George W. Bush Presidential Center

Freedom of the press is foundational to our nation. In Conversation Three: Restoring Trust in the Media participants dove into the challenges faced by the Fourth Estate and its indispensable role in a thriving democracy. The audience also heard from the George W. Bush Institute Citation recipient from BridgeUSA. Watch Forum on Leadership: https://lnkd.in/dsZpFthJ

Colleges and universities are an important aspect in preparing young adults for future contributions to society. Leaders discussed the role of higher education within American democracy in Conversation Two: Higher Education and Democracy. Watch Forum on Leadership: https://lnkd.in/dsZpFthJ

President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Ken Hersh, kicked off Forum on Leadership 2025 this morning and we started the day with Conversation One: Only in America. Watch on our website: https://lnkd.in/dsZpFthJ

The 2025 Forum on Leadership recognizes those actively working to make the world a better place. Dr. Robert M. Gates was honored with the George W. Bush Medal for Distinguished Leadership. This award is given to those who promote change within the global community. Dr. Gates is the former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence, serving U.S. presidents of both political parties. Dr. Gates has demonstrated a sustained commitment to value-driven leadership. Tom Luce, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Texas 2036, accepted the George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation. Luce is the Founder and former Managing Partner of the Hughes & Luce law firm and has launched and led many nonprofits dedicated to serving others, including Texas2036 which supports nonpartisan public policy informing the Texas Legislature. BridgeUSA, which empowers young people to engage in constructive dialogue and disagreement, was recognized with the George W. Bush Institute Citation. Co-Founder and CEO of BridgeUSA Manu Meel accepted the citation. Learn more at the link in our bio.

A robust diplomatic capability is critical for the U.S. to leverage soft power – our ability to get what we want through attraction and persuasion, not coercion or force. Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, the former U.S. Central Commander and Secretary of Defense, once said, “If you don’t fully fund the State Department, then I need to buy more ammunition.” Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Kelly and David Pfiel Fellow at the Bush Institute, explains: https://lnkd.in/gVXnYjuq

Tune in on Thursday, April 24 at 8:30 a.m. CT for the 8th annual Forum on Leadership. Themed The American Promise, this year’s event will include conversations on the role of higher education within American democracy, challenges facing freedom of the press, and opportunities unique to Americans. Swipe to see this year’s speaker lineup and visit bushcenter.org to learn more and join the event virtually.

Americans lack trust in radio, television, and newspapers. One way to build trust is to deepen the relationship between journalists and their listeners, viewers, and readers. Bill McKenzie, Senior Editorial Advisor at the Bush Institute, explains how “knowledge-based” reporting can restore confidence in media: https://ow.ly/TRpp50VFJ3X

Last week Robert Edsel joined Strategerist podcast host Andrew Kaufmann and Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and Military Families at the Bush Institute, for a live recording at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. They discuss his upcoming book "Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II", the cost of freedom, and what we can do as civilians to remember the fallen and support our veterans. Listen to the latest episode: https://ow.ly/CCMK50VETCh

The latest episode of #TheStrategerist podcast features SMU’s Jeffrey Engel, the David Gergen Director of the SMU Center for Presidential History. He discusses the beginning of his career at the Bush School of Government and Public Service in College Station, how his passion for presidential history began as a child, and why we must continue to learn about our past to build a better future.  Hear more: https://lnkd.in/gWbSqpBa

Tonight at the Bush Center, we shine Two Lights for Tomorrow – a tribute to the enduring spirit of Paul Revere’s ride, exactly 250 years ago tonight. This moment serves as a unifying call for all citizens to come together, celebrate our shared history, and commit to a future of service.