Award-winning author Lesléa Newman will discuss “He Continues to Make a Difference: The Story of Matthew Shepard,” on March 20, 4:30 p.m., at the University of Richmond’s Keller Hall Reception Room.

Duke University professor John D. French will give two lectures on Latin American politics as part of University of Richmond’s 2014 Douglas Southall Freeman Lectures. He will discuss “Towards a Biographical Pivot: A New Approach in Theory and Practice” March 20, 7:30 p.m., and “Lula’s Politics of Cunning: From Trade Unionism to the Brazilian Presidency” March 27, 7:30 p.m.

Edward L. Ayers has announced his intention to step down as president of the University of Richmond on June 30, 2015.

Bernard McGinn, a leading scholar of mysticism and spirituality in the Western Christian tradition and best-selling author, will discuss “How Many Uses Does Water Have? Medieval Mystics and the Bible” at University of Richmond March 3, 4:30 p.m., in Weinstein Hall, Brown-Alley Room.

John Veihmeyer, chairman and CEO of KPMG LLP, will discuss the global economy, ethics and leadership at the University of Richmond March 4.

Mary Ann Glendon, the Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, will speak about “Politics as a Vocation?” as part of the University of Richmond’s annual Marshall Center Lecture Series Feb. 28, 4:30 p.m. in Jepson Hall, Room 120.

A panel discussion and symposium about Jewish immigration to the United States, including many who came to Richmond, will be held at the University of Richmond Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m. The program will be held in Queally Hall, Ukrop Auditorium. 

Tony and Emmy award-nominated playwright and director Moisés Kaufman will discuss the power of theater to foster dialogue about current events and social and political issues at the University of Richmond Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.

The University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) is launching a new graduate program in nonprofit studies. The program is designed for current and prospective nonprofit leaders and others seeking a theoretical foundation in this vital, rapidly growing sector of the local and global economy.

Anne Waleski, vice president and CFO at Markel Corporation, will participate in a C-Suite Conversation Feb. 12, 8 a.m., at the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business. The program will be held in Queally Hall, Ukrop Auditorium.