An interdisciplinary college that will offer Canada’s first Honours BA and minor in Leadership and Civic Studies is hosting its first public lecture.

The inaugural event on April 3 for the Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement will feature leaders from across Ontario speaking about leadership and civic engagement in a world that continues to change in profound ways.

Wilson College was created in 2022 to offer a different kind of leadership education — one grounded in the liberal arts, going beyond the boardroom and into the heart of our civic society.

“We’re excited to welcome the community to campus to hear from our esteemed panel about the challenges and opportunities for leadership and civic engagement in Canada,” said Donald Abelson, academic director of Wilson College.

“Our guests will hear firsthand from panelists with very different lived experiences and expertise nurtured in multiple sectors how Wilson College will equip the next generation of Canadian leaders with the skills and knowledge they require to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

Mark Hill, former elected chief of Six Nations of the Grand River; Steve Paikin, journalist and host of TVO’s The Agenda; and Medora Uppal, chief executive officer of YWCA Hamilton, will explore ideas around leadership, civic engagement, and the important connections between the two.

The panel will be moderated by business consultant Sara Wolfe, executive-in-residence at the Rotman School of Business and member of McMaster’s Future of Canada Project advisory council.

The Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement is an interdisciplinary college offering Canada’s only Honours Bachelor of Arts degree (launching Fall 2025) and a minor in Leadership and Civic Studies.

What: ‘Engaging Ideas: Why Leadership and Civic Engagement Matter’, a free public lecture hosted by Wilson College.

Where: L.R. Wilson Concert Hall, L.R. Wilson Hall, McMaster University

When: Wednesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. Light reception to follow.

More details: Registration is required for this free event. Click here for more information or to register.