
The Condon Lectureship was establish in 1944 by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education upon the recommendation of the late Dr. John C. Merriam who, at that time, was a member of the faculty of the University of Oregon. The Lectureship was named in honor of Dr. Thomas Condon, the first professor of Geology at the University.The 1968 Condon Lectures by Dr, Sagan were delivered at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University.