Tippy McMichael Lecture Series
Our Next Tippy McMichael Speaker
Donald H. Whitehead, Jr.
Executive Director of the National Coalition of the Homeless
A Tippy McMichael Speaker Series Event
Saturday, October 17, 2026 ( Reception begins at 6:00 p.m.)
7:00 p.m. – Restoring Dignity: Why Giving Matters
What does it mean to restore dignity to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and other forms of marginalization? Donald Whitehead will explore the importance of seeing and responding to the dignity of every person, and why generosity and giving are essential parts of that work.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
10:00 a.m. – Faith and the Call to Serve (during Adult Formation Hour)
How does faith call us to respond to the needs of our neighbors and our communities? In this Sunday morning conversation, Donald will reflect on the role of faith in answering that call and the ways our convictions can move us toward action.
All are welcome to attend one or both sessions.
Donald Whitehead is Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless and a nationally recognized advocate and speaker on homelessness, substance abuse, and racial equity. He has more than 30 years of experience in homeless services, from street outreach to executive leadership, and has testified before Congress and the United Nations on issues related to homelessness and social justice. He is a co-founder of Racial Equity Partners and has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including the Homeless Veterans Advisory Committee for the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2026, Donald received the Advocate of the Year Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.
Recent Tippy McMichael Speakers
About the Tippy McMichael Lecture Series
The Tippy McMichael Lecture Series explores a wide range of spiritual issues and features accomplished speakers from various disciplines and religious traditions.
Most events are structured as a two-day series with lectures on two different but related subjects. A Saturday evening lecture is followed by an Adult Forum presentation on Sunday Morning.
The series is an expression of thanksgiving to Clifton “Tippy” McMichael, a lifelong member of St. Paul’s and a strong-willed woman with an independent mind, and is funded by the St. Paul’s Permanent Endowment fund, which was created from Tippy’s planned gift of $1.5 million to St. Paul’s, “to enhance the life and work of the church.”
Get Involved
Join the Tippy McMichael Committee and help plan future events.