A talk about how to achieve happiness and an exploration of the country's founding ideals will fuel Grand Canyon University's inaugural Canyon Civic Conference.
The event, in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, will be presented by the Ingram Honors College and is funded by a grant for American History and Civics National Activities from the U.S. Department of Education. It invites the community to explore America’s founding principles and their meaning for the next generation of leaders from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday in Global Credit Union Arena.
“When you say civic engagement, students assume it is limited to those that are in the field of politics or actively working in the government,” Ingram Honors College Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli said. “Most don’t always recognize how the world of civics and understanding what is going on in your community and with public policy impacts your role as a future educator, nurse, lawyer.
“The overarching theme is reinvigorating that proud-to-be-an American concept. No country is perfect by any means, but we really want to get back to the roots of why this is a great country and a great place to live.”
The conference will feature several speakers who will talk about the importance of civics education and engagement. They will also delve into the country’s founding ideals in modern context. The hope is to inspire students to find their purpose in becoming future leaders.
Renowned author and Vanderbilt University professor Dr. Arthur C. Brooks will kick off the conference as the keynote speaker. Brooks has published 16 books, including three No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, “The Meaning of Your Life,” “Build the Life You Want” (co-authored with Oprah Winfrey) and “From Strength to Strength.”
Brooks will address an arena of GCU students, as well as roughly 1,000 high school juniors and seniors from around the Phoenix area. Brooks will unpack how to reach self-happiness and confidence, as well as peace with others, while being good citizens.
After a discussion between university President Brian Mueller and Brooks, an alumni panel that represents different industries will follow.
“We want to bring in alumni who have different experiences to talk about what they feel civic engagement means to them in their roles, and why they would advocate getting involved and literate in what is going on in the community," Naegeli said.
Among the panelists will be:
- Jacqueline Thomas, 2017 business management graduate. Thomas serves as deputy assistant secretary for strategic communications at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She leads communications strategy for one of the largest departments in federal government.
- Weston Smith, 2020 mechanical engineering and 2022 master’s in business graduate. He is the founder and CEO of Lux Precision Manufacturing, an aerospace component manufacturing company headquartered on GCU’s campus.
To register for the conference, click here.
Here's Friday's schedule:
- 8 a.m.: Doors open
- 9 a.m.: Special performance by Critical Mass
- 9:05 a.m.: Welcome by GCU President Brian Mueller
- 9:15 a.m.: Keynote address by Dr. Arthur C. Brooks
- 10 a.m.: Discussion with Dr. Arthur C. Brooks and Mueller
- 10:30 a.m.: Intermission and a performance by Critical Mass
- 10:45 a.m.: Moderated alumni panel discussion
- 11:30 a.m.: Closing remarks by Associated Students of GCU President Judah Floyd
- 11:40 a.m.: Campus tours
