Katharine D. McCormick Distinguished Lecture Series
2025 McCormick Distinguished Speaker
Ruth Lehmann, PhD
For over thirty years, the McCormick Distinguished Lecture Series has played an important role in the Stanford community, highlighting the accomplishments of distinguished women in the fields of medicine and science. This series, open to all Stanford community members, hosts a national leader in science who gives a presentation on her science and on challenges and strategies for success as a woman in science.
This lectureship has not only contributed to advancing knowledge in speakers' respective fields, but has also personified the vastly important strides women have made over the last few decades. Katharine McCormick, after whom the lecture series is named, was a pioneering scientist and philanthropist.
The Lecture Series serves to reflect McCormick's lifelong support of women's rights. Over thirty scientists have served as McCormick Distinguished speakers.
Recent past speakers include:
The Legacy of Katharine D. McCormick
Philanthropist and Women's Rights Activist
Katharine Dexter McCormick (1875 - 1967) was a U.S. biologist, suffragist, and philanthropist most well-known for her financial support of the research leading to the development of the first birth control pill.
Bequeaths to Stanford University
Katharine bequeathed $5 million to the Stanford School of Medicine for the encouragement and assistance of women in pursuing the study of medicine and biomedical research.
In addition to supporting the advancement of women in medicine, funds donated by Katharine McCormick have been used to help veterans in the area. Katharine donated $250,000 to help establish, Stanford Vets Connect, a veterans center which serves as an entry for the mental health care of returning veterans and their families.
