Ellen Churchill Semple was born in Louisville in 1863, and is considered one of the century's foremost geographers. She entered Vassar College at the age of 15 and received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from there. Her academic home was literally spread across the world; she was a keen believer in experiencing places and people as a means of better understanding them. Ms. Semple was a dedicated researcher and a profuse writer. She was named a charter member of the Association of American Geographers, and was elected the association's president (and first woman president) in 1921.

Semple Day takes place each spring, and features a variety of activities during the day, including an open colloquium by the featured Semple Day Speaker. By early evening, departmental faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends from around the state retire to historic Spindletop Hall for the now famous capstone banquet. Food and drink abound, old friendships are rejuvenated and new ones kindled as we gather at twilight in the midst of Kentucky's beautiful horse country. The event also provides a venue for the orchestration of awards and recognitions, a time for collective pride as our top student scholars are honored for exceptional accomplishments.

We welcome new friends at this event! If you would like to experience the glory of Semple Day at the University of Kentucky, we encourage you to contact the Geography Department's office for more information.

Past Speakers

• Carol Harden, Professor, University of Tennessee [2009]
• Jamie Peck, Professor, University of Wisconsin (Madison) [2008]
• Amy Glasmeier, Professor, Pennsylvania State University [2007]
• Craig Colten, Professor, Louisiana State University [2006]
• Nuala Johnson, Reader, Queen's University of Belfast, UK [2005]
• John Antenucci, Founder and CEO, Plangraphics [2004]
• Sallie Marston, Professor, University of Arizona [2003]
• Sally Horn, Professor, University of Tennessee [2002]
• Victoria Lawson, Professor, University of Washington [2001]
• Eric Sheppard, Professor, University of Minnesota [2000]
• Richard Walker, Professor, University of California, Berkeley [1999]
• Susan Hanson, Professor, Clark University [1998]
• Ron Eller, Director, Appalachian Center, University of Kentucky [1997]
• David Harvey, Professor, Johns Hopkins University [1996]
• Gurney Norman, Professor, University of Kentucky [1995]
• B. L. Turner, II, Professor, Clark University [1994]
• John A. Agnew, Professor, Syracuse University [1993]
• George J. Demko, Professor, Dartmouth College [1992]
• Anne Buttimer, Professor, Universite d'Ottawa [1991]
• Saul B. Cohen, Professor, Hunter College [1990]
• Harm J. deBlij, Professor, University of Miami [1989]
• Sam Bowers Hilliard, Professor, Louisiana State University [1988]
• Risa Palm, Professor, University of Colorado [1987]
• Melvin G. Marcus, Professor, Arizona State University [1986]
• Chistopher L. Slater, Professor, University of California, Los Angeles [1985]
• Julian V. Minghi, Professor, University of South Carolina [1984]
• Barry C. Bishop, Asst. to the President, National Geographic Society [1983]
• Grady Clay, Editor, Landscape Architecture [1982]
• Peirce Lewis, Professor, Pennsylvania State University [1981]
• Michael P. Conzen, Professor, University of Chicago [1980]
• Cotton Mather, Professor, University of Minnesota [1979]
• Marvin Mikesell, Professor, University of Chicago [1978]
• Preston James, Maxwell Professor, Syracuse University [1977]
• Langdon White, Professor, Stanford University [1976]
• John Fraser Hart, Professor, University of Minnesota [1975]
• Preston James, Maxwell Professor, Syracuse University [1974]
• J. R. Schwendeman, Professor Emeritus, University of Kentucky [1973]