It's unusual to have a lecture series named after you while you're still alive.
But Jim McDonald, the former director of the Wesley Institute, a United Methodist campus ministry, faces that exact situation.
Today marks the inaugural speech in the Jim McDonald Lectures, a series sponsored by the Wesley Foundation in hopes of developing themes that were central to McDonald's ministry, including ecumenical efforts and the relationship between religion and academia.
Several religious organizations worked together with the Wesley Foundation to bring Jim Wallis to the University as the first speaker.
Wallis is the author of several books, most recently "Faith Works," the editor of "Sojourners" magazine and a nationally recognized commentator on faith issues.
Wallis' lecture today will share the name of his latest book, and center on faith-based responses to poverty.
Alex Joyner, the current director of the Wesley Foundation, said he understands the speech will discuss Wallis' experiences in writing the book.
"He's going to be talking about his travels around the country, seeing how faith-based organizations are making a difference," Joyner said.
Joyner said the Wesley Foundation chose Wallis because he works with the same principles that McDonald did.
"Jim McDonald was very active in bringing people together, and we wanted to recognize the themes of his ministry," Joyner said. "Nobody exemplifies them better than Jim Wallis."
While Wallis has not studied Charlottesville in particular, he will be attending a luncheon today in the Lower West Oval Room of the Rotunda with local religious leaders to talk about local issues.
McDonald, who directed the Wesley Foundation from 1968 to 1988, will be present at both the luncheon and the lecture, and will be presented with a plaque in recognition of his service.
The lecture will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Wilson Hall room 402, to be followed by a book signing sponsored by the University Bookstore.
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