Lecture of a Lifetime

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

Hosted by the UCalgary Senate, this special edition Lecture of a Lifetime featured UCalgary Chancellor Jon Cornish alongside a dynamic group of groundbreaking Canadians. Together, this gathering honoured Canadian pride and innovation, and showcased the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity that defines our nation.

Start Something, EH! was held during UCalgary's Community Day on April 11, 2026, celebrating 60 years of amazing impact.

Speakers include:

Catriona Le May Doan, Hon. LLD’02
Dr. Cari Din, BA’97, MSc’01, PhD’13
Brendan MacKay, BSc’24
Mark Tewksbury, Hon. LLD'10
Carol Huynh, Dinos assistant coach, wrestling

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 2025 lecture View past lectures

Lecture of a Lifetime

Start Something, EH!

Speakers include:

Keynote by Catriona Le May Doan

Olympic panel discussion

Experience UCalgary

Think big