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Compelling Perspectives

Compelling Perspectives is a program that widens the aperture on issues of societal importance by encouraging open conversations and modeling respectful discourse on challenging topics.

About Compelling Perspectives

Hosted by President Joseph J. Helble '82, and presented by Lehigh University, Compelling Perspectives aims to create a forum for fostering respectful discourse and engaging across differing perspectives on issues of critical and societal importance.

The exchange of diverse ideas about substantive topics and the consideration of alternative viewpoints helps to promote critical thinking, empathy and openness—all essential to helping individuals and communities address complex challenges. Such dialogue serves as a powerful tool to foster social cohesion, build trust and strengthen community bonds. At a time when echo chambers and surface-level sound bites threaten to replace healthy societal discourse, this forum is one way in which Lehigh seeks to foster principled dialogue, build understanding, and bridge divides.

Leon Panetta

2024-25 Topic of Discussion: The Role of Media in Contemporary Society

As discourse extends to the broader issues of truth versus disinformation and how we consume news, the Compelling Perspectives series will provide the opportunity to hear perspectives from both traditional and new media on navigating the modern landscape to access information.

Events and Registration

Information about the series’ invited guests who will contribute their perspectives on this timely topic for the fall semester will be announced soon.

Advance registration is required for attendance at Compelling Perspectives programs and will open in the new academic year.

Please note that government issued photo ID must be brought to these events. No recording devices will be permitted.

Compelling Perspectives Stories

President Helble

President Video Message: Strategic Plan Progress and Announcing Next Year's Compelling Perspectives Theme

A message sent to members of the Lehigh campus community.

Leon Panetta

Leon Panetta at Compelling Perspectives: ‘The Strength of America is in its People’

Panetta discusses national security and calls youth to public service.

Leon Panetta

Secretary Leon Panetta Announced as Second Speaker in New Compelling Perspectives Program

Panetta will visit Lehigh to discuss national security.

See all Compelling Perspectives news >
President Helble

"Universities and colleges are not just centers of teaching, learning and scholarly work. At their best, colleges and universities play an important role in modeling respectful public discourse and dialogue on complex issues."

-PRESIDENT JOSEPH J. HELBLE '82