Omnibus Speaker Series announces Josh Peck, J.R. Martinez, and Elana Meyers Taylor for 2026–27 lineup

Upcoming season explores resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of extraordinary goals

 Inspiring fresh and diverse thoughts, the Omnibus Speaker Series brings the world’s leading voices to Purdue University Fort Wayne to share engaging stories. The 2026–27 lineup features actor and comedian Josh Peck, Army veteran and motivational speaker J.R. Martinez, and Olympic bobsled champion Elana Meyers Taylor.

Through a moderated conversation and two keynote presentations, the speakers will share personal stories of navigating change, overcoming adversity and finding purpose. All presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. in Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Music Center.

Speaker: Josh Peck
“A CONVERSATION WITH JOSH PECK”
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 | Moderated conversation

Actor, comedian, bestselling author, and creator Josh Peck will open the series with a moderated conversation exploring his journey from childhood fame to a multifaceted career in entertainment.

First known to millions for his role on Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh, Peck has built connections with audiences through social media, the Good Guys podcast and his memoir, Happy People Are Annoying. His acting credits include Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, The Last of Us and Danny Collins.

With candid humor and a willingness to share personal missteps, Peck will reflect on overcoming addiction and self-sabotage, navigating career changes and finding creative freedom. His stories invite audiences to embrace their imperfections, build trust through authenticity, and approach change with resilience.

Speaker: J.R. Martinez
“FACING ADVERSITY WITH OPTIMISM AND RESILIENCE”
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 | Keynote presentation

J.R. Martinez, an actor, bestselling author, motivational speaker, advocate and wounded U.S. Army veteran, will share his story of survival and reinvention in a keynote presentation about facing adversity with optimism and resilience.

While serving in Iraq in 2003, Martinez sustained severe burns to 34 percent of his body after his Humvee struck a roadside bomb. During his recovery, he discovered a new purpose in connecting with fellow burn patients, beginning a journey that would lead him to a career as a motivational speaker.

Martinez went on to portray wounded veteran Brot Monroe on ABC’s All My Children and won season 13 of Dancing with the Stars with partner Karina Smirnoff. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit and host of REBIRTH with J.R. Martinez, a podcast exploring reinvention and human resilience.

Through his experiences in recovery, entertainment, and advocacy, Martinez will offer a perspective on finding purpose and moving forward through life’s challenges.

Speaker: Elana Meyers Taylor
“CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO”
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2027 | Keynote presentation

Five-time Olympian and six-time medalist Elana Meyers Taylor will share a journey defined by determination, adaptability, and the pursuit of a lifelong dream.

Meyers Taylor set her sights on becoming an Olympian at age nine. A standout softball player, she initially pursued that goal on the field. After an unsuccessful tryout for the U.S. Olympic Softball Team, she turned to bobsledding at her parents’ suggestion—a decision that transformed her athletic career.

She earned bronze as a brakeman at the 2010 Vancouver Games before moving to the driver’s seat and winning silver at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. At the 2022 Beijing Games, she added silver and bronze medals, becoming the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history.

At the 2026 Winter Games, Meyers Taylor captured her long-awaited Olympic gold medal in monobob. Sitting in second place after three runs, she delivered a decisive final performance to earn the title of Olympic champion.

Her story offers audiences a powerful example of perseverance and the possibilities that emerge when a dream takes an unexpected direction.

Series support and ticket information:

The Omnibus Speaker Series is underwritten by a generous contribution from the English-Bonter-Mitchell Foundation, which has sponsored every season since the series debuted in 1995.

All presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. in Auer Performance Hall at PFW’s Music Center. This season, tickets are general admission rather than assigned seating. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of four per person. Online orders are subject to a $1.50 convenience fee per ticket.

To secure a seat, attendees should reserve tickets in advance through the university’s ticketing platform or at the Schatzlein Box Office in the Auer Performance Hall lobby.

Learn more at pfw.edu/omnibus.