The Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Memorial Lectureship annually brings to the University of California at Berkeley a distinguished scholar, professional military person or government official for a series of lectures on specific national security subjects. It provides a better and fuller understanding and awareness of national security concerns in the light of geopolitical balance, world economics, advanced technology, and other critical factors. Past guest lecturers have been Dr. Sam Huntington, Admiral Bobby Inman, Dr. Ed Luttwak, Dr. Hans Mark, Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, Dr. John F. Lehman, Jr., General Fred F. Woerner, General John R. Galvin, and Lt. General Bernard E. Trainor. The Lectureship series is normally held during the month of March. This time is filled with lectures, discussion groups and social functions, providing numerous opportunities for the lecturer to meet with students, midshipmen, and faculty as well as the public at large.

The Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Memorial Lecturship was established in 1983 to enhance the spirit of collegiality and sense of community to the University through the multi-disciplinary subject matter of national security affairs. An endowment has been set up through the support of the friends of the University, the Navy, and the general public to ensure continuation and growth of the Nimitz Lectureship, and establish a tradition of commitment toward the study of the political-strategic problems which our nation confronts in the contemporary world. The lectures commenced in 1985, and have covered a wide range of topics and subject matter from many different view points. Topics covered have included: "Strategic Considerations in Planning for the Twenty-First Century", "The Role of the Military in National Policy", "An Appraisal of the U.S. National Security Apparatus", "Economy and Military Security", "The Paradoxical Logic of Strategy", and "The Future of NATO".

The Nimitz Lectures provide the University community a tremendous academic experience, but that experience is not only limited to the Berkeley campus. The lectures are open to the public and free of charge. Additionally, the lectures are published to serve the worldwide academic community concerned with national and international affairs.