More than 175 students anticipated for 49th annual Lugar Symposium

The 49th annual Richard G. Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow’s Leaders hosted by The Richard G. Lugar Academy at the University of Indianapolis will bring more than 175 top high school juniors from Indiana together for a day of discussion on public issues and world events on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

Students from more than 60 Hoosier high schools all over the state will be represented—from Andrean High School or Lakeland High School in northern Indiana to Reitz High School or Shawe Memorial High School in southern Indiana. The Indianapolis area will be well represented with students from Beech Grove, Ben Davis, Carmel, Center Grove, Fishers, Franklin Central, Perry Meridian, Plainfield, Roncalli, Shelbyville and Zionsville expected to participate. 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 the University of Indianapolis.

Journalist, author and host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition Steve Inskeep will be the keynote speaker.

Students will choose from a variety of breakout sessions on current issues including the state of Indiana politics in 2026, the history of disability and welfare in Indiana, the evolution of power politics at the national level, and refugee integration in Indianapolis.

Administrators at each Indiana high school are asked to nominate outstanding juniors to discuss current events and issues at the Symposium. Click here for more information about the Lugar Symposium Scholarship.