The Sinai Forum at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced the lineup of notable speakers to be featured in its 2024 season. The series will feature renowned personalities who will engage in topics from politics and constitutional law to conservation, comedy and mental health.

Liz Cheney, who formerly served as the U.S. representative for Wyoming’s at-large congressional district from 2017 to 2023, opens the season on Sept. 15. Her program will take place at Stardust Event Center, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, Michigan City, Indiana. Cheney served as Vice Chair of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol. She is a recipient of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library’s prestigious Profile in Courage Award, with commendation for her “consistent and courageous voice in defense of democracy.”

Jim Gaffigan, a seven-time Grammy nominated comedian, actor and author who grew up in Chesterton, Indiana, returns to the region as a part of the Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest on Nov. 24 at Stardust Event Center, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa. Gaffigan grew up in a large family, which often serves as inspiration for his jokes. Beyond stand-up, he’s a dedicated husband and father of five, often weaving his family’s antics into his routines. Gaffigan’s approachable everyman persona, combined with his witty insights on daily life, has endeared him to audiences worldwide.

The Purdue Northwest Sinai Forum continues with its mission to bring people together to learn, be entertained and to discuss what matters most. “Engaging respectfully with those who hold differing opinions fosters a culture and atmosphere of mutual understanding and unity. The PNW Sinai Forum provides this opportunity each season and 2024 is no exception. It is our mission to empower minds and inspire change,” said Leslie Plesac, executive director of the Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest.

Additional speakers featured in the 2024 season will include Briana Scurry, Hall of Fame U.S. Soccer Goalkeeper and two-time Olympic gold medalist; Jonathan Turley, the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University; and Joel Sartore, National Geographic Explorer, photographer and conservationist.

Program tickets, as well as dates, times and location information, are available at pnw.edu/sinai-forum. College and high school students can attend programs for free by registering on the PNW Sinai Forum website and presenting their student IDs at program check-in.

2024 PNW Sinai Forum programs will be hosted at the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex on Purdue Northwest’s Westville campus, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, Indiana, and at Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City, Indiana. Programs begin promptly at 4 p.m. CDT, with doors opening to all ticketholders at 3 p.m.

Since 1953, more than 350 speakers have engaged and inspired audiences through the forum. Visit pnw.edu/sinai-forum for more details.

The 2024 Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest Speaker Series

The 2024 Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest speakers are:

Liz Cheney — Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024

“Defending Democracy: A Conversation with Liz Cheney”

Liz Cheney served as the U.S. representative for Wyoming's at-large congressional district from 2017 to 2023. ​ She chaired the House Republican Conference from 2019 to 2021 and served as the Vice Chair of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. ​ Cheney is the author of the memoir "Oath and Honor" and co-authored "Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America" with her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney. ​ She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado College and her Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. ​ In 2022, Cheney, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, received the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library’s prestigious Profile in Courage Award, with commendation for her “consistent and courageous voice in defense of democracy.”

Jonathan Turley — Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024

“The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in the Age of Rage”

Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of public interest law at George Washington University. Professor Turley has written extensively in areas ranging from constitutional law to legal theory to tort law. He has written numerous academic articles that have appeared in a variety of leading law journals including Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Northwestern, University of Chicago. He is the author of The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage (Simon & Schuster 2024). Turley is currently the legal analyst for Fox News.  He is a columnist for USA Today, The Hill, and other newspapers including the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal. Professor Turley received his B.A. at the University of Chicago and his J.D. at Northwestern.

Joel Sartore — Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024

“Building The Photo Ark: One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals”

Joel Sartore is a National Geographic Explorer and photographer, as well as a noted speaker, author, teacher and conservationist. His hallmarks are his sense of humor and Midwestern work ethic. Sartore is the founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark, a multiyear effort to document every species — big or small, common or rare — living in the world’s zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries in order to inspire people to help protect biodiversity before it’s too late. In his words, “It is folly to think that we can destroy one species and ecosystem after another and not affect humanity. When we save species, we’re actually saving ourselves.”

Jim Gaffigan — Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024

“Beyond Humor: An Afternoon with Jim Gaffigan”

Jim Gaffigan, a seven-time Grammy nominated comedian and actor, is known for his unique brand of humor which largely revolves around his observations on life. Raised in Chesterton, Indiana, Jim grew up in a large family which often serves as inspiration for his jokes. Beyond stand-up, he's a dedicated husband and father of five, often weaving his family's antics into his routines. Jim's approachable everyman persona combined with his witty insights on daily life, has endeared him to audiences worldwide. He has released multiple successful comedy specials and authored several New York Times best-selling books. Recently, he starred alongside Jerry Seinfeld in the movie "Unfrosted," showcasing his versatile talent in both comedy and acting. 

Briana Scurry — Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024

“From Gold to Grit: A Champion’s Journey Through Traumatic Trials and Mental Health Triumph”

Briana Scurry is a pioneering American soccer goalkeeper and one of the most accomplished players in women's soccer history. Scurry was a key figure in the U.S. Women's National Team, winning two Olympic gold medals (1996, 2004) and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. After suffering a career-ending concussion in 2010, Scurry faced a challenging mental health journey, battling depression and anxiety. Her resilience and advocacy for concussion awareness and mental health have inspired many. Through her impact on the landscape of women’s soccer and American sports culture, Briana was selected to the United States Women’s National Team’s All-Time Best XI and was selected as the permanent Title IX Exhibit in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.