President's Public Lecture Series
About the Series
Date(s): October 2025 to June 2026
Place: Events will alternate between Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, with all lectures available by live stream
Price: Free
As Lakehead University celebrates our incredible legacy, we’re also looking ahead with a new purpose. That’s why we’re proud to launch the President’s Public Lecture Series, a 60th anniversary initiative designed to engage the communities we serve in timely, thought-provoking dialogue on the issues that shape our world.
Hosted by President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall, the free lecture series features research and perspectives from Lakehead thought leaders and changemakers – sparking conversation on the most pressing challenges of our time.
Events will alternate between Lakehead’s Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, with all lectures available via live stream and posted online for on-demand viewing.
Whether you’re deeply interested in a topic or just curious to learn more, come as you are–bring a friend if you’d like–and enjoy these engaging talks.
Black Identity in Canada and What It Means for Young People in an Ever-Radicalized World
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Location: The Outpost, Lakehead Thunder Bay, 955 Oliver Rd + Livestream
In celebration of Black History Month, Lakehead University invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to join us for a special presentation, headlined by CBC’s Elamin Abdelmahmoud.
This public event will feature a fireside chat between Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host of CBC’s daily arts, entertainment, and pop culture show Commotion, and Lakehead Chancellor Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell.
Grounded in the theme "Black Identity in Canada and What It Means for Young People in an Ever-Radicalized World", the conversation will explore how culture, media, and storytelling shape identity, challenge stereotypes, and influence how young people see themselves and their futures.
Elamin will reflect on his experience as a newcomer to Canada, having immigrated from Sudan at age 12, and on his work in media and cultural commentary. Together, the speakers will consider the responsibility of representation and the evolving role of Black voices in Canadian public life.
This special Black History Month presentation celebrates Lakehead University’s and Thunder Bay’s fast-growing Black community and offers an opportunity to come together for a month of recognition, celebration, reflection, and meaningful conversation.