Two athletes will share how basketball success can translate into lasting educational impact.
Key points
- The “Beyond the Game” discussion will take place on Nov. 12, 2026, at IU Indianapolis and is free to the public.
- The PS43 Foundation, founded by Pascal Siakam, focuses on youth education, life‑skills development and mentorship.
- Dakota Whyte leads the foundation and brings experience from elite sport and corporate community‑engagement roles.
- The Mays Family Institute provides research and training to help athletes turn philanthropic ideas into measurable impact.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam and former professional athlete Dakota Whyte are slated to appear at the Indiana University Indianapolis campus on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, for a public conversation titled “Beyond the Game.” The event, hosted by the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, will begin with a networking reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by the discussion at 5 p.m. in Hine Hall. Admission is free, though registration is requested.
During the program, Siakam and Whyte will outline the mission of the PS43 Foundation, an organization Siakam created while playing for the Toronto Raptors. The foundation seeks to empower youth through education, life‑skills training and mentorship. Its name reflects Siakam’s family: the “4” honors his father and three brothers, while the “3” represents his mother and two sisters. Siakam cites his upbringing in Douala, Cameroon, and the influence of his late father, Tchamo Siakam, as the inspiration for the foundation’s focus on educational opportunity.
Event Overview
Dakota Whyte, who serves as the PS43 Foundation’s executive director, brings a background that blends high‑level sport and corporate experience. A former Division I standout at the University of Wisconsin, Canadian Youth Olympian and professional basketball player, Whyte previously led community‑engagement and sports‑branding initiatives at Nike and holds an MBA from Toronto Metropolitan University. Her role includes overseeing the foundation’s programs and expanding its impact.
The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, which is organizing the event, runs several initiatives that provide research‑based instruction to athletes and sports leaders. Its goal is to help participants translate philanthropic activities and leadership skills into broader societal benefits, demonstrating how sport can serve as a catalyst for a better future.
The PS43 Foundation’s mission
The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the world’s first school dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy, supports the event through its broader mission. The school offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, as well as research centers such as the Mays Family Institute, the Women’s Philanthropy Institute and the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving.
Reader questions
When and where is the event being held?
The event is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at Hine Hall on the IU Indianapolis campus (850 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN).
Do I need to register to attend?
Attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is requested to help organizers plan for the reception and discussion.
What is the PS43 Foundation?
The PS43 Foundation is a nonprofit created by Pascal Siakam that aims to empower young people through education, life‑skills training and mentorship, reflecting Siakam’s personal family story.
Source: news.iu.edu