Pictured: Hope Ritter with students 1966 By Lena Do The University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences has long been a place where knowledge grows through curiosity, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence. Few traditions embody this spirit more than the Hope T.M. Ritter Lecture Series, a program born from generosity and carried forward by the vision of family and community. Hope Ritter was a beloved member of the UGA faculty and a mentor whose teaching inspired countless students in the department of cellular biology. After his passing in 2007, his wife, Linda Ritter, along with their family, honored his life and work by establishing the Ritter Lectureship. Their act of giving transformed a personal legacy into a gift that continues to touch the lives of thousands. Since its beginning in 1999, the Ritter Lecture Series has brought world-renowned scientists to UGA, including four Nobel laureates. Each year, students and faculty alike have the rare opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds in biology. These lectures enrich classroom learning, spark new conversations, and inspire students to see what is possible in their own careers. For faculty, the lectures foster collaboration and advance research that keeps UGA at the forefront of scientific discovery. The impact of this giving extends far beyond a single day’s lecture. For over two decades, the Ritter Lecture Series has reached more than 25,000 students. It has created moments of inspiration that ripple outward into careers in science, medicine, education, and beyond. The simple act of bringing a leading voice in biology to campus provides students with an experience that cannot be replicated in textbooks. It shows them what innovation looks like, and more importantly, what they themselves can achieve. The story of the Ritter Lecture Series demonstrates how philanthropy creates lasting change. What began as a tribute to Ritter has become a cornerstone of the department of cellular biology and a highlight of the academic year. Students who attend the lectures carry the lessons forward into their own work, advancing knowledge and contributing to the public good. Donor-funded programs like the Ritter Lecture series inspire students, foster discovery, and strengthen the University of Georgia’s role as a leader in research and education—driving science forward and preparing the next generation of thinkers and innovators. Type of News/Audience: Alumni Graduate students Undergraduate students Faculty Staff
