The Grand Challenges Forum

Fridays, 1–2 p.m., in the Honors College Commons

The Grand Challenges Forum encourages students to think critically, discuss openly and learn unequivocally. The Honors College welcomes a diverse group of distinguished scholars, authors, activists and artists in an effort to further the University’s commitment to intellectual rigor, critical thinking and scholarly excellence. The Grand Challenges Forum offers students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the local community a time to hear a wide range of lectures dedicated to a compelling theme.

Hosted by the Honors College, the Grand Challenges Forum is open to the entire UH community. The lectures will be held on Fridays from 1–2 p.m. in the Honors College Commons. 

Fall 2026 Grand Challenges Forum Schedule

Theme: Back to the Future

Friday, September 4, 2026
Folasade Onadiji  (’13)
Global Marketing Manager, Tylenol at Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson)
"Back to the Future: Why Great Communicators Win in the Age of AI"

Friday, September 18, 2026
Steven Skultety, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Declaration of Independence Center for American Freedom, University of Mississippi
"The Declaration as Foundation for the Constitution"
***In partnership with the Lyceum Initiative***

Friday, September 25, 2026
Joe Goodkin
Classicist and Chicago-based singer/songwriter and guitarist
"The Blues of Achilles"

Friday,  October 16, 2026 
Kim Baker, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of Practice, Assistant Professor, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
“The Future Was Always in Me: A Journey Back to Purpose”

PLEASE NOTE:
For Fall 2026, events sponsored by The Lyceum Initiative will also count for Grand Challenges credit.

For a full list of these events, visit The Lyceum Initiative webpage.