Day Lecture

In the 2012-13 academic year, the family of Zachary Daniel Day established an annual lectureship in the Department of Religious Studies to honor his memory. Zach, as he was known to us, was a religious studies major and anthropology minor, a Silvertstein Scholar (2007), and a graduate of The University of Alabama (in 2008), who died unexpectedly on July 21, 2011, at the age of 26.

In Zach’s memory, and through the kindness of his father, Charles Day, and his stepmother, Nancy Campbell, and the generosity of his friends and family, the department is pleased to be the home for the annual Zachary Daniel Day Memorial Support Fund which makes possible this annual lecture.

Given Zach’s own interest in the intersection of religion with music, art, videos, gaming, and literature, this annual lecture will be devoted to the study of religion and popular culture.

For photos of past lecturers, visit our Facebook page.

2023-2024 Lecturer

Prof. Ken Derry
University of Toronto at Mississauga

“Being Sith Lord Sexypants: Star Wars, Popular Culture, and the Study of Religion”
Monday, Nov. 6, 2023
ten Hoor 30
7 pm

Previous Lecturers

Prof. Samah Choudhury
Ithaca College

“To Be Representative: American Muslim Comedy and the Diversity Complex”
Monday, Apr. 3, 2023
Camellia Room, Gorgas Library
4 pm

Cody Musselman
February 16, 2022

Zachary T. Smith
March 10, 2021

Dr. Roshan Abraham
October 15, 2019
#Day2019

Prof. Teemu Taira
University of Helsinki
October 30, 2018
#Day2018

Prof. Elijah Siegler
College of Charleston
February 28, 2018
#Day2018

Prof. Jason Bivins
NC State University
September 19, 2017
#Day2017

Watch Prof. Bivins’s lecture: Parts 12345.

Prof. Jolyon Thomas
University of Pennsylvania
September 24, 2015
#Day2015

Watch Prof. Thomas’s lecture

Prof. Monica Miller
Lehigh University
October 1, 2013

Watch Prof. Miller’s lecture