Annas is known for her accessible lectures and accomplished scholarship, and is one of the leading voices in philosophy worldwide. She is currently Regents professor of philosophy at the University of Arizona, where she has taught for 13 years. She taught for 15 years at St. Hugh's College in Oxford, and she founded and formerly edited the annual journal "Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy."

Annas has published several books, including "Aristotle's Metaphysics M and N, translated with an introductory essay and philosophical commentary" and "Plato: A Very Short Introduction." She has also edited several volumes and has had her works translated into seven different languages.

Annas' connection to Northfield is poignant. She served as the Cowling visiting professor of philosophy at Carleton College and her daughter is a Carleton College alumna. She was also a friend of Eunice Belgum '67, the philosopher in whose memory these lectures are annually held.

Belgum, who graduated from St. Olaf College in 1967, received a Ph.D. in philosophy from Harvard University, where she and Annas were classmates. She taught at Trinity College and the College of William and Mary after graduating from Harvard, and was one of the original members of the Society for Women in Philosophy. After her tragic death in 1977, Belgum's family and friends set up a fund to support an annual lecture series in hopes that her dedication to teaching and scholarship might live on.

The St. Olaf College philosophy department makes a special effort to choose lecture topics relevant to Belgum's interestsnamely ethics, philosophy of mind and feminismthough the lectures may be on any topic.

Annas' lectures seek to honor the memory of Eunice Belgum in topic and content. Books by Annas are available in the St. Olaf Bookstore and a book signing will follow each of her lectures.

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