FALL 2019
LIBERTY + LEADERSHIP NEWS
FROM OUR CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT
Chairman Randal C. Teague
Aleksandra Wojtowicz ’19 gives a big thumbs up to her TFAS summer at the 2019 D.C. Summer Programs Closing Ceremony.
TFAS STUDENTS REFLECT ON TRANSFORMATIVE SUMMER “Transformative. Life-Changing. Unparalleled. The Fullest Eight Weeks of Your Life.” What is it truly like to spend eight weeks as a TFAS student in the nation’s capital? Five young leaders representing our D.C. Summer Program tracks tried to put the experience into words during our Closing Ceremony on Aug. 1 at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium. Each student focused on one element of the TFAS summer motto “LIVE, LEARN, INTERN” to provide firsthand testimony of how eight weeks with TFAS made a lasting impact.
LIVE For Clemson University student Angela McCallum ’19, a summer with TFAS gave her the confidence and support to realize her true potential and never sell herself short. “I truly came here thinking that D.C. was just another step in my career path, and TFAS was just another internship program. However, this program gave me the courage to go up and shake the hand of someone I respect, rather than standing in the back of the room at guest lectures, networking events or the TFAS Annual Conference,” she said.
Story Continues on Page 14 >>
INSIDE:
Greetings from Washington, D.C., where we are working around the clock to ensure future leaders understand America’s founding principles of limited government, free-market economics and honorable leadership.
In this issue of Liberty + Leadership News, we share testimonials from students President whose lives you are changing Roger R. Ream through your support of TFAS and our programs. Students like Faith Allen ’19 who aspires to be a journalist and says the TFAS D.C. Summer Programs helped her understand how to apply economic principles to her reporting. Or, Fabio Valentini ’19, a Venezuelan student who sends his thanks to you for helping him attend our TFAS Santiago program and continue his fight for freedom in his home country. You will also read about best-selling alumni whose books topped charts this summer, as well as alumni who joined us in Washington, D.C., for our 2019 Annual Conference to connect with supporters and share the continuing impact of the TFAS Journey. There is a lot of pessimism about the future in the world today. But we are optimistic thanks to the reports we receive from TFAS students and alumni every day. We know that when young people are introduced to the ideas of freedom and shown the power of free markets and individual liberty to lift people out of poverty, there is no contest. These are winning ideas. Ideas that we are able to teach far and wide thanks to your continued support. We hope you enjoy reading about the fruits of your investment in this issue and thank you for being an integral part of our transformational programs.
2019 TFAS PROGRAMS TEACH FREEDOM AROUND GLOBE
ANDY PUZDER MAKES CASE FOR CAPITALISM AT TFAS CONFERENCE
Story and Photos on Page 2 >>
Story and Photos on Page 12 >>
D.C. SUMMER PROGRAMS
JOSÉ PIÑERA INSPIRES STUDENTS TO DEFEAT POVERTY WITH LIBERTY TFAS students are armed with the ideas of liberty and ready to take on poverty following Dr. José Piñera’s Neal B. Freeman Lecture on June 25 at George Mason University. “It’s not vague, well-intentioned ideas that change the world,” Pinera told students. “You have to study hard, you have to be rigorous. You have to understand economics, and you have to understand society and political forces. And, you have to use poetry to inspire the people and introduce these concepts.” By the end of his talk, students were ready to answer his challenge as they rushed the stage to shake his hand and ask more questions. Piñera, a Chilean economist and one of his nation’s famous “Chicago Boys” who were influenced by Milton Friedman and others at the University of Chicago, captivated the audience of more than 300 students as he shared how his study of free-market economics and America’s founding principles taught him the secret to ending poverty and bringing prosperity to Chile and the world. “I decided to study economics because I had this dream that [Chile] could overcome this situation in which 50% of Chileans couldn’t sleep at night because they were hungry, they were poor … I studied economics to understand how you can defeat poverty,” said Piñera. 2
In the 1970s, Piñera studied at Harvard University where he earned both master’s and doctorate degrees in economics. But economics wasn’t all that Piñera studied. He told students, “I spent much of my time at Harvard trying to understand the secret of America – how could this nation be so successful, so free? I discovered that one of the main reasons was, of course, the Founding Fathers and the way they designed the institutions of this country.” After earning his Ph.D., Piñera felt a moral duty to go back to Chile and help his country. He made it his mission to combine “Chicago Boy” free-market economics with the Founding Fathers’ wisdom to create a republic and establish rule of law. He began to speak on television, explaining how with reforms, Chile could double its rate of growth and defeat poverty. His words caught the attention of the Chilean president and Piñera was soon appointed the minister of labor and social security when he was only 29 years old. “I saw this as an opportunity to convert my dreams into a reality,” he told students. Piñera began what he called a “radical program” of implementing reforms and introducing liberty to Chile with a focus on eliminating poverty. The changes created an economic surge, quadrupling Chile’s economic output in 40 years and reducing the poverty rate from 50% to only 8%. “Those numbers mean saving lives,” Piñera told students. “It means liberating people from the silent desperation of misery, of children dying and health problems.” Piñera told students that contrary to supporters of socialism and others who accuse the free market of creating inequality, it is the best system for lifting up all people and creates social mobility. Using Venezuela as an example, Piñera demonstrated to students how Chile’s free-market economy and liberty-focused policies have made the country a magnet for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans fleeing the socialist policies that have destroyed their country.
THE FUND FOR AMERICAN STUDIES (TFAS)
“Changing a country, defeating poverty and lifting people out of poverty is the most beautiful thing,” said Piñera. “I dedicate my life now to share this experience around the world because I do believe these are universal ideas … People want to be free. People can be lifted from poverty with freedom.” TFAS student David Smith ’19 called Piñera’s talk the highlight of his TFAS experience. “My own career goals are very ambitious and sometimes they can feel very unrealistic for a college student,” said Smith. However, Piñera’s talk motivated him to work hard so that he too can impact change. “To see that [Piñera] was able to come to the United States, get an education – at Harvard no less – understand economics and politics, and then go back to his home country, fix it, and later make it his life’s work to implement this successful system in other countries is just absolutely, mind-bogglingly amazing.” Later in the week, Piñera addressed attendees of the TFAS Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., where he imagined what lessons the Founding Fathers would share with today’s world leaders and continued telling his story as a world ambassador for American principles of liberty and free markets. The annual Neal B. Freeman Lecture was established by generous TFAS supporter, businessman and political writer Neal Freeman. The goal of the lecture is to bring effective and engaging speakers to talk to TFAS students on the principles of a free society, free markets, personal responsibility and virtue. Past speakers include Lawrence Reed, John Stossel, George Will and Judge Andrew Napolitano. Photos, top to bottom: An audience of more than 300 TFAS students listen to Piñera’s story of conquering poverty with liberty in Chile. | TFAS students line up to shake José Piñera’s hand and ask him more questions following his Neal B. Freeman Lecture on June 25. Opposite page photo: TFAS Leadership Scholars and 2018 D.C. Programs alumni greet Dr. José Piñera following his remarks at our 2019 Annual Conference. You can read more about the conference on page 12.
96%
of students said the D.C. Summer Programs taught them NEW IDEAS or CONCEPTS they had not been exposed to before
LIBERTY LIBERTY++LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIPNEWS NEWS||FALL FALL2018 2019
After attending D.C. Summer Programs , 82% of students correctly understood that FREE MARKETS and TRADE are responsible for DECREASING GLOBAL POVERTY over the past 50 years
82%
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GUEST LECTURES + SPECIAL EVENTS
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At TFAS, students continue learning outside the walls of the traditional classroom. TFAS students explore D.C.’s historic institutions at exclusive site briefings and gain firsthand knowledge from key professionals at special events and guest lectures. In 2019, TFAS students heard from more than 100 guest speakers including top economists, journalists, policy makers, scholars and industry experts.
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TFAS Summer Law Fellows enjoy the acoustic magic of the
“whisper spot” during a tour of the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall. Read more about our TFAS Summer Law Fellowship program and meet our 2019 Fellows on page 6.
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During their first weekend in the nation’s capital, D.C. Summer
Programs students took a private tour of the National Mall and monuments.
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The inaugural TFAS Service + Citizenship Academy taught
students the important role of philanthropy in a free society. Jenny Hudson ’19 said the program helped her to frame human imperfection and “why there’s a need for nonprofit and individual solutions, rather than government intervention, to help fill the gaps.” Read more at
“
IN MY TFAS CLASSES, I LEARNED ABOUT FREE MARKET PRINCIPLES, AS WELL AS A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT ECONOMICS APPLICABLE TO JOURNALISM. I NOW HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING WHEN I’M WRITING ARTICLES ABOUT PRINCIPLES THAT ARE A LITTLE BIT MORE COMPLICATED, AND I WOULD NOT HAVE LEARNED THEM IN MY TRADITIONAL JOURNALISM CLASSES.”
TFAS.org/SCA19.
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FAITH ALLEN ‘19 University of Florida
Johan Norberg warns students (and Bernie Sanders) to learn
from Sweden’s failed socialist experiment during the TFAS Capitol Hill Lecture Series on “Free Markets, Individual Liberty and Civil Society.”
Intern, Radio America
This one-of-a-kind series is open to all interns – not only TFAS students – and attracts more than 1,000 interns each year, putting young people face-to-face with prominent leaders advancing the cause of freedom. The series is made possible through a partnership with the Office of Sen. Rand Paul and generous support from the Einhorn Family Foundation. Visit TFAS.org/CHLS to learn more.
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Motivational speaker Karith Foster set the tone for the summer
during our Welcome Ceremony, telling students “you need to recognize that we may not always see things the exact same way and that’s okay, but to have civil dialogue and see others’ perspectives does a world of good.” Read more at TFAS.org/WCSummer19.
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TFAS alumnus, Rep. David Rouzer ’93, ’94 of North Carolina,
meets with TFAS students this summer after hosting them for a private briefing on the floor of the House of Representatives. Rep. Rouzer tells students, “I would not be here today if it weren’t for The Fund for American Studies.”
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The 30th Annual TFAS Scholarship Dinner brought together
business and congressional leaders to support student scholarships and honor our 2019 Leadership Award recipients: Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina (pictured) and Susan K. Neely of the American Council of Life Insurers. The evening was a highlight for TFAS Business + Government Relations students, giving them the opportunity to meet senators, members of Congress and leaders from the corporate community. Read
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THE MAIN TAKEAWAY THAT I HAD FROM TFAS IS THAT BIG GOVERNMENT IS BAD GOVERNMENT AND THAT ANY TIME YOU GIVE GOVERNMENT THE ABILITY TO HELP PEOPLE, IT ALSO HAS THE ABILITY TO HARM PEOPLE – SO THERE’S A VERY FINE LINE BETWEEN WHAT A GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO HELP AND TO HARM OTHERS.”
COOPER BRADBURY ‘19 Texas Christian University Intern, Health and Medicine Counsel of Washington
more at TFAS.org/SD19.
LIBERTY + LEADERSHIP NEWS | FALL 2019
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TFAS SUMMER LAW FELLOWS
TFAS SUMMER LAW FELLOWS SPEND 9 WEEKS IMMERSED IN STUDY OF ORIGINALISM This summer, 16 exceptional law students, all hailing from the top 100 law schools across the nation, spent nine weeks studying issues of constitutional interpretation, limited government and free enterprise through the immersive TFAS Summer Law Fellowship. Since 2007, TFAS has offered legal studies programming with a constitutionallyfocused curriculum to law students. This summer, for the first time, the program provided full scholarships to accepted students, covering tuition, housing and program expenses. Funded in part by the generous support of the Sarah Scaife Foundation, the renamed TFAS Summer Law Fellowship includes a course on Constitutional Originalism through the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, legal internships, site briefings at key legal institutions and
Watch Judge Buckley’s Remarks: TFAS.org/Buckley19 Photos, left to right: Judge James L. Buckley talks to the TFAS Summer Law Fellows about what led to the state’s deteriorating powers and how we can return to the system our Constitution intended. | The 2019 TFAS Summer Law Fellows begin their summer with a visit to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In July, the Fellows were treated to a visit and discussion with revered jurist and former U.S. senator, Judge James L. Buckley. During his remarks, Judge Buckley told the Fellows that the serious problems we face in America today are the result of our abandonment of the Constitution’s limits on federal authority. By providing federal subsidies for virtually every activity in which states are engaged, Buckley said the federal government has turned states into administrators of programs created in Washington and overseen by bureaucrats who “distort state priorities, impose ponderous regulations on myriad state and
TFAS SUMMER LAW FELLOWS CLASS OF 2019
GLYNIS GILIO Michigan State University College of Law
JACOB ALTIK University of Michigan Law School
ALEXANDRA LLIIEVSKI Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Intern, New Civil Liberties Alliance
Intern, Caterpillar Inc
MACKENZIE BETTLE Seton Hall University School of Law
PETER MATTAR Syracuse University College of Law
Intern, Political.Law
Intern, Tiber Hudson
ALEX CLARK Brigham Young University, J Reuben Clark Law School
SLADE MENDENHALL George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
Intern, National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation
Intern, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
TRENTAN CUNNINGHAM University of San Diego School of Law
MARK METREY University of Maryland School of Law
Intern, Insights Association
Intern, Hudson Cook LLP
ROBERT DEVLING Washington University School of Law
CHELSEA PADGETT University of Florida Levin College of Law
Intern, Housing Partnership Equity Trust
Intern, Republican Governors Association
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local activities and deprive their citizens of effective control over how their own taxes are to be used.”
courts, a guest lecture series and career development sessions.
Intern, Statecraft PLLC
Buckley told the Fellows that he believes the country is ready to bring forward a debate that could implement reform and restore federalism. “Confidence in our federal government is at an all-time low and our people still understand the virtues of the Constitution’s allocation of governmental powers,” he said. Other Fellowship events included private briefings at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Institute for Justice and the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, and a lecture by former federal prosecutor Sidney Powell.
BRIAN PETERS Florida International University College of Law Intern, Freedom Forum Institute TYLER PEWITT Seton Hall University School of Law Intern, Consumer Product Safety Commission OLIVER ROBERTS Harvard Law School Intern, House Judiciary Committee SARAH SMERLING George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School Intern, Federal Emergency Management Agency CHRISTIAN TOWNSEND Indiana University Maurer School of Law Intern, Cato
TFAS.org/ LawFellows19 THE FUND FOR AMERICAN STUDIES (TFAS)
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
TFAS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS SPREAD RULE OF LAW AND FREEDOM AROUND THE GLOBE This summer, students participating in the TFAS Hong Kong program studied the foundation of a free society, while witnessing firsthand the deep human desire for freedom and democracy as protests and tensions gripped the city around them. Earlier this year, as Venezuelans began gathering in the streets of Caracas to demand liberty, TFAS students came together in Santiago, Chile, to study the foundations of a free society and the power of ideas. These events show all too well how necessary and relevant it is for us to reach young leaders in the U.S. and around the globe with America’s founding principles.
TFAS SANTIAGO The 11th annual TFAS Santiago program took place from Jan. 5-19, 2019 in Santiago, Chile. After two weeks of lessons in economics, Latin American history and political philosophy, 45 young leaders from more than 20 countries walked away with lifelong friendships and an overwhelming desire to make the world a better place. Sergio Leal Santibañez ’19, a recent graduate of Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP) in Mexico, said the experience left a mark on him and changed the way he sees the world. “The professor’s perspective, the diversity of my classmates and their different points of view have opened my mind on understanding the present global context,” Leal Santibañez said. “It has motivated me to apply this knowledge in my country in order to address the problems it faces.” Leading the program’s academics was TFAS professor Dr. C. Bradley Thompson of the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism, who returned to the program with his popular course, “Political Philosophy of the American Founding.” In a series of eight lectures, Thompson discussed the power of ideas, the moral foundations of a free society and the proper role of government. Later in the program, students delved deeper into the consequences of ideas by examining real world regional examples with think tank professionals and esteemed instructors from the Universidad de los Andes (UANDES), TFAS’s program host and partner in Santiago.
LIBERTY + LEADERSHIP NEWS | FALL 2019
Photo: Dr. Brad Thompson (center) presents pocket-sized U.S. Constitutions to students Fabio Valentini ’19 of Venezuela and Cristopher Poveda ’19 of Nicaragua. This year, TFAS International programs in Santiago, Chile; Hong Kong; and Prague, Czech Republic; reached 246 young leaders from more than 50 different countries who are helping to plant and nurture the seeds of liberty in their home soil.
Fabio Valentini ’19 – a Venezuelan student who’s “committed to fight for freedom” in his country – summed up the TFAS program as a unique encounter that exposed him to a new community of peer leaders and new experiences, but most importantly, it opened his eyes to new ideas that he wouldn’t have access to from a university or other local programs.
“
WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE THE IDEAS OF FREEDOM ARE STILL QUESTIONED OR CENSORED, [TFAS] ALLOWS US TO OVERCOME THESE OBSTACLES AND MOVE TOWARDS A FREE SOCIETY IN WHICH ALL INDIVIDUALS ARE EQUAL TO THE LAW AND WITH THE SAME LEVEL OF OPPORTUNITIES.” – FABIO VALENTINI ’19 of Venezuela To learn more, visit TFAS.org/Santiago19
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TFAS HONG KONG In July, 65 young leaders from 18 countries in Asia, the Middle East and Europe descended upon Hong Kong to explore fundamental issues related to liberty, philosophy, economics and government. Madeleine Morlino ’19, a rising fourth-year cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, called the program an unmatched opportunity that has allowed her to engage with other intellectually curious people from around the globe. “The TFAS program provides a unique environment for constructive dialogue about some of society’s most pressing issues,” Morlino said. “Participating in this valuable program provides students the ability to challenge their own beliefs, learn about other perspectives and foster an appreciation for cultural differences.” Taught by returning TFAS professors Dr. Nikolai Wenzel and Dr. Charlotte “Charlie” Thomas, the courses allowed students to examine political and economic principles and consider how those ideas relate to democratic philosophy, development and trade. Throughout the program, students attended guest lectures where they heard from leaders in business, economics, policy and philanthropy in both Hong Kong and the United States. Guest speakers included: The Heritage Foundation Founder Dr. Edwin J. Feulner; Executive Chairman of El Pomar Foundation and TFAS Vice Chairman International Mr. William J. Hybl; and founding Chairman of the Hong Kong Democratic Party Mr. Martin Lee who drew on his extensive experience to provide a thorough analysis of the political climate in Hong Kong.
To learn more, visit TFAS.org/HongKong19
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I WITNESSED SOMETHING INSPIRATIONAL, DISQUIETING, AND FOREBODING. I SAW PEOPLE FIGHTING FOR THE CHARACTER OF THEIR COUNTRY.” – BRENDA HAFERA, TFAS Hong Kong Program Director
As demonstrations in Hong Kong dominated the summer, TFAS alumni, faculty and staff offered their firsthand accounts. TFAS Director of International and Continuing Education Programs Brenda Hafera was featured in The National Interest, providing an analysis of what she saw while spending a month in the city this summer. Dr. Nikolai Wenzel, who teaches political economy in our Hong Kong program, detailed his experience on the Law & Liberty news site, sharing his love for the city and his concern that its “light of freedom risks being snuffed out.” Novak Fellow Jillian Kay Melchior, Novak ’11, has covered the situation at length for The Wall Street Journal, reporting on the pro-democracy protests and on the risks demonstrators face.
Photos, top to bottom: Students explore Victoria Harbour and take in the views of the Kowloon skyline during their Hong Kong Island tour. | Guest speaker Mr. Martin Lee, the founding chairman of the Hong Kong Democratic Party, speaks to students about the political climate in Hong Kong.
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THE FUND FOR AMERICAN STUDIES (TFAS)
TFAS PRAGUE One hundred and fourteen young leaders from 36 countries assembled at the TFAS Prague program this summer to develop the intellectual and philosophical foundations, as well as personal connections, necessary to make a difference in the world. Sarwar Efendi ’19, a student from Iraq, said spending his summer discussing controversial topics with a diverse cohort of classmates was a new and insightful experience. “What is most shocking is that I find commonalities in thought from people continents away from my home country,” he said. “TFAS has equipped me with the necessary thinking skills that I can use to make better sense of what is going on around me and internationally.” Through a comprehensive curriculum on conflict management, political economy, diplomacy and liberty, students gained the knowledge and leadership experience necessary to become key players in solving the world’s future problems.
Photo: TFAS Prague students participate in the annual Conflict Management Simulation, held at the Senate of the Parliament of Czech Republic.
Returning TFAS professors brought these ideas to life through a team-taught course led by Dr. Michael Collins of Georgetown University; Dr. Adam Martin of Texas Tech University; Dr. Ibrahim Al-Marashi ’01 of California State University, San Marcos; and Dr. Joshua Mitchell of Georgetown University.
Warsaw School of Economics professor, former deputy prime minister of Poland and former minister of finance, with the 2019 TFAS Prague Freedom Award. Balcerowicz served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony and shared his experiences on reforming the communist Polish economy to a free-market system.
On Aug. 2, the program officially concluded with a closing ceremony at the Charles University Karolinum. During the ceremony, TFAS was pleased to present Dr. Leszek Balcerowicz,
To learn more, visit TFAS.org/Prague19
EUROPEAN JOURNALISM INSTITUTE Photojournalism, religion, data science, politics and philosophy may seem like an unlikely combination, but 22 participants from 14 countries came together to explore these subjects and learn the value of the free press in a free society at the 2019 European Journalism Institute (EJI) in Prague this summer. Joanna Jasińska ’19, a journalist with the Polish Press Agency who recently moved into the journalism field by chance after working in diplomacy for six years, said the program showed her the growing need for proper, fact-based news in the world today. “This program gave me faith in the future of media and journalism,” Jasińska said. “There are many trends happening right now that could fill you with pessimism about journalism, but this gave me a renewed understanding that there is real, important meaning behind what we are doing.” During this fast-paced, one-week summer program, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) and The Media Project (TMP) partnered to introduce new ideas to student and working journalists from across Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Through interactive lessons and discussion sessions, the faculty brought forth important ideas surrounding journalistic integrity, threats in spreading disinformation, conflicts in religion reporting, media bias and ethics.
LIBERTY + LEADERSHIP NEWS | FALL 2019
Photo: EJI participants, faculty and 2019 Freedom of the Press Award recipient David Blevins (far left) take a group photo near the Charles Bridge in Prague.
At the closing ceremony, TFAS and TMP presented David Blevins from Sky News in North Ireland with the 2019 EJI Freedom of the Press Award for his accuracy and integrity in reporting as a safeguard to democracy. As the closing ceremony keynote speaker, Blevins shared a history of Northern Ireland conflict, potential impacts of Brexit and how his faith impacts his work.
To learn more, visit TFAS.org/EJI19
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Photos, left to right: Students take notes during a lesson on how profits attract resources, spur innovation and improve our lives. | Students enjoy their weeklong stay on the campus of UC-Berkeley while participating in the Economics for Leaders program. | Teachers negotiate a trade of Dum Dums lollipops during a seminar on international trade.
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS REACHED THROUGH 2019 PROGRAMS TFAS High School Programs reached new heights this year, setting a record for the number of high school students reached through our Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE) summer programs. More than 650 high school students learned the “economic way of thinking” through our week-long Economics for Leaders and Economics History for Leaders programs. FTE programs teach high school students about the benefits of free markets and personal liberty, and show them how to apply economic reasoning to everyday issues. Week-long residential programs were held on 14 campuses including: Yale, UC-Berkeley, Cornell, Rice, UCLA, Emory and Brown. Students traveled near and far to attend the programs, including Belle who came from Bangkok, Thailand, to attend the program at Wake Forest University. “Coming to the amazing and interactive Economics for Leaders camp was worth the 8,800 miles traveled,” she said.
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High school student Jackson from Oklahoma said the FTE Economics for Leaders program changed his outlook on life.
exciting and relatable ways. FTE-trained teachers reach an estimated 200,000 students per year.
“By encouraging me to look inside my own character and define my personal core values, FTE promoted self improvement on an unprecedented level. Furthermore, the openness of the program prompted me to speak my ideas and question the world around me,” he said. “I feel more confident approaching conflict and controversial topics by keeping an open mind. FTE has changed my outlook on my purpose in life and in my own community.”
“I am going home with a ton of new things in my ‘bag of tricks’ to help my students better understand economics and more difficult concepts,” said teacher attendee Alice. “Great investment of my time!”
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I FEEL MORE CONFIDENT APPROACHING CONFLICT AND CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS BY KEEPING AN OPEN MIND. FTE HAS CHANGED MY OUTLOOK ON MY PURPOSE IN LIFE AND IN MY OWN COMMUNITY.” -JACKSON 2019 FTE Student
In addition to high school student attendees, 495 high school teachers participated in FTE programs this year where they sharpened their teaching skills, acquired new lesson plans and learned how to present economic concepts to students in
Student program enrollment this summer was a 28% increase over the year prior, providing hope that our programs will continue to expand and reach more of our future leaders and citizens with these essential concepts.
To learn more, visit FTE.org
92%
of students said economics content was presented in clear and understandable way
9/10
nine out of ten students said they would recommend the program to a friend
THE FUND FOR AMERICAN STUDIES (TFAS)
TFAS ALUMNI DOMINATE NATIONAL BESTSELLER LISTS This summer, TFAS alumni conquered the best-seller charts. Novak Fellow Tim Alberta, Novak ’18, hit the #2 spot on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction list for his book “American Carnage: On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump.” Joining Alberta on the list’s top ten are Mark Levin ’76, whose “Unfreedom of the Press” reached the #5 spot and Mollie Hemingway, Novak ’04, who was right behind him at #6 with her book, “Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court.” But the New York Times only hints at TFAS’s success: Levin’s book reached the top spot on the Publishers Weekly hardcover nonfiction best-sellers list, with Alberta at #2 and Hemingway at #4. And over on Amazon.com, for the week of July 21, Alberta’s book was the site’s #3 best-seller, followed by Hemingway’s at the #5 spot and Levin at #8. These books come on the heels of several other published works by TFAS alumni that trended high on the best-seller lists,
including Robby Soave’s, Novak ’17, “Panic Attack: Young Radicals in the Age of Trump,” Michael Brendan Dougherty’s, Novak ’09, “My Father Left Me Ireland: An American Son’s Search for Home,” and Timothy P. Carney’s, Novak ’03, “Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse.” Both Alberta and Soave’s books are the direct result of their Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship projects, a TFAS program that provides essential funding and an extensive network of alumni to give promising journalists the resources to undertake career-building and impactful projects. TFAS Journalism Fellowships Director Daniel McCarthy said, “The success of
our Novak Fellows and TFAS alumni in publishing this year shows how adept The Fund for American Studies is at identifying and developing talented journalists who can change the national conversation, and lead it. Whether they are current fellows, recent alumni, or went through the program a decade or more ago, journalists who have had the benefit of TFAS programs are at the top of their field, and the best-seller charts prove it.” Look for more coverage of TFAS Journalism Programs in our next newsletter, including the introduction of our 2019 Fellows and recognition of our 2019 honorees Timothy P. Carney and Roger Kimball.
THE GIFT THAT PAYS YOU INCOME There’s a way for you to support TFAS and feel confident that you have dependable income in your retirement years. You can do this with a charitable gift annuity. Calculate your potential benefits, receive our free guide and learn more at: TFAS.org/CGA
QUESTIONS?
Ed Turner: 202-986-0384 or eturner@TFAS.org
SAMPLE ANNUITY PAYOUT RATES PER ANNUM SINGLE PERSON
TWO PEOPLE
Age
Rate
Younger
Older
Rate
60
4.7%
55
60
4.0%
65
5.1%
60
65
4.3%
70
5.6%
65
70
4.7%
75
6.2%
70
75
5.2%
80
7.3%
75
80
5.7%
85
8.3%
80
85
6.6%
90+
9.5%
85
90
8.0%
This is not legal advice. Please consult your professional tax and financial advisors to determine the effects of each gift on your specific situation.
This summer, TFAS invited our alumni, supporters and friends to come together to celebrate “The Future of Liberty + Leadership” during the 2019 TFAS Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Through panel discussions, Q&A sessions with our distinguished speakers and firsthand accounts from our faculty, alumni and current students, attendees experienced how TFAS is cultivating future leaders to have the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to create a brighter, more prosperous future for us all.
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1: U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos joined TFAS President Roger Ream ’76 for a fireside chat on the challenges facing today’s education system. During the interview, the pair discussed economics and civic literacy, the rising cost of higher education, campus free speech, her department’s Economic Freedom Scholarship initiative and more. 2: TFAS honored three alumni during the conference for their outstanding achievements and commitment to TFAS values. Mary Elizabeth Taylor ’10, PPF ’12, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, is pictured accepting her Young Alumnus Award from TFAS Vice President of Alumni Affairs Michelle Le ’95, ’96, and Alumni Council President Andi Huels ’86. Kari Travis ’12, Novak ’18, associate editor at Carolina Journal, was also presented with a TFAS Young Alumnus Award during the weekend, and Jeremy Harrell ’07, PPF ’10, managing director of policy for ClearPath, was recognized as the Kevin Burket Alumni Service Award recipient. You can read about each of our recipients at TFAS.org/AlumniAwards19. 3: Paul Gigot, editorial page editor and vice president of The Wall Street Journal, and TFAS Trustee Fred Barnes, senior columnist of the Washington Examiner, kicked off the conference with a timely discussion on the state of the media today.
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CAPITALISM IS THE ONLY SYSTEM THAT HAS EVER MEANINGFULLY LIFTED PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY AND IT’S LIFTED BILLIONS OF PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY. IT IS A COMPASSIONATE SYSTEM. IT IS A BENEVOLENT SYSTEM. IT IS A MORAL SYSTEM AND IT’S RIGHT.”
4: Former CKE Restaurants CEO and best-selling author Andy Puzder made the case for why young people should embrace the opportunities of capitalism and reject socialist myths. After his talk, Puzder signed copies of his book, “The Capitalist Comeback.” You can watch Puzder’s full remarks at TFAS.org/Puzder19.
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4 THE FUND FOR AMERICAN STUDIES (TFAS)
TFAS alumni and members of our award-winning faculty took center stage during the conference, providing an in-depth look at what goes on inside TFAS classrooms and how we continue to cultivate alumni throughout their careers as part of the TFAS Journey. 5: The strength and success of TFAS are best measured by the incredible accomplishments of our 42,000 alumni. Shining examples of that impact shared how they apply TFAS lessons to their personal and professional lives. “What TFAS emphasized was the ability to engage in academic debate with rigor, but to disagree without being disagreeable,” said panelist Peter Feldman ’04, Law ’07, PPF ’07, commissioner at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “It’s a life skill that has served me well.” Pictured is Anna Smith Lacey ’07, ’08 PPF ’12, executive director of The Hungary Initiatives Foundation, speaking with TFAS supporter Nancy Einhorn following the panel.
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6: TFAS Robert Novak Journalism Fellows provided insider knowledge on their writing projects and detailed how they manage to break through the noise of today’s saturated news media with serious and ground-breaking reporting. Pictured is Robby Soave, Novak ’17, of Reason signing copies of his book for TFAS Trustee Frank Lauinger and Kathleen Lauinger. Later in the conference, Novak Fellows Cheryl Miller, Novak ’07, of the Hertog Foundation and Stephanie Slade, Novak ’16, of Reason joined TFAS Grewcock Senior Scholar Dr. Donald Devine for a talk on the future of fusionism.
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7: How do we make economics exciting and relatable for high school students? Conference attendees learned through the same interactive exercises that our mentor teachers use to explain the “economic way of thinking” to high school students. Pictured are TFAS Trustee Cary Barnett and Rachel Schubert ’18 strategizing during a game of “Tic-Tac-Toe Tariff,” a simulation that demonstrates the gains of trade, as well as the impact of tariffs. 8: Through fellowships and academic seminars, TFAS continuing education programs engage alumni throughout their professional careers. Alumni panelists shared how these programs and the global alumni network provide a means to be lifelong students of American principles. Pictured are Program Director Brenda Hafera and panelists Melanie Benit ’14, ’15 PPF ’18, of the Institute for Justice; Clara Jace ’16 of George Mason University; and Kevin Seifert ’06, PPF ’11, senior advisor to former House Speaker Paul Ryan.
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9: TFAS International Programs professors Dr. Nikolai Wenzel and Dr. Bradley Thompson shared the unique impact of TFAS programs abroad, where many international students discover American principles for the first time. Pictured is Dr. Wenzel talking about his experiences teaching for TFAS Hong Kong.
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10: Conference attendees went back to school as TFAS professors taught one of their sample courses during our “A Day in the Life of a TFAS Student” sessions. Pictured is TFAS professor and retired White House correspondent Richard Benedetto leading a lecture on the relationship between the Trump Administration and the news media. 11: TFAS 2018 Leadership Scholars returned to D.C. for the conference, reconnecting with their classmates and continuing their TFAS education through exclusive events and lectures.
LIBERTY + LEADERSHIP NEWS | FALL 2019
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Photo: Student body leaders Kennedy Parkins ‘19, Jesse Anderson ‘19, Natalie Friend ‘19, Kyle Hooten ‘19 and Angela McCallum ‘19 provided firsthand testimony during the 2019 D.C Summer Programs Closing Ceremony of how eight weeks with TFAS made a lasting impact. Also pictured are keynote speaker Chris Ullman and students Samuel Wright ‘19 and Matthew McMurray ‘19 who led the ceremony’s pledge of allegiance and invocation, respectively.
TFAS D.C. SUMMER PROGRAMS STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Continued from Page1
“Attending every extra event and having the courage to simply introduce myself connected me to many people in the TFAS family, who are so willing to help me start a career in D.C. after I graduate in December.”
LEARN Inside TFAS classrooms, student Jesse Anderson ’19 of the University of Maryland said her TFAS professors encouraged thoughtful discussions and sparked nuanced, sometimes heated, but always respectful debates. “You learn by listening. The fruit borne by conversations with others is not always sweet, as disagreements can be hard to digest. But, we should listen to others not because we want to disagree, but because we want to see what lies behind the words themselves,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by people who can analyze the fabric of our society, who understand the inner-workings of our political system, and who recognize the importance of speaking with those who disagree with you.” Kennedy Parkins ’19 of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said one of the many great learning opportunities at TFAS was hearing the stories of TFAS alumni, speakers and fellow students. “I have learned an immense amount from the individuals that are in this room,” she said. “I am humbled and honored to be in the
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same room as this generation’s next set of working professionals. I admire your work ethic, your diligence and your grit. I look forward to reconnecting and working with you all in the future.”
was my moment from the summer, and perhaps one of the best moments I’ll have in a long time,” she said. TFAS Regent Chris Ullman delivered keynote remarks during the closing ceremony, encouraging the new graduates to lead with love.
Parkins’ words were felt throughout the auditorium as the class of 2019 cheered at the mention of their fellow classmates’ accomplishments and made heartfelt promises to stay in touch.
INTERN As an intern with the Daily Caller News Foundation, Kyle Hooten ’19 of St. Olaf College said TFAS gave him the opportunity to cover national and breaking news. “When Russia announced they’re perfecting a new missile technology, I got to speak with the Pentagon and representatives from the Department of Defense about what this means for national security. When scandals broke regarding the upcoming 2020 election, commentary from experts and strategists was only a phone call away,” he said. Kansas native Natalie Friend ’19 of the University of Arkansas arrived in D.C. with dreams of becoming a diplomat. Through TFAS briefings, networking events and her internship with the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, Friend gained valuable exposure to the field she aspires to one day join. Topping off her favorite moments was a visit to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo’s office, thanks to an invite from her TFAS mentor. “Here I was, Dorothy from Kansas, standing in the middle of Mahogany Row, in rooms where treaties are signed, bilateral negotiations are held, and where foreign dignitaries visit for tea. That
Watch the Closing Ceremony online: TFAS.org/DCClosing19
Ullman, a four-time national and international whistling champion and founder of Ullman Communications LLC, defined love as caring about another person simply because of our shared humanity. Love can “make you a better friend, a better spouse, a better citizen, a better human,” Ullman told the students. It’s “something that will help you be a part of the solution as we live our lives as individuals and as part of a community.” Ullman told students that too many times people are looking to win the argument or are too quick to jump to conclusions when faced with someone who thinks, looks or grew up differently than they did. “The point of thoughtful discourse is to share, to learn and to solve problems, not to score points,” said Ullman. “As a society, we need to get away from the poking and embrace the loving.” The D.C. Summer Programs students join a global network of more than 42,000 TFAS alumni. The Closing Ceremony was not an end, but a point on the TFAS Journey with a lifetime of opportunities for continued learning and professional development. We look forward to continuing to cultivate and work with these young leaders as they graduate from students to young professionals and make a positive impact on the world.
THE FUND FOR AMERICAN STUDIES (TFAS)
TFAS ALUMNI
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT WHEN YOU GIVE BACK THROUGH DEC. 31
The Fund for American Studies is pleased to announce a $100,000 matching gift challenge to our alumni provided by Bobby Tudor ’81, a 1981 alumnus of our Public Policy + Economics program. Bobby was a partner at Goldman Sachs until 2004 when he left to found his own firm, Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Company, where he serves as chairman.
Thanks to Bobby’s generosity, all donations made by TFAS alumni will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 until the end of 2019. But this matching gift challenge is only good until Dec. 31, so donate now!
TFAS.org/AlumniGiveBack We hope you remember your time with TFAS fondly, and the lessons you learned with us have positively impacted your life since then. Now, you have the opportunity to give the next generation of leaders the same experience and lessons, but only if you act now and support us during this matching gift challenge. As you know, civil discourse is dying in our country and people are less likely to express their ideas constructively than they are just to shout their viewpoint over each other. You know that at TFAS we welcome students with all points of view and value their ideas and contributions, while providing open forums for discussion and learning. But to do that we rely on the support of our donors and alumni, people like you. Generous matching gifts like this are critical to the funding of TFAS programs and we can’t afford to miss this $100,000 goal, by even $1. So please, go to TFAS.org/AlumniGiveBack, and make your matching gift. Whether you have donated in the past or are considering making your first gift, now is the time do to it. Your investment in our programs today will be doubled, thanks to Bobby’s generous commitment. You know how much TFAS has impacted your life, now is your chance to give back and impact the lives of the next generation of leaders.
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I GIVE BACK SO OTHER STUDENTS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXPERIENCE AND GROW INTO THOUGHTFUL, PRAGMATIC LEADERS. I WANT TO HELP POSITION THEM TO HAVE THE BEST IMPACT ON SOCIETY. ” – JEREMY HARRELL ’07, PPF ’10
Donate today! TFAS.org/AlumniGiveBack
TFAS.org/AlumniGiveBack Use the enclosed form to mail your gift or call us 202-986-0384 to make your gift by phone LIBERTY + LEADERSHIP NEWS | FALL 2019 15
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