Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest will not hold in-person events in fall 2020

The Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest announced today that due to health and safety considerations related to the coronavirus pandemic, the forum will not be held in its traditional format this fall.

The Sinai Forum anticipates making an announcement in late July with details and dates about future programs.

“Our highest priority is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience to learn and discuss important issues of the day,” Leslie Plesac, executive director of the Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest, wrote in a message to longtime subscribers. “We are not abandoning the tradition that has endured since 1953 and are currently working on alternate plans.

“We have exceptional speakers booked and are working to reschedule them for a time when it is safe to gather,” Plesac continued. “Our board and many longtime subscribers continue to celebrate the Sinai Forum’s vision to listen, engage and learn together to form stronger relationships and communities where we all can prosper.”

Plesac thanked the organizations and individuals who have supported the Sinai Forum and have committed to standing with the long-running series as the forum works to develop a revised schedule of engaging speakers as soon as conditions make that practical.

Sponsors include: Urschel Laboratories, Inc.; the Bankoff Family; The Times Media Company; Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa; Horizon Bank; John W. Anderson Foundation; Healthcare Foundation of La Porte; The Herald Argus and The News-Dispatch; Harbour Trust & Investment Management Company; Leonard J. & Irene Brown Foundation; Porter County Community Foundation; Unity Foundation of La Porte County; Legacy Foundation; the Crown Point Community Foundation; La Porte Hospital; Duneland Health Council; and HealthLinc.

The Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest

The mission of the Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest is to enlighten, inspire and entertain audiences with affordable, exceptional programming in a town hall setting. The forum was founded in 1953 by Sylvia Bankoff, her husband Dr. Milton Bankoff, and a small group of community members in Michigan City, Ind. Since then, Nobel Prize winners, former heads of state, Pulitzer Prize winners, political commentators, scientists, nationally recognized media personalities and famous performing artists have graced the Sinai Forum stage. The forum has been under the stewardship of Purdue University Northwest since 2006. For more information, visit www.pnw.edu/sinai-forum.