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. 

Friday, September 5, 2025 
Joshua Ellis, M.D., MPH (’12)
 Attending Faculty Physician and Clerkship Director of
Emergency Medicine at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
"When Every Second Counts: Lessons from the ER and the Journey to Becoming a Healer"

Note: This event will take place in Cemo Hall 100D

Friday, September 19, 2025 
Paul Carrese, Ph.D.
Founding Director, School of Economic and Civic Thought and Leadership
"Civic Education for Our Constitutional Order"

Friday, October 24, 2025 
Robert Proctor, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Connecticut College
"Cicero’s Rhetoric, Political Violence, and the Collapse of the Roman Republic" 

Friday, November 7, 2025 
Robert Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.
Former NASA Astronaut
Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedical Oncology,
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
"Space Exploration, Space Tourism, and the Future of Space Travel"