Canisius University will welcome Tom Nichols, bestselling author and staff writer at The Atlantic, to campus on Thursday, March 26, 2026, for a lecture presented as part of the university’s William H. Fitzpatrick Chair of Political Science Lecture Series.
The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center and is free and open to the public.
Nichols’ lecture, titled “How the Death of Expertise is Undermining American Democracy and Politics,” will examine contemporary challenges to democracy, civic responsibility, and the role of expertise in public life—issues that have become increasingly urgent in American political and cultural discourse. A confidently contrarian voice in national media, Nichols is widely known for his commentary on political polarization, democratic decline and foreign policy.
He is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters, which explores the collapse of public trust in experts and the growing attacks on science, journalism and higher education. First published in 2017 and now available in more than 15 languages, the book was called by POLITICO “a sweeping indictment of the deliberate, widespread and ultimately self-destructive devaluing of knowledge in America.” A second edition, released in 2024, incorporates new evidence—including the COVID-19 pandemic—to demonstrate how these trends have only intensified.
Nichols is also the author of Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault from Within on Modern Democracy, a critique of illiberal movements across the political spectrum. In the book, Nichols argues that democracies are increasingly undermined not only by external threats but by citizens’ own disengagement, entitlement and weakening commitment to shared democratic values. Publishers Weekly praised the work as “a searing critique of contemporary political culture.”
In addition to his writing, Nichols serves as the author of The Atlantic Daily newsletter, which guides readers through major news developments and cultural debates. He is professor emeritus of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, where he taught for 25 years. He previously taught at Dartmouth College, Georgetown University, and the Harvard Extension School. Nichols’ expertise spans foreign policy, Russia, nuclear weapons and the role of war in international affairs.
Join us for a special event celebrating the birthday of Frédéric Chopin and honoring Revolutionary War heroes Thaddeus Kościuszko, Agrippa Hull, and Casimir Pulaski as part of America’s 250th anniversary.
The program will feature music by Chopin, rarely performed music of Kosciuszko, patriotic music, a visit from Agrippa Hull played by actor Charles Everhart, poetry of Phyllis Wheatley, the first African American author to publish a book of poetry, letters of Chopin, and a display of memorabilia related to the celebration.
Featured performers along with Mr. Everhart include the Canisius University Chorale and the Chopin Singing Society, both under the direction of Dr. Brad Wingert, soloist Mary Beth Wrobel, and pianists Karen Schmid, Melanie Bebak and Michael Cygan in music of Chopin and Kosciuszko.
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Montante Cultural Center
Admission: This event is free and open to the public.
Sponsored by the Permanent Chair of Polish Culture at Canisius University, the Polish Arts Club of Buffalo, and the Chopin Singing Society and the program is made possible in part from a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts and Culture Initiative administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
Faculty and staff are invited to join in celebrating an exciting milestone for Canisius University
— the official opening of the Golisano Center for Student Success
Friday, March 27 1 PM Andrew L. Bouwhuis, SJ, Library – 2nd Floor
Following brief remarks, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to view the new space and see firsthand how the Center for Student Success will support our students.
Made possible through a gift from Rochester entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano, the new center brings together key student support services in one centralized space designed to help students thrive and reach their full potential.
We look forward to celebrating together — be sure to wear your blue and gold!
Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP here so we can plan accordingly.
If so, you may qualify for free tax filing assistance through the Canisius University Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program! Come and get your federal and state tax returns prepared and e-filed at no cost to you.
Appointments are required. To make an appointment, contact Dr. Shannon Jemiolo at 716-888-2638 or email her atjemiolos@canisius.edu.
As our campus continues the self-study process for the Mission Priority Examen, we are offering a series of open listening sessions for members of our campus community to share feedback and input on how we live out Canisius’ Catholic, Jesuit mission and the ways we might continue to live out the mission in the future. These sessions are open to all members of our campus community and are intended for those who have not already had an opportunity to participate in a scheduled listening session.
