Lecture of a Lifetime

A dynamic demonstration of academic talent and achievement, celebrating a distinguished career of learning, exploration and discovery.

Purposefully Travelling Towards the Unknown

Dr. Jay Cross, DVM, PhD
May 3, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Reception 5 – 5:30 p.m.)
In-person (MacEwan Hall AB)

Be part of a thought-provoking and topical discussion about the power and challenge that comes with working across disciplines, and having the bravery to take on opportunities for which you don’t feel qualified.

Explore the life’s work of Dr. Cross, and his progression from scientist to academic leader and educational program-developer. He will share his secrets for creating an appetite for learning, and reorienting when faced with adversity. You will hear about his current role as president of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, where he is focused on addressing the human-resource crisis in the human and animal health systems, and his work with the McEachran Institute, a think tank focused on future-proofing animal health for society.

Dr. Cross’ lecture will delve into conversations surrounding:

The role of mentorship

How universities should be evolving at the pace of societal change
Inequality in access to care and health outcomes
Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in institutions

Registration for this event is now full.

Questions? Send us a message at senate@ucalgary.ca

About Dr. Jay Cross

Dr. Cross is a veterinarian, a professor of molecular genetics in both the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Cumming School of Medicine, the founding director of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), and current president of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. He is recognized internationally in the areas of animal reproductive and developmental genetics and is an accomplished interdisciplinary researcher, educator, innovator in animal and human health, and a fourth-generation rancher.

Nominations for our next lecturer are now open for Lecture of a Lifetime 2024. If you know a great candidate, submit your nomination package for review.

While speaker nominations are accepted year-round, the committee meets every fall for selection and interviews.

Experience UCalgary

This is a fantastic opportunity for our university to reach out to the wider community and share the work of our incredible thought leaders right here in the city.

Dr. Ed McCauley

President and Vice-Chancellor

Think big

UCalgary’s Lecture of a Lifetime is a dynamic demonstration of academic talent and achievement, and a unique opportunity to share with the community how research and learning at the University of Calgary contributes to the vibrancy of our city and addresses society’s greatest challenges.

The lecture series is based on a presentation delivered by a professor at Carnegie Mellon called The Last Lecture. The idea was to present a hypothetical final talk to answer the question, "What wisdom would you try to impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?"

The Lecture of Lifetime has been presented by the Chancellor and Senate at the University of Calgary since 2008.

View past lectures