The Dr. Thomas and Albert J. Shipka Speakers Series brings internationally respected scholars to Youngstown State University to present lectures on a variety of topics. Speakers come each semester and the lectures are open to the public, with attendees having an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers after the talk. Speakers present on a variety of topics, often representing a voice that is missing in everyday discussions. The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies is thankful to Dr. Thomas Shipka and The Philosophy Circle for longtime contributions in support of the Dr. Thomas and Albert J. Shipka Memorial Speakers Fund, which pays for this lecture series.
Dr. Josh Cowen: 2025 Shipka Speaeker
Dr. Michael W. Austin: 2024 Shipka Speaker
Dr. Jason Brennan: 2023 Shipka Speaker
Pete Earley: 2021 Shipka Speaker
Dr. Matthew Walton and Susan Hayward: 2019-2020 Shipka Speaker
Dr. Peter Singer: 2019-2020 Shipka Speaker
Dr. Joseph Carens: 2018-2019 Shipka Speaker
Dr. Susan Wolf: 2017-2018 Shipka Speaker
Dr. Wendell Wallach
Dr. Davíd Carrasco
Dr.Bart Ehrman
Dr.Shaun Nichols
2015–2016 Shipka Speaker: Dr. Shaun Nichols from YSU Phil and Rel Studies on Vimeo.
Dr. Michael Ruse
Dr. Michael Ruse from Dr. Mark Vopat on Vimeo.
Dr. Jennifer Hecht
Dr. Jennifer Hecht – Doubt: A History from YSU Phil and Rel Studies on Vimeo.
Dr. Tamara Sonn
Islam, Democracy and the Arab Spring from YSU Phil and Rel Studies on Vimeo.
Dr. Michael Shermer
2011–12 Shipka Speaker: Dr. Michael Shermer from YSU Phil and Rel Studies on Vimeo.
Dr. David Campbell
2011 Shipka Speakers Series: Dr. David Campbell from YSU Phil and Rel Studies on Vimeo.
Chris Hedges
Christopher Hedges from Dr. Mark Vopat on Vimeo.
Stephen Prothero
2009 Shipka Speaker: Dr. Stephen Prothero from YSU Phil and Rel Studies on Vimeo.
Just attended a lecture by Josh Cowen on “School Vouchers, Culture Wars, and Defending the Public Good” as part of the 2025 Dr. Thomas and Albert J. Shipka Speakers Series and I was reminded again how much I enjoy these lectures. As an employee on campus, I think we are very fortunate to be invited to the various lectures covering so many interesting topics. This was so timely, given the state of affairs at present, and I admit to having very little knowledge about the voucher programs. So just a big thank you for providing this opportunity, once again, to be enlightened by such great speakers! Much appreciated! Oh, and great to see Dr. Shipka there, who happens to be one of my top 5 favorite profs ever (philosophy class, mid-70s)!