Crowd gathered at a past Lecture of a Lifetime event

Lecture of a Lifetime

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

Join us for Lecture of a Lifetime 2023

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

Dr. Jay Cross

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 Lecture of a Lifetime 2024 are open

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