Virle and Al Payne Lectures

Established in 2000, the Virle and Al Payne Lectures are designed to give voice to ethical issues in religious life with commitment to creative expression, academic excellence, and community service.

The lectures are named for Virle and Al Payne, who were visionary community leaders for more than a half-century through the YMCA, Virginia Tech, and the greater Blacksburg community.


Sponsored speakers

2000 | Will D. Campbell

2002 | James M. Dunn

James Dunn and the Paynes
Noted authority on religious liberty and separation
of church and state, James Dunn (center)
with Virle and Al Payne.
James Dunn
James Dunn during the lecture.


2005 | Elie Wiesel
(Glade Church was the only non-Jewish, non-university co-sponsor of the event.)


Elie Wiesel Elie Wiesel