titled, “We Are Our Data: Harnessing the Power of Social Data” in Spring 2015. Logan Reidsma | Photo Editor

Barry Scheck, an attorney, DNA expert and co-founder of the Innocence Project, delivered his lecture in Fall 2014. Daily Orange File Photo

Carrie Mae Weems, an artist and storyteller, presents her lecture, “Swinging Into Sixty: A Woman Ponders the Future” in Fall 2014. Frankie Prijatel I Staff Photographer

Eve Ensler, creator of "The Vagina Monologues," spoke about the Advocacy Center during her Fall 2014 lecture. Daily Orange File Photo

Van Jones, a renowned environmentalist and co-host of CNN's "Crossfire," delivered the first University Lecture of Fall 2014. Kadijah Watkins I Contributing Photographer

Diane Ravitch, a research professor and advocate, outlined her views on the state of the American education system during her Spring 2014 lecture. Daily Orange File Photo

Anna Deavere Smith, a playwright, actress and New York University professor, shared personal experiences at her Spring 2014 lecture by acting out “snapshots” of different types of characters for the audience. Kelli Mosher | Staff Photographer

Roz Chast shows and describes one of her cartoons at her Spring 2014 lecture. Tabitha Hoag | Contributing Photographer

Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC's "All in with Chris Hayes," spoke about how meritocracy is a driving force for inequality in the United States during his lecture in Spring 2014. Tabitha Hoag | Contributing Photographer

Known for his humor, Billy Collins read poems including “Cheerios,” “After the Funeral” and “Oh, My God!” at his Fall 2013 lecture. Daily Orange File Photo

Eric Liu, a Time columnist and educator, discussed rejecting political bias and opportunities in American communities for patriotism during his Fall 2013 lecture. Eliot Grigo | Staff Photographer

Roz Savage, the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, spoke about themes of sustainability and spirituality during her Spring 2013 lecture. Daily Orange File Photo

Marion Nestle, author and food activist, spoke about problems within the food industry at her lecture in Fall 2012. Daily Orange File Photo

Ron Brownstein, political analyst and journalist, gave a talk on the evolution of political parties in America in Fall 2012. Allen Chiu | The Daily Orange

Bill McKibben, founder of global grassroots organization 350.org discussed environmental issues and, more specifically, the issue of climate change during his Fall 2012 lecture. Daily Orange File Photo