(The Center Square) – Former President George W. Bush will be heading to Lehigh University on Oct. 29 to participate in a discussion centered on addressing the challenges currently facing the nation, while also reflecting on his time serving in the Oval Office. 

Bush will speak with Lehigh University President Joseph J. Helble as a part of the institution’s “Compelling Perspectives” series.

“Universities have a unique responsibility to foster thoughtful dialogue, intellectual curiosity and respectful engagement,” Helble said in a statement. “We are honored to welcome President Bush to our campus for a conversation about the state of American democracy, the enduring value of civil discourse and the importance of renewing a spirit of national unity.” 

“The Compelling Perspectives program aims to bring our community together to listen, question and learn from one another as part of our commitment to the open exchange of ideas that lies at the heart of higher education,” Helble added. 

Registration for the event, which will be closed to the media, will open on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 11 AM.

Lehigh University launched its “Compelling Perspectives” series in 2023 as a forum for “civil discourse on critical issues affecting society,” according to the university, which added that the program was “designed to amplify varying viewpoints on timely topics shaping our world.”

Bush, who served as the 43rd president from 2001-2009, is the first speaker in the 2026-27 series from Lehigh University. The theme for this year’s series is “Bridging Divides: Democracy, Civic Service and Leadership for a Shared Future.”

“Programming for this year’s Compelling Perspectives program will examine how leaders, institutions and communities can strengthen democracy by fostering civic responsibility, engaging across differences and working toward the common good,” according to a news release promoting the event from Lehigh University. “As our nation commemorates America250 and feels increasingly polarized, Lehigh is creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, encouraging people to engage with diverse perspectives through intellectual rigor, mutual respect and civil discourse. This topic will explore how stronger relationships and deeper understanding help us navigate complexity and build a more connected future.”

Leaders from across the globe in various industries have participated in this series. 

Theresa May, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2016 to 2019, and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, spoke at different events during the 2023-24 school year when national security was the theme of programming. 

The 2024-25 theme was “The Role of Media in Contemporary Society,” while last school year’s series focused on “AI at a Crossroads.” 

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., headlined one of the discussions highlighting AI.