The William J. Cooper Foundation provides a varied program of lectures, performances and exhibitions which enriches the academic work of Swarthmore College. The Foundation was established by William J. Cooper to bring to campus leaders in a broad range of fields and disciplines, including education, politics, the arts and sciences, and business for the benefit of faculty, students, staff, and the College community.

The Cooper Series returns for the 2021-22 academic year with nine events beginning with a virtual lecture on Sept. 10. 

Voices from the Eastern European Anthropocene: Sept. 10, Sept. 17, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Nov. 17, Feb. 11, and March 25

Love Unpunished: Sept. 13-23

Dois Pontos: September 22-24

The Frontera Project: October 1-2

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: October 19, 21–22

Hear Her: Works by Dyani White Hawk: November 4 – December 15

The Art of Logic: Lecture by Dr. Eugenia Cheng: February 10 

War: How Conflict Shaped Us, with Margaret MacMillan: March 30

Due to Covid-19 protocols, programming and capacity limits to in-person events may change at the last moment. Please check with event organizers and the College's Covid-19 website for the most up-to-date information.