Events
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.
2025-2026
Fall 2025 Lecture Series
Thursday, Sept. 18, 4-5:30 p.m.
Catherine Price, author of "How to Break Up with your Phone"
Student Center South Theater
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, 11-3 p.m.
Tyler Bridgegan, director of privacy and tech enforcement for the Texas Attorney General's office
In partnership with the UH Law Center
Thursday, Oct. 16, 4-5:30 p.m.
Rockwell Pavilion, MD Anderson Library
Elizabeth D. Rockwell Distinguished Lecture
Safiya Noble, author of "Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism," (NYU Press)
Feb 6, 4-5:30 p.m.
Rockwell Pavilion, MD Anderson Library
Richard Gelwick Endowed Lecture
Siva Vaidhyanathan, author of "Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy,"
(Oxford University Press)
Past Events
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
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
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
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
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.
Thank you for joining us. Click here for photos from the event.
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