An email from Brent Papson hit Bucknellians’ inboxes on Oct. 30 with a survey for this year’s campus lectureship picks. Each year, Bucknell’s Student Lectureship Committee brings in nationally and internationally recognized speakers to campus reflective of students’ votes. Past speakers include Saquon Barkley, Marcello Hernandez, Gabby Douglas and Pete Davidson. Voting is currently live with many great options; Melissa Ben-Ishay, Marissa Bode, Ilona Maher, Alex Morgan and Mel Robbins. 

I was personally excited to see Mel Robbins as an option. Serial entrepreneur, best selling author, internationally recognized social media influencer and Founder and CEO of 143 Studios, Robbins’ wise words take a special place above my whiteboard: “The moment you can take the hardest thing in your life and take more from it than it took from you, is the moment your life will change forever.” It reminds me that going through challenges helps you grow, if you allow it to. I am a frequent listener of her podcast and avid follower of her advice— from the “5 Second Rule” encouraging immediate action to overcome doubt and procrastination to the “Let them theory” about letting go of needing to control other people for your own peace. This centers around the idea that to reduce anxiety you must have self respect for yourself and not seek approval or control so “Give people the freedom to think negative thoughts about you.” She helps people take ownership of their lives through simple and practical steps that your future self will be thankful for by emphasizing “You are one decision away from a different life.” 

Melissa Ben-Ishay is the Co-Founder & CEO of “Baked by Melissa,” which is known by many for delicious cupcakes that can be seen nationally, but is especially admired in major cities like New York City. She is an example of a strong female that turned a small startup to a recognized food business that has a recognizable brand since she is great at marketing. She is a great example of entrepreneurship, innovation and scaling a business in a competitive market. Many students at Bucknell study this leadership, brand development and business model. Students interested in performing and the visual arts are hoping Marissa Bode is picked. She is an actress best known for playing Nessarose in the film “Wicked”. It would be interesting to hear her career in the arts and how she handles the nerves of public performances. Alex Morgan is a former professional soccer player celebrated for her incredible achievements, including winning Olympic gold in 2012 and two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. Beyond her success on the field, she’s a passionate entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment, co-founding ventures like TOGETHXR, Just Live and Trybe Ventures, which focus on supporting female entrepreneurs and promoting wellness. Her unique combination of world-class athleticism and business leadership makes her an inspiring role model for students interested in sports, entrepreneurship and making a positive social impact.

My prediction is that Ilona Maher will get the most votes because she is such an inspiration to students, especially athletes and a symbol of strength and resilience. She is a Team USA Rugby Sevens medalist and two time Olympian seen in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. She earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics which was a historical moment since it was the first medal ever for the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team. She and her team also finished sixth in the 2020 games and she contributed to Team USA winning gold in the 2023 Pan American games. She is the co-host of House of the Maher podcast where she discusses sports, lifestyle and personal growth. She also walked the runway at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show during Miami Swim Week 2025. She modeled a teal one piece swimsuit with cheetah print and a red western inspired style bikini with belts. She is such an inspiration for young girls as she emphasizes that an athletic build and feminist strength is beautiful and should be shown off.