Final call for Lecture of a Lifetime nominations

As the University of Calgary prepares to celebrate 17 remarkable years of the Lecture of a Lifetime (LOAL) series, you are invited to be part of this annual commemoration of academic excellence, innovation and community engagement, with a final call to nominate individuals who have significantly influenced the university and the broader community.  

Speaker nominations close on Nov. 12, and this is your chance to celebrate those whose contributions continue to inspire progress and enrich lives both on and off campus. 

The LOAL series, initiated and led by the UCalgary Senate, has always been a beacon of inspiration, celebrating  the visionary individuals who have shaped UCalgary and our community’s legacy.  

Celebrating 17 years of excellence  

Since its inception in 2008, the LOAL series has embodied UCalgary’s commitment to recognizing personal and professional achievements, taking inspiration from Dr. Randy Pausch’s unforgettable 2007 “Last Lecture” at Carnegie Mellon University, delivered after his diagnosis with terminal cancer.   

Pausch’s lecture, filled with wisdom, humour and a heartfelt call to pursue one’s dreams, deeply resonated with audiences. It became the foundation for UCalgary’s LOAL series, which has honoured individuals who have made a lasting impact through their accomplishments and reflections, inspiring the community in much the same way. 

Over the years, LOAL has showcased distinguished scholars across a wide spectrum of disciplines, individuals with unique stories, journeys, and wisdom to share. 

“It’s clear that the Lecture of a Lifetime has left a permanent mark on UCalgary and the community,” says Amanda Affonso, BA’00, associate vice-president (community engagement). “For 17 years, it has celebrated the visionaries who have shaped our institution, and its legacy will continue to inspire us.” 

LOAL in the community 

This year’s LOAL will be a landmark event. It will celebrate the remarkable contributions of past speakers while marking the culmination of this cherished series. 

Affonso emphasizes the significance of this year’s lecture: “We’re bringing the Lecture of a Lifetime beyond campus and hosting it in the community, allowing us to celebrate its lasting impact together.” 

Looking forward, the way we celebrate such excellence will evolve. In alignment with UCalgary’s new Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, which places community at the centre of all we do, Affonso says, “future celebrations of academic and community accomplishments will be more integrated with and held within the community. This reimagined approach aims to deepen our engagement and partnerships, ensuring that the spirit of Lecture of a Lifetime continues to thrive in exciting new formats.”   

To honour those whose leadership and innovation have shaped UCalgary and our community’s legacy, fill out the nomination form and submit a name. Learn more about the selection criteria. 

View past lectures.