Free markets, conscious capitalism, servant leadership – they're tenets Grand Canyon University has embraced, not only in the Colangelo College of Business, but campuswide.
The university's new film series, the Provost Movie Series, explores those principles, as well as sustainability and Christian faith
"President (Brian) Mueller’s vision is to increase the integration of faith across the campus, as well as inform students of the principles of the free market system: faith and free markets," Provost Dr. Randy Gibb said. "The films we are bringing to the students will highlight free market principles and action by servant leaders."
The first documentary, writer/director John Papola's "The Pursuit," will kick things off and will be screened at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Joshua North.
The 2019 documentary examines how free market principles sculpt opportunity, innovation and purpose.
It centers around Arthur Brooks, an author, academic and economist, in his travels around the world to explore how the free enterprise system has lifted billions of people out of poverty, what systems of government best promote human flourishing, and why meaningful work in the service of others is life's true secret to happiness.
Brooks journeys to places such as Mumbai, India; a homeless shelter in New York; a struggling town in Kentucky; and a Himalayan Buddhist monastery.
"He also highlights the ‘dignity of work’ and the need for people to earn their own success," Gibb said. "This film can speak to students in so many areas, such as business, economics, government, entrepreneurs, policy makers, innovators, digital film, educators, professional writing and musicians (he started as a professional French Horn musician)!"
Brooks has said in interviews that the thing he's most concerned about is poverty and promoting human flourishing.
"The point of the American experience is a moral consensus that our society should push opportunity to the people who need it the most," he said.
Brooks has authored 13 books, which include “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier" with co-author Oprah Winfrey. He has served as a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and at the Harvard Business School. Brooks started his college career as a classical French hornist at the California Institute of the Arts before transitioning to economics and public policy and serving as president of the American Enterprise Institute.
Popcorn at Tuesday's screening, open to the campus community, will be provided by poppi.
“Beyond Zero,” a 2020 documentary examining leadership and conscious capitalism, will be shown at a later date. In it, filmmaker/storyteller Nathan Havey explores Interface Inc., an Atlanta-based carpet tile and flooring company that achieved sustainability while still earning a profit.
***
Watch the film trailer for "The Pursuit" here.
