Una's Lectures in the Humanities, endowed in the memory of Una Smith Ross, Berkeley class of 1911, are administered by the Townsend Center for the Humanities. Una's Lectures in the Humanities Una Smith was drawn from South Dakota to the University of California during its formative years, receiving her B.A. in History in 1911 and her M.A. in 1913. The University, remote from Eastern centers of learning, developed its own characteristics of intellectual restlessness, vigor and independence. So did Una. Una Smith Edward Hunter Ross' notes offer an indication of Una's interests in the Humanities.
Universities have a basic obligation to develop the intellects committed to their guidance.
Deeper understanding of human beings and their achievements can contribute to this as can fresh interpretations of the motives of ancient heroes and villains, keener analysis of accepted tenets and dogmas, reawakened appreciation for ignored and forgotten forms of beauty, and regrouping of old facts to reach new conclusions. I hope Una's Lectures will aim not at providing practical advice or at improving the world, but rather at opening the individual mind.