History

The Lawrence B. Dumas Domain Dinner program originated in 1998 as a result of the strategic planning process for "The Highest Order of Excellence," the University's strategic plan at the time. Since its inception, the program has hosted nearly 100 dinners and engaged hundreds of faculty presenters and thousands of guests.

The Domain Dinner program is named for Lawrence B. Dumas whose influence and impact on Northwestern are immeasurable. Dumas joined the faculty in 1970 and was a founding member of the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology. Throughout his time at the University, he rose through the ranks of faculty and eventually led the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences as Dean from 1988 to 1996. Dumas then took on the role of Provost, which he passionately fulfilled until 2007. His legacy and leadership live on in myriad areas of the University, including the Lawrence B. Dumas Domain Dinner program.