The first René Spitz Lecture was given in Denver on April 11, 1981, by Mrs. Selma Fraiberg, noted child analyst. Dr. Herbert Gaskill introduced Mrs. Fraiberg, who spoke on “Pathological Defense in Infancy.” The enthusiastic audience numbered over 1200, a testimonial in itself to the regard held for the speaker and a harbinger of success for future René Spitz Lectures.