About DLS
ABOUT: Distinguished Lecturer Series
Mission Statement
To provide diverse perspectives in areas including Foreign Relations, Defense, Politics, Science and other relevant topics. The purpose is to enrich people’s lives with exceptional programs which inform, educate and equip us all with the knowledge and understanding we need to make sense of our world and the future.
What is the Distinguished Lecturer Series?
Celebrating its 27th season in 2025, the Distinguished Lecturer Series at Riverside Theatre is Vero Beach's premiere lecture series. Distinguished Lecturer Series is a forerunner in the presentation of relevant topics focused on national and global affairs and presented by distinguished experts who bring with them unique insight.
The Distinguished Lecturer Series features four speakers and is typically held during the months of January through April. Each speaker gives two lectures, one at 4 p.m. and one at 6 p.m., both followed by a time of Q&A. Each lecture is given to an audience of approximately 675 subscribers in the Stark theatre, and to an audience of 200 watching each lecture by simulcast in the Waxlax theatre.
Not only does the Distinguished Lecturer Series enrich our community through stimulating and thought-provoking lectures, the series itself plays an important role as a major fundraiser for Riverside Theatre. Located on the barrier island in Vero Beach, Florida, and overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, Riverside Theatre is the largest producing theater in Florida.
Audience members are encouraged to ask questions of the speakers and may do so in advance by contacting the Distinguished Lecturer Series committee via the Contact Us section of this website.
Click here for ticket information.
Distinguished Lecturer Series Committee
Chairperson
Marybeth Cunningham
Founders
Frances F. Atchison
Deborah H. Peniston
Steering Committee
Ben Bailey III
Cynthia W. Bardes
Paul A. Becker
D. Theodore Berghorst
Faris F. Chesley
Willem DeVogel
Lewis M. Eisenberg
Brian T. Foley
Kathryn F. Freeman
Herbert W. Gullquist
David Jarvis
Christopher P. Johns
John Kean, Sr.
Donald L. Laurie
David C. McDonald
Jay H. Newman
R. Vincent Olmstead
Francis J. Partel, Jr.
Constance M. Pitcher
Robert F. Ritter
Ronald F. Rosner
Geraldine M. Smith
Douglas T. Tansill
Frank N. Tsamoutales
Macauley Whiting, Jr.