The Sprunt Lectures are UPSem’s signature annual event—one of the longest-running theological lecture series in the country. Pastors, alumni, scholars, neighbors, and Christian leaders gather in Richmond each year for lectures, worship, storytelling, conversation, and connection.

The 116th Sprunt Lectures (2026) featured:

• Lecturer: Dr. Gregory Ellison, Candler School of Theology

• Preacher: Rev. Anna George Traynham

Sprunt is open to the public and requires registration. This event offers theological depth, meaningful worship, and an opportunity to connect with colleagues in ministry, seminary faculty, and old friends.

Yaupon Place is an eco-park and public ministry on the Richmond campus—a space for cultivating community, ecological healing, and spiritual wellness. Named for the native yaupon plant, the park provides space for local, accessible community-building, ecological partnership, and environmental restoration practices that restore mind, body, and spirit and reconcile ecological and historical injustices. Building on UPSem’s history of serving Northside Richmond, Yaupon Place welcomes community partners, neighbors, and congregations into programming rooted in story, eco-spirituality, and healing. The space is open to the public and features a walking trail and a playground. Yaupon Place can also be booked for community events.

During the academic term, the Richmond campus gathers weekly for worship at 11:40 a.m., rotating between Lake Chapel and Watts Chapel. A community meal follows each service. Pastors, alumni, neighbors, and friends from Richmond are warmly invited to join this weekly rhythm of Word, prayer, and community. Chapel space can be requested for community partner events. Explore our chapels here.

Set on the edge of the Richmond campus quadrangle, Thompson Hall offers comfortable guest rooms in a distinctive setting—rich with character, thoughtfully maintained, and genuinely lovely. It’s an ideal home base for alumni gatherings, conferences, leadership retreats, and quiet time away.

Click here to make a reservation

Nightly Rates — Thompson Hall

Single Occupancy: $65/night (UPSem students: $25/night)
Double Occupancy: $90/night (UPSem students: $30/night)

Note: Thompson Hall is a historic building, and the main entrance includes stairs. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requests, and we will do our best to accommodate your stay.

Click here to make a reservation

Why Guests Love Thompson Hall

UPSem at Richmond offers accommodations for guests at the beautiful and charming Thompson Hall.  The building has a prime campus location—located next to the William Smith Morton Library. The three floors of guest rooms are well suited to accommodate individuals, pairs, and groups. We hope to host you soon!

Guest Room Features

En suite bathrooms
Closets in each room
Hair dryers provided
Linens supplied

Shared Spaces and Amenities

Library and parlor—common areas perfect for conversation, reading, or reflection
Full kitchen with Keurig and drip coffee maker and toaster oven
Wi-Fi
Family-friendly touches, including high chairs for children
Iron and ironing board available
Hosting your event in a setting with access to green space, the library, and Yaupon Place

Ideal For

Leadership retreats
Pastoral retreats
Alumni events and gatherings
Church retreats
Conferences and small-group retreats
Hosting your event in a setting with access to green space, the library, and Yaupon Place