Carnegie Mellon University

President's Lecture Series

The President’s Lecture Series aims to engage and inspire the Carnegie Mellon community on issues of emerging and preeminent relevance to society. The series, launched by President Farnam Jahanian in 2023, brings a curated list of thought leaders and world leaders to campus over the academic year.

Upcoming Lecture

David Ignatius' headshot.

"America and the World: What's Ahead After the 2024 Election?"

David Ignatius
Associate Editor and Foreign Affairs Columnist for The Washington Post 

Thursday, January 30, 2025 
Simmons Auditorium 

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Distinguished Lecturer Lineup for 2024-2025 

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Tamara Tunie (CFA 1981) 
Actress, Director and Producer
Monday, February 10, 2025
Simmons Auditorium

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John Wells (CFA 1979)
Hollywood Producer, Writer and Director
Founder of John Wells Productions
Spring 2025 

Past Lectures

Dr. Sethuraman "Panch" Panchanathan's headshot.

"Innovation Anywhere, Opportunity Everywhere: Accelerating the Frontiers of Science and Technology"


Dr. Sethuraman "Panch" Panchanathan
Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation 
Friday, October 11, 2024

Watch Dr. Panchanathan's Lecture

Sundar Pichai

"The AI Platform Shift and the Opportunity Ahead"


Sundar Pichai

CEO of Google and Alphabet
Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Watch Sundar Pichai's Lecture

 

Steven Pinker

"Human Rationality and Academic Freedom"

Steven Pinker
Harvard University Professor
Experimental Psychologist

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Watch Dr. Steven Pinker's Lecture

 

General Laura Richardson

"Partnering in the Western Hemisphere — Challenges and Opportunities"

General Laura Richardson
Commander, U.S. Southern Command
First Army Female Combatant Commander

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Watch General Laura Richardson's Lecture