Enriching Arts and Humanities in West Georgia: New Endowment Establishes the Dr. Charles N. Hubbard Distinguished Lecture Series Share this page
The University of West Georgia is pleased to announce the inaugural Dr. Charles N. Hubbard Distinguished Lecture Series, made possible by a generous $50,000 endowment from Marilyn Hubbard in honor of her late husband, who was a loyal supporter of the university for decades, contributing to areas ranging from arts to athletics.
The first lecture, debuting Tuesday, March 10, at UWG Newnan, welcomes historian Dr. Cole Jones of Purdue University. Hosted by the UWG Culture Lab as part of The Other Night School, the lecture is titled “Colonial Georgia and the Winding Road to Independence.”
In addition to the lecture series, Marilyn also established the Eloise B. Merrell Endowed Scholarship in her mother’s name to benefit UWG students.
Originally from Newnan, Dr. Charles N. Hubbard was a leading orthopedic surgeon in Carrollton, an advocate for patients’ rights and a “lifelong learner” – “known for his quick wit, insatiable curiosity and love of storytelling.” The new lecture series commemorates his legacy by bringing thinkers and creators to UWG for presentations that spark timely discussion and intellectual curiosity.
Marilyn ’00, a graduate of UWG’s art program, is an accomplished painter and arts ambassador in the Carrollton community. She has served on the Founding Board and as continued supporter of the Townsend Center’s LiveArt series and as president of the Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum, among other roles.
In establishing the endowment, she sought not only to honor her husband but also to strengthen cultural programming across west Georgia.
“Marilyn’s intention behind her generous gift was to support the arts and humanities on campus and beyond,” explained Dr. Chad Davidson, director of the UWG Culture Lab, which works to enhance cultural resources on campus and in the community through meaningful partnerships with patrons and programs in West Georgia.
Davidson noted that this new series “will offer valuable cross-generational learning experiences, engaging both students in UWG’s arts and humanities programs and West Georgia community members.”
“Creative work and research in the arts and humanities explores the historical, aesthetic, ethical and cultural forces that inform our individual and collective identities as we work together to understand our past and shape the common good,” added Dr. Robert Kilpatrick, director of UWG’s School of Humanities. “This gift will enrich the intellectual lives of students, faculty and community members.”
Building on this vision, the inaugural lecture centers on the humanities by reflecting on the state of Georgia’s culture. Focusing on its colonial roots, Jones will examine Georgia’s role in the American Revolution as a key battleground between the Loyalists and Patriots in the path to independence.
All interested are invited to attend at UWG Newnan. Learn more about the lecture and register.