“A dynamic series of performances, lectures, and celebrations that unite Mary Baldwin University and the Staunton community through culture, learning, and connection.”
Mary Baldwin University has always been a place where students, faculty, alumni, and neighbors come together to share ideas and celebrate culture. This year, the university lifts that spirit to new heights with the launch of Signature Events, a curated series of performances, lectures, workshops, and community gatherings.
Featuring everything from world-renowned artists and acclaimed alumni to inspiring student productions and service-centered traditions, Signature Events are designed to enrich MBU’s campus and community alike. They underscore the Mary Baldwin Signature undergraduate experience: purpose-driven learning, meaningful connection, and real-world readiness.
Whether you’re a first-year student just beginning your journey, a longtime faculty member, or a neighbor from Staunton, these events offer must-see moments for everyone.
What Are Signature Events?
At their core, Signature Events are more than just a calendar of activities. They represent MBU’s commitment to education that transcends the classroom, creating opportunities for the entire community.
The series spans the academic year and brings nationally recognized speakers and artists to campus, while also elevating the voices and talents of Mary Baldwin students. Each season includes a blend of lectures, concerts, theatre, dance, workshops, and annual celebrations.
Importantly, most events are free or low-cost and all are open to the public, ensuring accessibility for both MBU’s campus family and neighbors in Staunton.
The goals are clear:
- To inspire students with experiences that align with their studies and career goals.
- To connect the campus and community through shared cultural touchstones.
- To celebrate MBU traditions, both longstanding and newly imagined.
- To showcase student achievement alongside national and international talent.
A Fall Season Packed with Highlights
This fall marks the official debut of the Signature Events lineup, and the schedule is filled with remarkable opportunities for engagement.
- Brian Palmer, Photojournalist (September 11) — The season opens with a conversation with Peabody Award–winning photojournalist Brian Palmer, whose work examines race, history, and community through the lens of visual storytelling.
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s (October 4) — A moving tradition hosted at MBU’s Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, this charity walk brings awareness, support, and hope to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
- Dorie Clark ’97, Business Thought Leader (October 15) — Acclaimed alumna, communication coach, and author of Stand Out, Dorie Clark returns to MBU to deliver a keynote lecture on personal branding, leadership, and making an impact in today’s world.
- PEG Symposium (October 17) — A celebration of 40 years of MBU’s groundbreaking Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, showcasing student research, alumni reflections, and the unique legacy of this one-of-a-kind program.
- Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper (October 24) — The Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library speaks at Staunton’s Blackfriars Playhouse on Shakespeare’s enduring relevance to modern public discourse, connecting literature to today’s pressing conversations.
- MBU Theatre Presents Big Love (November 6–9) — Students take the stage in Charles Mee’s bold reimagining of Aeschylus’ The Suppliants, blending ancient themes with modern questions of gender, justice, and love.
- Broman Concert with Pianist Zhu Wang (November 10) — Francis Auditorium will host award-winning pianist Zhu Wang in a performance that promises virtuosity and inspiration.
- Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me — That’s Science?! (November 13) — A lively, quiz-show-style event featuring faculty, students, and special guests who bring science to life in an entertaining format.
- Head, Heart, Hustle Workshop (November 18) — Presented by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, this interactive session will challenge students to consider how leadership, purpose, and social impact intersect in their own lives.
- Winter Dance Concert (December 7) — Closing the fall season, MBU dancers take the stage in a concert that blends classical technique with contemporary expression.
Together, these events reflect the rich variety and broad appeal of the Signature series.
Building Belonging and Pride
Signature Events also strengthen campus life by giving MBU students opportunities to engage across academic Neighborhoods. Attending an event with peers, cheering on friends in a performance, or welcoming alumni and guest speakers to campus fosters a sense of shared belonging that is at the heart of the Mary Baldwin experience.
For Staunton residents, these events offer a chance to experience the vibrancy of MBU firsthand — whether by enjoying a concert in Francis Auditorium, attending a lecture at the Blackfriars Playhouse, or joining students for a charity walk. In doing so, they reinforce the idea that Mary Baldwin is not only a university on the hill, but also an anchor for arts, culture, and dialogue in the Shenandoah Valley.
How to Get Involved
Signature Events are free for students, affordable for the public, and open to all. To see the full schedule of events visit marybaldwin.edu/signature-events.
Students can also play an active role by volunteering, spreading the word, or simply showing up with friends to be part of the experience. Faculty and staff are encouraged to integrate events into coursework, encourage student participation, and join in the dialogue. Alumni and neighbors are invited to reconnect with MBU through the arts, culture, and community these events showcase.