FOUNDING IDEALS, FUTURE LEADERS:
Cultivating Civic Character
Cultivating Civic Character
A morning of ideas, conversation and leadership featuring Dr. Arthur C. Brooks,
Grand Canyon University leaders and students.
presented by the Shelia and Mike Ingram Honors College
Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
9 – 11:45 am
Doors open at 8 am
Global Credit Union Arena
Grand Canyon University
3300 W. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
*As of Sept. 2, High School Group tickets are no longer available. If you have any questions, please reach out to your university admissions counselor or email [email protected].
Check out future events on events.gcu.edu.
Check out future events on events.gcu.edu.
Why Attend?
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Grand Canyon University and Ingram Honors College are hosting Canyon Civic Conference, a civil learning experience. This conference invites students, educators and the community to explore America’s founding principles and what they mean for the next generation of leaders. Expect keynote remarks, discussion and reflection on civic responsibility, leadership and character formation.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
• Explore America’s founding ideals in a modern context
• Engage with ideas around happiness, purpose and character development.
• Connect classroom learning to real civic responsibility
• Be inspired to lead with integrity in their schools, corporations and communities
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
• Explore America’s founding ideals in a modern context
• Engage with ideas around happiness, purpose and character development.
• Connect classroom learning to real civic responsibility
• Be inspired to lead with integrity in their schools, corporations and communities
Featured Speakers
Photo credit: Jenny Sherman
Arthur C. Brooks
Featured Keynote Speaker
Dr. Arthur C. Brooks is a social scientist and one of the world’s leading authorities on human happiness. He is a professor, columnist with The Free Press, host of the podcast “Office Hours with Arthur Brooks”, CBS News contributor, and internationally-acclaimed public speaker. He is the author of 16 books, including the #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. He lives with his family in Virginia.
Brian Mueller
Grand Canyon University President
Judah Floyd
ASGCU Student Body President
Schedule
8 AM
Arena doors open
9 AM
Opening Performance from Critical Mass
9:15 am
Keynote Address, Dr. Arthur Brooks
10 am
Q&A with Dr. Arthur Brooks
Moderated by President Brian Mueller
10:30 AM
Intermission Performance from Critical Mass
10:45 AM
Panel Discussion with GCU alumni
Moderated by President Brian Mueller
11:30 AM
Inspirational Message, Judah Floyd
11:45 AM
Closing Remarks and Dismissal
NOON
Campus Tours
Questions?
Contact Us
Contact Us
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Funded by the U.S. Department of Education Grant for American History and Civics National Activities – Seminar