Previous speakers of the Sister Cleophas Costello lecture include:

2021: McKenzie Coan, '18
2019: Tarana Burke
2018: Gabby Douglas
2017: Elizabeth Smart
2015: Marin Alsop
2014: Piper Kerman
2011: Sheilah Kast
2007: Dr. Margaret Farley
2005: Kathleen Norris
2003: Dr. Diana Eck
2002: Barbara Ehrenreich
2001: Mary Chapin Carpenter
2000: Amy Tan
1997: Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ
1996: Molly Ivins
1995: Mae Jemison
1994: Mary Higgins Clark
1993: Cokie Roberts
1992: Beverly Sills
1991: Linda Ellerbee
1990: Maya Angelou
1989: Judith Viorst
1988: Helen Thomas
1986: Arlene Violet
1985: Marilyn Ferguson
1981: Sr. Elizabeth Carroll
1980: Theresa Kane, RSM, and Andrew Greeley
1979: Ellen Goodman