Last Lecture

All current and retired IU Indianapolis-based faculty and staff are eligible.

The selection committee favors speakers with long experience in their fields and at the university.

Lecturers must be available to attend the Last Lecture event on Friday, November 7, 2025, 2-4 p.m. in the IU Indianapolis Campus Center Theater and to present the lecture beginning at 2 p.m. 

The presenter should offer insights that are reflective in nature, based on a lifetime accumulation of personal and professional experiences.

The presentation is approximately 45 minutes in length and is intended to be more philosophical than technical, focusing on the lifetime accumulation of wisdom and insights of the speaker.

The Last Lecture is intended for a broad audience, including the campus community and the general public.

Completed online nomination form.

Nomination letter. A detailed nomination letter that provides the justifications for suggesting the nominee for this honor.

Describe how the nominee's life experiences have impacted their professional roles and contributions. 

Include evidence about the nominee’s ability to convey insights and advice that speak to a broad audience beyond the nominee’s professional or academic specialization.

Indicate any impact beyond the nominee's unit. 

A letter may be jointly written and signed by more than one nominator. In cases where a nominee’s contributions had a significant impact beyond their own school or other unit, jointly submitted letters are especially encouraged.

The letter should confirm the nominee’s availability to present on the date of the lecture, November 7, 2025, 2-4 p.m. in the IU Indianapolis Campus Center Theater.

Nominee's current resume or CV.

Confirmation of attendance: November 7, 2025, 2-4 p.m., IU Indianapolis Campus Center.

A screening committee composed of members of the Senior Academy will review all nominations to confirm eligibility and determine a list of finalists to go forward to a campus-wide selection committee.

Finalists then will be asked to submit a brief synopsis of their proposed lecture.

The selection committee, representing diverse disciplines and schools, will review the finalists and make a determination about the Last Lecture Award.