Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content

Wilson College’s first public lecture focuses on the importance of leadership

Engaging Ideas: Why Leadership and Civic Engagement Matter brings civic leaders from across Ontario to McMaster for a panel discussion

By Chris Pickles, Faculty of Social Sciences March 20, 2024

Image with information regarding the event. With images of the speakers that will be present.
Mark Hill, Medora Uppal, Steve Paikin and Sara Wolfe will discuss the link between leadership and civic engagement as part of the inaugural Wilson College event on April 3.

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.

Students in white clothes, led by one with blue hair, pull at a rope during a Welcome Week tug of war.

In photos: Welcome Week 2026

Hundreds of student reps. Thousands of incoming students. More than 140 events. Here are some scenes from Welcome Week 2026.
Autumn scene on McMaster University campus with students walking along a tree-lined street surrounded by colourful fall foliage and flowers.

Welcome to an exciting new term: A message from President Susan Tighe 

We enter this new school year with great momentum, as the energy of the incoming class fills our campus and reminds us why we’re here, writes President Susan Tighe.
Four McMaster Marauders football players during the 2025 Homecoming game, in a packed Ron Joyce Stadium.

McMaster Homecoming 2026: What you need to know 

The Homecoming football game, a Swae Lee concert, and a day-long festival of fun activities: Here’s what the MSU, Student Affairs and Athletics & Recreation have lined up to celebrate students and bring the campus community together.