Events & exhibits

Forum on Leadership - The American Promise

Event

April 24, 2025

8:30 am

Symposium

Forum on Leadership - The American Promise

HONORING

Dr. Robert M. Gates

Former Secretary of Defense

2025 George W. Bush Medal for
Distinguished Leadership Recipient

—

Tom Luce

Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Texas 2036

2025 George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation Recipient

—

BridgeUSA

Accepted by Manu Meel, Co-Founder and CEO

2025 George W. Bush Institute Citation Recipient

—

See 2025 FORUM ON LEADERSHIP PHOTOS

Session videos

The American Promise, Remarks by Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Conversation One: Only in America

American success stories reinforce our hope in the common ground that unites us. This panel will feature individuals who have made the most out of the opportunity afforded in America and given back by strengthening our democracy and nation through their generosity and perseverance.

  • Daniel Lubetzky, Founder, Builders Movement and KIND
  • Salim Asrawi, Co-Founder and President, Texas de Brazil
  • Anne Wicks, the Don Evans Family Managing Director, Opportunity and Democracy, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)

Conversation Two: Higher Education and Democracy

Colleges and universities are vital in preparing young adults to contribute to society while benefiting from the free exchange of ideas with their classmates and faculty. Current and former university presidents will discuss the role of higher education within American democracy.

Testimonial

Panelists:

Awarding of the George W. Bush Institute Citation to BridgeUSA

BridgeUSA empowers young people to engage in constructive dialogue and disagreement. Today, BridgeUSA serves 85 college chapters in 39 states. It’s vision is a thriving U.S. democracy where leaders and citizens engage in respectful, productive discourse. BridgeUSA works to build college chapters that promote dialogue, invite diverse political perspectives, host open and honest discussions, and bridge gaps in understanding.

  • Presented by David J. Kramer, Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute
  • Accepted by Manu Meel, Co-Founder and CEO of BridgeUSA

Conversation Three: Restoring Trust in the Media

Freedom of the press is foundational to our nation. Facing rapid technological advancements, financial challenges, and a decline in public trust, media in America must evolve. This conversation will dive into the challenges faced by the Fourth Estate and its indispensable role in a thriving democracy.

Schedule

Sessions

  1. April 24, 2025Watch ↗

    Welcome Remarks and Only in America Panel Discussion

    Welcome Remarks

    Speakers:

    • Ken Hersh, President and CEO, George W. Bush Center

    Only in America

    American success stories reinforce our hope in the common ground that unites us. This panel will feature individuals who have made the most out of the opportunity afforded in America and given back by strengthening our democracy and nation through their generosity and perseverance.

    Speakers:

    • Daniel Lubetzky, Founder, Builders Movement and KIND
    • Salim Asrawi, Co-Founder and President, Texas de Brazil
    • Anne Wicks, the Don Evans Family Managing Director, Opportunity and Democracy, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)

  2. April 24, 2025Watch ↗

    Testimonial and Higher Education and Democracy Panel Discussion

    Testimonial

    Speakers:

    • Sandra Ambotaite, Founder and CEO of the Complete Solution Group

    Higher Education and Democracy

    Colleges and universities are vital in preparing young adults to contribute to society while benefiting from the free exchange of ideas with their classmates and faculty. Current and former university presidents will discuss the role of higher education within American democracy.

    Speakers:

    • Dr. Ben Sasse, Former President of University of Florida, former U.S. Senator from Nebraska
    • Dr. R. Gerald Turner, President, Southern Methodist University
    • Dr. Melva Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University
    • Robin Berkley, the Ann Kimball Johnson Director of Education, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)
  3. April 24, 2025Watch ↗

    Awarding of the 2025 George W. Bush Institute Citation

    The George W. Bush Presidential Center is proud to present the 2025 George W. Bush Institute Citation to BridgeUSA, accepted by Co-Founder and CEO Manu Meel.

    BridgeUSA empowers young people to engage in constructive dialogue and disagreement. Today, BridgeUSA serves 85 college chapters in 39 states. It’s vision is a thriving U.S. democracy where leaders and citizens engage in respectful, productive discourse. BridgeUSA works to build college chapters that promote dialogue, invite diverse political perspectives, host open and honest discussions, and bridge gaps in understanding.

    Speakers:

    • David Kramer, Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute
    • Manu Meel, Co-Founder and CEO of BridgeUSA
  4. April 24, 2025Watch ↗

    Restoring Trust in the Media

    Freedom of the press is foundational to our nation. Facing rapid technological advancements, financial challenges, and a decline in public trust, media in America must evolve. This conversation will dive into the challenges faced by the Fourth Estate and its indispensable role in a thriving democracy.

    Speakers:

    • Martin Baron, Former Executive Editor, The Washington Post
    • Jessica Yellin, Founder, News Not Noise
    • Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)