Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: UIndy Hosts the 48th Annual Richard G. Lugar Symposium for Hoosier Students

The 48th Annual Richard G. Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow’s Leaders, hosted by the Richard G. Lugar Academy, brought together students from more than 100 Hoosier high schools at the University of Indianapolis to explore public issues and global events.

The keynote speaker, Steve Inskeep of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, shared insights from his extensive career in news reporting, emphasizing the importance of engaging in difficult but constructive conversations. 

“It seems to me that in a divided society with a million different opinions about our many problems, the people who are going to succeed in moving the country forward are going to be the people who listen better to their fellow citizens and find areas of agreement even when they disagree about other things,” said Inskeep. “People who can build a better coalition. That is what is necessary in a democracy. You won’t get everyone to agree with you, but you can get a majority to agree with you, and you can insist upon your constitutional rights to participate in this republic, in this democracy. That’s the opportunity that you guys have in front of you. That’s part of what I think you’ll get a little bit of background on as you go through this amazing day.”

Students also chose from a variety of breakout sessions on current issues taught by UIndy faculty, including outcomes and consequences of the 2024 election, conflict in the Middle East, refugee integration in Indianapolis, and Governor Oliver Morton’s strong authoritarian control over Indiana during the Civil War.

By attending the Symposium, each student is eligible to receive the $5,000 per year Lugar Symposium Scholarship on top of any other financial or merit aid they receive from UIndy. More than 20,000 students have benefited from the symposium in the last four decades, continuing to expand the legacy of former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar, who was also a Distinguished Trustee and former political science professor at UIndy.

“The Richard G. Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow’s Leaders exemplifies the University of Indianapolis’s commitment to fostering thoughtful dialogue and empowering young leaders to tackle the challenges of our time,” said Dr. Tanuja Singh, UIndy President. “It was a privilege to welcome Steve Inskeep, whose powerful keynote underscored the necessity of listening to understand, engaging in constructive debate, and embracing difficult conversations to strengthen our democracy. These are the skills and values that will shape the next generation of changemakers, and we are proud to provide a platform for such meaningful discussions.”