Speaker Series

Compelling Perspectives

A Program that Tackles Issues of Societal Importance

Compelling Perspectives is a program that widens the aperture on issues of societal importance by encouraging open conversations and modeling respectful discourse on challenging topics.

2026–27 Topic: Bridging Divides: Democracy, Civic Service and Leadership for a Shared Future

As our nation commemorates America250, the program examines how leaders, institutions and communities can strengthen democracy by fostering civic responsibility, engaging across differences and working toward the common good.

2026 – 27 Topic: Bridging Divides: Democracy, Civic Service and Leadership for a Shared Future

As our nation commemorates America250, the program examines how leaders, institutions and communities can strengthen democracy by fostering civic responsibility, engaging across differences and working toward the common good.
President George W. Bush

President George W. Bush

43rd president of the United States and founder of the George W. Bush Presidential Center

George W. Bush served as 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009, working to expand freedom, opportunity and security at home and abroad. He is known for creating the No Child Left Behind Act, modernizing Medicare, responding to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and launching HIV/AIDS and malaria initiatives worldwide. After the Presidency, President and former First Lady Laura Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, a nonpartisan organization advancing the timeless values he exercised in office, extending to accountability and compassion.

 

Events and Registration

Registration will open on September 2 at 11:00 a.m. Students may register here when registration opens. Faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the Lehigh community may register here when registration opens.

Advance registration is required for attendance at Compelling Perspectives programs.

This event is closed to all media and off-the-record. No recording devices are permitted.

About Compelling Perspectives

Hosted by President Joseph J. Helble '82, and presented by Lehigh University, Compelling Perspectives aims to create a forum for fostering respectful discourse and engaging across differing perspectives on issues of critical and societal importance.

The exchange of diverse ideas about substantive topics and the consideration of alternative viewpoints helps to promote critical thinking, empathy and openness—all essential to helping individuals and communities address complex challenges. Such dialogue serves as a powerful tool to foster social cohesion, build trust and strengthen community bonds. At a time when echo chambers and surface-level sound bites threaten to replace healthy societal discourse, this forum is one way in which Lehigh seeks to foster principled dialogue, build understanding, and bridge divides.

President
Joseph
J.
Helble
82

Universities and colleges are not just centers of teaching, learning and scholarly work. At their best, colleges and universities play an important role in modeling respectful public discourse and dialogue on complex issues.

Past Speakers

Since the series’ inception in 2023, Compelling Perspectives has welcomed guests from a wide range of fields to Lehigh. They have offered unique viewpoints and their own insights on timely topics of societal importance. They include:

Theresa May

The Rt. Hon. Theresa May

Prime Minister of the U.K. (2016-2019)
Topic: National Security
Leon Panetta

Secretary Leon Panetta

U.S. Secretary of Defense (2011-2013)
Topic: National Security
Katie Couric

Katie Couric

Award-winning journalist, former news anchor and New York Times bestselling author
Topic: The Role of Media in Contemporary Society
Arianna Huffington

Arianna Huffington

Founder and CEO of Thrive Global and founder of the Huffington Post
Topic: AI at a Crossroads