Campus News

Estes delivers Carver Lecture

Feb. 26, 2009

Iowa native and world-renowned opera singer Simon Estes will deliver the 2009 George Washington Carver Lecture Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Simpson College in Smith Chapel.

The event is free and open to the public.

Simon Estes, a bass-baritone, studied at the University of Iowa before entering The Juilliard School of Music in New York City. Since his professional opera debut in 1965 in Berlin, Estes has received acclaim for his performances at major operas houses and international festivals around the world.

A man of humble beginnings, Estes has used his celebrity to benefit children and young adults around the globe. He has established four scholarship organizations to help students, particularly Iowa students, attend college. Additionally, he founded the Simon Estes International Foundation for Children, based in Switzerland, to assist with the educational and health needs of underprivileged children, and the Simon Estes Music High School for children in South Africa. Estes will be awarded Simpson’s Carver Medal for his extraordinary service to the community.

“We are honored to have Simon Estes deliver this year’s Carver Lecture,” said President John Byrd. “In addition to being an incredibly talented and internationally-acclaimed singer, Estes is a great humanitarian, who has dedicated his life to educating students and helping those less fortunate than himself.”

Carver Legacy Series
The George Washington Carver Lecture and Medal Presentation are a part of the George Washington Carver Legacy Series. The program pays tribute to Carver’s legacy at Simpson and the college’s commitment to diversity throughout its history. Each year, the Carver Distinguished Lecturer is awarded the Carver Medal, which was established to recognize an outstanding individual whose life exemplifies the commitment and vision of the service of George Washington Carver.

The Simpson/Carver Connection
After being denied admission to another university in the Midwest, Carver walked 25 miles to Simpson College and was admitted on registration day. At Simpson he developed his artistic skills as a painter but was encouraged to study botany. He finished his Bachelor of Arts degree at Iowa State Agricultural College.

When receiving his honorary doctorate from Simpson in 1928, Carver said the college’s effect on him was everlasting: “I owe to Simpson College my real beginning in life.”

Learn more about Carver's legacy at Simpson College.

Last Updated: 2/16/09