26th Annual Littlefield Leadership Lecture Will Highlight the Importance of Doing Our Part in Our Time
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing invites nurses and other health care partners to gather for an evening of inspiration, reflection, and connection at the 26th Annual Littlefield Leadership Lecture. Following its key role in the School’s centennial celebration in 2024, the 2025 Littlefield Lecture is an intentional nod to the School’s transition from celebrating its legacy of impact to building upon it. This year’s event, titled “Imagining the Future with Hope,” will take place Monday, October 6th, 2025, at 5 p.m. (CDT) in Signe Skott Cooper Hall, followed by a reception. A livestream option is also available for those who register in advance.
Tad Worku, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CEN, ACC, is the 2025 Littlefield keynote presenter. He is a family nurse practitioner, executive coach, and singer/songwriter who combines his background in music with nursing expertise drawn from clinical practice and leadership. Worku’s compelling message and dynamic presence bridge professional insight and creative expression, giving a unique motivational energy to his speaking engagements. His presentation promises to be a powerful exploration of how hope and human connection can inspire purposeful leadership and fuel transformation in nursing and beyond.
A Perspective for the Next 100 Years
As the School of Nursing begins its second century of impact, Dean Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FNAP, FAAN, views this year’s lecture as an opportunity to speak to the aspiration that nurses — especially Badger nurses — will lead transformative change in the future. While she acknowledges that the idea of transformation can seem overwhelming, she believes there is something powerful and unifying about contributing to a shared vision that advances over time.
Based on its 100-year history of impact on health, the School of Nursing is an ideal place to sustain innovation and build on progress from generation to generation. “Those who came before us met the health needs of their time. It is now up to us, and those who come next, to do our part in our time,” says Dean Scott. She sees this transition to the School’s next century as an opportunity to coalesce around a belief in a healthier, more equitable future and promote a sense of belonging in the endeavor.
After seeing Worku as a keynote presenter, Dean Scott noticed a link between his message and the framing of aspirations for the School of Nursing in a new century. She appreciated that he drew on his experience as a nurse leader. In addition, she felt that Worku’s delivery and use of storytelling were uniquely inspiring. Dean Scott believes that Worku’s Littlefield presentation will encourage the audience to “recognize that their contributions are essential to collective progress” by speaking to hope in the context of leading change.
A Message for Every Nurse
Worku’s perspective is meaningful for nurses at every stage of their professional journey. For some, it may reinforce that their unique passions and gifts can shape their path in unexpected and meaningful ways. For others, his message may encourage resilience and a reconnection with joy in the potential for impact through nursing, despite the challenges. In addition, the message may also inspire pride in wisdom earned as nurses — serving as motivation to continue influencing change.
Worku’s presentation aligns beautifully with this vision. Known for his ability to bridge heart, insight, and awareness, he will explore how hope can be a powerful driver of purposeful leadership and action. He speaks firsthand about the power of following one’s calling. From walking away from a pop music career to serving in emergency nursing and returning to music with a renewed mission, his experiences have profoundly shaped his worldview. His message will resonate with nurses and others who aspire to be a force for positive change — in and beyond health care.
A Tradition of Highlighting Nurse Leadership
The Littlefield Leadership Lecture, named in honor of Dean Emerita Vivian Littlefield and supported by the Friends of Littlefield, has long been a platform for celebrating the role of nurse leaders in a complex health care environment. Since it began in 2000, the annual lecture series has become a valued opportunity for the School of Nursing community to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to making the greatest impact through nurse leadership. This year’s lecture is not just a continuation of that tradition, it is a milestone moment in a centennial arc that has honored the past, celebrated the present, and now charges boldly into the future.
In addition to the public keynote presentation, Worku will also engage directly with nursing students during a special student-focused session during the day. This time dedicated to students will create a more intimate connection, and have a message tailored to the demands of nursing education. It will reflect the School’s commitment to supporting students and nurturing leadership at every level.
Join Us
Whether you’re a nursing student envisioning your path, a nurse navigating today’s challenges, or a retiree reflecting on a life of service, this event is for you. Come to be inspired, to reconnect with your purpose, and to imagine a future where hope leads the way.
Register by September 22nd, 2025 to attend this year’s unique program.