HOW THE SERIES BEGAN

The Cambridge Speakers Series (CSS) began in the San Francisco Bay Area when Series founder, Bill Conrow, attended lectures by high profile speakers, sponsored by the business community. He discovered how much he enjoyed the intellectual entertainment and stimulation provided by some of the greatest communicators of our time---world leaders, statesmen, distinguished journalists, authors, and other celebrated individuals.

Mr. Conrow began to envision the development of a high profile lecture Series that would be an “evening out” of intellectual entertainment---open to a broader community audience of intellectually inclined people. Mr. Conrow’s concept was to supplement the theater, music, dance and other cultural events offered to the community, with seven evenings of diverse opinions, profound insights and fascinating discussions on a broad range of issues. Thus, Cambridge Speakers Series was born!

He was mindful of the fact that he would need to market this Series to a large community of well-educated, well-read, intellectually curious people…the kind of people most often found in a college or university town. After taking great care to study the demographics Mr. Conrow selected St. Louis to pilot this new Series. Maryville University partnered with CSS to present the St. Louis Speakers Series at Powell Symphony Hall. “Sold-out” and now in its eleventh (11th) season, the St. Louis Speaker Series has become the “hottest ticket in town”, and is the pride of St. Louis and Maryville.

Attracted by the success of the St. Louis Speakers Series, Robert Morris University (RMU) approached CSS about starting a Pittsburgh Speakers Series seeking the same benefits Maryville was enjoying. Now in its seventh (7th) Season at Heinz Symphony Hall, RMU and Pittsburgh have a winner on their hands as well. Widener University has also signed on to the Philadelphia Speakers Series and is currently enjoying the benefits of what promises to be a fifth “Sold-out” Season.  Our most recent Series occurred when Villa Julie College became the presenting sponsor of the Baltimore Speakers Series hosted at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

WELCOME TO THE CAMBRIDGE SPEAKERS SERIES

In partnership with colleges and universities, Cambridge Speakers Series (CSS) produces high profile lecture series. Each Series includes seven (7) culturally stimulating, entertaining and provocative, educational evenings with renowned speakers.

Each Series is produced in a highly professional manner, and brings tremendous value to the presenting college or university and the community in which they are presented. The Series also provides unique opportunities for the presenting institution to cultivate and entertain trustees, corporate and individual donors and prospective donors.

THE BENEFITS FOR YOUR INSTITUTION

As difficult as it might be to believe, the Series (and the intimate pre-lecture dinners and post-lecture receptions) has had the following positive impact on the presenting institutions:

* Public recognition for bringing an exciting cultural event to the City
* Significant technique to cultivate current and future donors
* Unique tool to help increase enrollment & recruiting
* Improved campus life for students
* Tremendous value in terms of branding and image making
* Considerable positive media coverage
* Energizes alumni
* Leads to significant new charitable gifts
* Enhances institution’s relationship with corporate community

If you could accomplish all of these benefits for your institution, at minimal or no cost, wouldn’t you owe it to yourself and the institution you represent to learn more?