P.O. Box 3013, 2 Ridley Road St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7C3 Canada - +1 905-684-1889
From environmental activists and bestselling book authors to Olympic athletes and Governor Generals, the Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series is an intellectual beacon to the Ridley community.
Ridley College has welcomed illustrious individuals from an array of disciplines as a part of the Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series, including environmental activist David Suzuki, Governor General Michaëlle Jean, and Olympian Jason Dorland ’83, to name a few. Our accomplished speakers delve into their journeys, challenges and triumphs, offering lessons for attendees to glean.
By inviting luminaries from diverse fields to share their insights and expertise, the engaging speaker series fosters thought-provoking discussions that enrich the minds of both students and faculty. Beyond its role as a platform for intellectual discourse, the speaker series is integral in nurturing critical thinking, empathy and understanding.
As our community unites to listen, question and engage with our speakers, the Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series continues to uphold its legacy of inspiring flourishing lives and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
The 2024-2025 school year boasts an exciting line-up of speakers. Please explore the biographies of the individuals we are excited to welcome to campus over the next several months.
Dr. Thomas Homer-DixonDr. Thomas Homer-Dixon is a renowned Canadian public intellectual and bestselling author recognized for his expertise in the intersections of nature, technology and society. His current research focuses on threats to global security in the 21st century and addresses pressing global challenges like economic instability and climate change. He is the founder and Executive Director of the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia.
Dr. Homer-Dixon previously led the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Toronto for nearly two decades and later founded the Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation at the University of Waterloo, where he held the position of University Research Chair until 2021.
A prolific author, his award-winning books include The Upside of Down, The Ingenuity Gap, and Environment, Scarcity, and Violence. His latest work, Commanding Hope, explores how hope can be channelled into positive action for the world. Dr. Homer-Dixon frequently contributes to major publications like The Globe and Mail and The New York Times. He has also served as an advisor for various government agencies across North America and Europe, making him a sought-after voice in global affairs and international relations.
Additional speakers to be announced.
