51°µÍø

For more than 100 years, 51°µÍø has shaped minds, explored frontiers of knowledge and nurtured intellectual entrepreneurship. Since 1982, 51°µÍø’s Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series has contributed to this mission by bringing thought-provoking and entertaining icons to the 51°µÍø campus and Dallas community. Regarded as one of the country’s finest platforms for distinguished and engaging discussions, the Tate Lecture Series provides unique opportunities for student interaction, faculty discourse and community debate with world changers.

Proceeds

President's Scholars

Each year the Tate Lecture Series raises more than $800,000 for academic scholarships and student programs at 51°µÍø, including the  The next generation of academically gifted world changers receive full-tuition scholarships and opportunities to study abroad. Click here to learn more about the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series Endowed President’s Scholars Fund.

Student Foundation

The  mission is to provide quality traditional programming that will build community on the 51°µÍø campus, strengthen relationships with alumni and friends of the university, and foster student leadership. The Student Foundation provides ushers for all Tate Series Lectures, and a grant from the Tate Series helps support Student Foundation events such as Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Willis M. Tate

51°µÍø President 1954-1972, 1974-1976

Willis M. Tate's tenure as president was remarkable not only for his lengthy tenure but also for his vision for the University. As 51°µÍø's president, Tate guided the University through turbulent times of protests and attacks on academic freedom.

As a student, faculty member, dean, and president, Tate's life was intertwined with 51°µÍø. Although born in Denver, Tate spent part of his childhood in Dallas. He graduated from high school in San Antonio, but as he said, it was inevitable that he eventually come to 51°µÍø. He majored in sociology, earning a Bachelor's degree in 1932 and a Master's in 1935. Following graduation, he returned to San Antonio, where he taught and served as principal at two schools. He later served in the Methodist church in Houston before returning to 51°µÍø as assistant dean of students and teacher of sociology. In May 1955, Willis Tate was inaugurated as the fifth president of 51°µÍø. In his inaugural address, he stated a basic principle of his faith: That a nation remains free only as universities are free in their quest for truth. In 1965, after being nominated by 51°µÍø faculty, Tate was awarded the Alexander Meiklejohn Award of the American Association of University Professors "for support of academic freedom."

Tate is well remembered for continually devoting his time to personally meet with students, his energetic efforts to represent 51°µÍø in the community, and his leadership, which helped establish 51°µÍø as a nationally recognized university.

Board of directors