Kathryn Lofton, professor of religious studies, American studies, history and divinity at Yale University, will discuss what distinguishes a cultural or religious leader from an icon April 10, 4:30 p.m., in Weinstein Hall, Brown-Alley Room, at University of Richmond.

Folk musician and acclaimed banjo player Abigail Washburn and guests Jeremy Kittel and Tristan Clarridge will perform at University of Richmond April 11, 7 p.m., in Perkinson Recital Hall.

Gayle Goodson Butler, editor-in-chief of Better Homes and Gardens; Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring; and Mark Hourigan, president of Hourigan Construction, will deliver addresses at three of the four ceremonies comprising the University of Richmond’s 184th Commencement May 10–11.

Francophiles and movie fans, rejoice: Richmond’s French Film Festival returns to the historic Byrd Theatre March 27–30 with more than 30 feature and short films.

This event has been cancelled. What is the place of poetry in the world – both within and outside of the academy? Priscilla Gilman, author, Wordsworth scholar and former English literature professor, will discuss the topic April 2, 4:30 p.m. at the University of Richmond.

Award-winning photojournalist and multimedia storyteller Janet Jarman will discuss how she uses photography to shed light on contemporary social issues, such as immigration and environmental destruction, March 26, 7 p.m., at University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center. 

The University of Richmond will receive a 2014 Catalyst Award from ROSMY at the organization’s annual fundraiser May 3.

Fred Rosen, professor emeritus of the history of political thought and honorary senior research fellow at the Bentham Project, University College London, will discuss “John Stuart Mill’s Journey to Socialism,” March 21, 4:30 p.m., at University of Richmond’s Jepson Hall, Room 120.

Mary Miley Theobald, mystery writer, researcher and author of fiction and nonfiction books, will deliver the 2014 Peple Lecture March 30, 3 p.m., at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center, Robins Pavilion.

Gary L. Flowers, a leader in civil rights issues and public policy formation, will serve as leader-in-residence at University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies during spring 2014.