Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham discusses the pursuit of a perfect union at Purdue University Northwest’s 73rd Sinai Forum

On Sunday, September 13, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) hosted students, staff members, and the local community for the beginning of its 73rd installment of the Sinai Forum. This series features five distinguished voices throughout the fall semester at PNW, filled with timely conversations covering different topics.

This year’s Sinai Forum features a lineup of speakers whose ideas have the power to inform, inspire, and broaden perspectives.

Jon Meacham was the first speaker for the 73rd Sinai Forum series. Meacham is a Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian who has made a return to the Sinai Forum for his presentation of “Hope Through History: How to Survive Turbulent Times.” This title originates from his own History Channel podcast.

Meacham is the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers. His latest, “American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union,” highlights the American story from 1619 to present day. Meacham is also a visiting professor at Vanderbilt University, where he holds the Rogers Chair in the American Presidency. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a fellow of the Society of American Historians, and was awarded with the National Humanities Medal in 2024.

“There’s something special about a tradition that brings people back year after year. It builds community, and we know that communities are stronger when people come together to listen, learn and consider different perspectives. Jon Meacham reminded us how important that is, and we’re grateful to host the Sinai Forum here at Purdue Northwest.” said Leslie Plesac, Executive Director of PNW Sinai Forum.

Meacham has appeared as a frequent guest on Morning Joe, Real Time with Bill Maher, The 11th Hour, and was featured in Ken Burns’ documentary series, “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History.” FOX News produced an hour-long special about Meacham’s “Destiny and Power.”

These experiences have shaped Meacham’s perspective on American history and democracy, and on the lessons the past offers as we navigate the challenges of the present and strive toward a more perfect union.

“Our votes matter and our voices matter, which is thrilling because it means we have agency. It’s also terrifying because it means nobody’s coming to save us. It has to be us, and therefore, I believe that if we’re curious about what’s unfolding, if we’re honest about it, and we’re empathetic with each other, those have been the characteristics that have, in fact, created a slightly more perfect union,” said Meacham.

Every presentation from the Sinai Forum is constructed with the goal to not only inform people through stories or personal experiences, but to illuminate the questions shaping the world every day.

“The Sinai Forum creates opportunities for people to come together around conversations that matter,” Plesac said. “Creating a place for thoughtful conversation, curiosity and connection is what makes this program so important to our community.” Plesac said.

The Sinai Forum will continue through the rest of 2026 with unique speakers. This includes Neal Katyal on October 4, Dr. David Fajgenbaum on October 25, John O’Leary on November 8, and Pat Hughes on December 6. All Sinai Forum events start at 4 p.m. at the Westville campus.

For additional information on future sessions of the Sinai Forum’s 73rd season, visit pnw.edu/sinai-forum. 

Interested in learning more about Purdue University Northwest and its degree paths? Visit pnw.edu to learn about becoming a student, paying for college, and more.