The Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership at the Hobby School of Public Affairs sponsors thought-provoking lectures, conferences and educational events that foster cross-disciplinary dialogue about the ethical dimensions of policy issues and leadership challenges.

Spring 2025 Events

April 2025

Thursday, April 17, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.
Art and Activism: An Evening with Nadya Tolokonnikova
An artist talk with conceptual artist and political activist Nadya Tolokonnikova and contemporary arts curator Patricia Restrepo
Rockwell Pavilion, M.D. Anderson Library at UH
In collaboration with the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts
Register 

Past Event

Thursday, March 27, 2025, 4-5:30 p.m.
Change has arrived. What's Next for Public Education
Robert Pondiscio, American Enterprise Institute
Space City Room, UH Student Center-South

Thursday, March 20, 4-5:30 p.m.
Unlocking Potential: The Power of Prison Education
Mary Nell Trautner, University of Buffalo 
Space City Room, UH Student Center-South  

Monday, Feb. 10, 3:30-5 p.m.
Fighting for Justice: Implementing Rights Restoration
Hannah Walker, University of Texas at Austin
Elizabeth D. Rockwell Lecture Series
Bates Law Building, Heritage Room

Thursday, Feb. 27, 4-6 p.m.
The Work Ethic and the Post-Work Ethic
Richard Gelwick Endowed Lecture
Elizabeth Anderson, University of Michigan
Rockwell Pavilion, M.D. Anderson Library

The 2024 Future of American Democracy Lecture Series presented by the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership

The Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership held a fall lecture series examining the state of democracy and political climate in the U.S. during a presidential election year. The Future of American Democracy lectures covered how key issues and polarization impact communities in Texas and across the country and what challenges undermine democracy, with prominent speakers committed to reenergizing and strengthening political participation and democratic institutions.

America in Crisis and Renewal with George Packer

American journalist and acclaimed author George Packer kicked off the series on Sept. 12. Packer discussed his latest book, "Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal," which seeks to understand the current moment and offers a path forward for overcoming the country's fractures, injustices and divisions.

Our America with Julián Castro

Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro discussed the state of politics and democracy in America on Oct. 3. Drawing on his experiences as a former presidential candidate, cabinet member in the Obama administration and mayor of San Antonio, Castro defined his vision for the future of our country.

The State of American Democracy with Adam Kinzinger

Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger recounted his time in Congress and shared his hopeful vision for the country's future on Nov. 13. The former Illinois congressman was one of two Republicans to serve on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol. Kinzinger discussed his feelings of dissent as he stood against his party and detail his perspective on a democracy under siege. For a limited time, watch a recording of the event for educational purposes. The case-sensitive password is Rockwell. 

Password: Rockwell