Current Season
Omnibus
Inspiring fresh and diverse thoughts.
There’s something for everyone with this year’s lineup. Take a look at the difference makers coming to Purdue Fort Wayne.
Rainn Wilson
“An Evening with Rainn Wilson”
Actor, Author, and Cofounder of the Digital Media Company SoulPancake
Thursday, September 21
7:30 p.m.
Rainn Wilson is an Emmy-nominated and SAG-award-winning actor best known for playing the inimitable character of Dwight Schrute for nine seasons on NBC’s The Office. As one of the cofounders of SoulPancake, Wilson has spent years exploring the ways we all seek connection, hope, truth, identity, and purpose.
Theresa Payton
“How AI/ChatGPT Is Shaping the Cyber Landscape”
First Female White House Chief Information Officer, Technology Thought Leader, and Cybersecurity Expert
Tuesday, November 7
7:30 p.m.
Captivating audiences by drawing from her experience as a veteran cybercrime fighter and entrepreneur, Theresa Payton is one of the nation’s most respected authorities on cybersecurity. She is a visionary in the digital world, leading the way as an inventor of new security designs, and has an approved US patent in security.
Donna Brazile
“Political Outlook: A Comprehensive Picture of What’s Going On in Washington”
Veteran Democratic Political Strategist, Syndicated Columnist, and ABC News Contributor
Thursday, February 29, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Donna Brazile has devoted her life to working for progressive change, responsible governance, and the advancement of all people in a society that is fair and equitable. She’s served as the interim chair of the Democratic National Committee twice and authored numerous New York Times Best Sellers rooted in American politics.
Sarah Thomas
“Breaking Through: My Journey to Becoming the First Female NFL Official”
NFL’s First Female Official, One of Sports Illustrated’s 100 Most Influential NFL Figures of All Time
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
7:30 p.m.
On April 8, 2015, Sarah Thomas was added to the NFL officiating roster for the 2015 season, making her the first full-time female official for the NFL. Her history-making game happened on September 13, 2015, between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. Her hat, whistle, and flag from that game are now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Michael Beschloss
“What History Can Predict about Our American Political Future”
Presidential Historian and Best-selling Author
Thursday, April 25, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Michael Beschloss is an award-winning historian, scholar of leadership, and best-selling author of 10 books. His most recent bestseller, Presidents of War, has received acclaim from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
