For the past 70 years, Sinai Forum at Purdue University Northwest has brought together world-renowned scholars, leaders, dignitaries, artists and personalities to encourage, inspire, educate and entertain. This season carries on its longstanding tradition with 6 programs that include a former governor of the state of Indiana, an unjustly-convicted prisoner who survived death row, a behavioral health specialist on trauma and healing, and the field manager of the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
“The Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest serves as a significant platform for distinguished professionals to share their insights, advice and predictions for humanity’s contemporary issues,” said Leslie Plesac, executive director of the forum. “We are immensely proud to celebrate seven decades of Sinai Forum programming allowing Northwest Indiana community members to gather, listen and engage with some of the world’s most compelling minds.”
On Sunday, September 17, two-time Indiana governor and past president of Purdue University Mitch Daniels will kick off the Sinai Forum’s 70th anniversary season. His topic, "Never Park the Car: Making Change When Change Says No," will shed light on his time in academics and politics.
Fox News correspondents Jennifer Griffin and Benjamin Hall will share the stage on Sunday, Oct. 1 to discuss "Protecting Journalists and Journalism in Today’s World." Griffin and Hall have both faced dangers on the frontlines during their careers. After Hall was severely injured in March 2022 while reporting in Ukraine, Griffin worked collaboratively to coordinate and facilitate Hall’s evacuation from a war zone. They will share their firsthand experiences and discuss the sacrifices made by journalists around the world to bring the truth to light through objective reporting.
On Sunday, Oct. 15, Bruce D. Perry M.D., Ph. D. will discuss his most recent book, “What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing,” co-authored with Oprah Winfrey and released in 2021. Over a 30 year span, Dr. Perry has been a teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences. Dr. Perry is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network, a Professor (Adjunct) in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago and the School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia. Dr. Perry’s work on the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs and policy across the globe.
Geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan’s program titled, “The End of the World...and other Opportunities,” will take place on Sunday, Nov. 5. Peter Zeihan is a renowned geopolitical strategist and author known for his astute analysis of global affairs. With expertise in demography, energy, and security, Zeihan offers unique insights into the future of nations and the global landscape. Zeihan is the author of “The Accidental Superpower” and “The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization.”
Sunday, Nov. 19, Anthony Ray Hinton will present, “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row.” His story recounts his 30 year journey to exoneration and freedom after being convicted of the murder of two Alabama fast food managers. Hinton was freed in 2015 with the assistance of the Equal Justice Initiative founded by attorney Bryan Stevenson who appeared at Sinai Forum in 2021. Hinton now travels the world as an advocate for criminal justice reform and an educator working to prevent similar injustices to others.
Chicago Cubs Skipper David Ross will talk baseball on Sunday, Dec. 3 with Crown Point native, 18-year MLB Veteran and MLB Network Analyst Dan Plesac. Ross is an integral part of Chicago Cubs baseball lore. Ross had an illustrious career as a catcher that spanned 15 seasons in the Major Leagues. His journey culminated with the Cubs, where he played from 2015 to 2016 and helped lead the team to their historic World Series victory in 2016. Ross’s leadership, veteran presence, and exceptional defensive skills endeared him to both teammates and fans. After retiring as a player, Ross transitioned into coaching and currently serves as the manager of the Cubs, bringing his invaluable experience to guide the team’s success.
Tickets for the 2023 season series are on sale now at www.pnw.edu/sinai-forum This season will again provide for both in-person and virtual viewing option. Sinai Forum tickets are sold as a series. Single program tickets for Mitch Daniels and David Ross are also available.
In-person sessions take place at the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex on Purdue Northwest's Westville Campus, 1401 S. U.S. 421 in Westville. Doors open at 3 p.m. Sessions begin at 4 p.m. (CST).
For more information or tickets, visit pnw.edu/sinai-forum.