HONORING
Dr. Robert M. Gates
Former Secretary of Defense
2025 George W. Bush Medal for
Distinguished Leadership Recipient
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Tom Luce
Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Texas 2036
2025 George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation Recipient
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BridgeUSA
Accepted by Manu Meel, Co-Founder and CEO
2025 George W. Bush Institute Citation Recipient
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See 2025 FORUM ON LEADERSHIP PHOTOS
Session videos
The American Promise, Remarks by Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center
Conversation One: Only in America
American success stories reinforce our hope in the common ground that unites us. This panel will feature individuals who have made the most out of the opportunity afforded in America and given back by strengthening our democracy and nation through their generosity and perseverance.
- Daniel Lubetzky, Founder, Builders Movement and KIND
- Salim Asrawi, Co-Founder and President, Texas de Brazil
- Anne Wicks, the Don Evans Family Managing Director, Opportunity and Democracy, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)
Conversation Two: Higher Education and Democracy
Colleges and universities are vital in preparing young adults to contribute to society while benefiting from the free exchange of ideas with their classmates and faculty. Current and former university presidents will discuss the role of higher education within American democracy.
Testimonial
- Sandra Ambotaite, Founder and CEO of the Complete Solution Group
Panelists:
- Dr. Ben Sasse, Former President of University of Florida, former U.S. Senator from Nebraska
- Dr. R. Gerald Turner, President, Southern Methodist University
- Dr. Melva Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University
- Robin Berkley, the Ann Kimball Johnson Director of Education, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)
Awarding of the George W. Bush Institute Citation to BridgeUSA
BridgeUSA empowers young people to engage in constructive dialogue and disagreement. Today, BridgeUSA serves 85 college chapters in 39 states. It’s vision is a thriving U.S. democracy where leaders and citizens engage in respectful, productive discourse. BridgeUSA works to build college chapters that promote dialogue, invite diverse political perspectives, host open and honest discussions, and bridge gaps in understanding.
- Presented by David J. Kramer, Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute
- Accepted by Manu Meel, Co-Founder and CEO of BridgeUSA
Conversation Three: Restoring Trust in the Media
Freedom of the press is foundational to our nation. Facing rapid technological advancements, financial challenges, and a decline in public trust, media in America must evolve. This conversation will dive into the challenges faced by the Fourth Estate and its indispensable role in a thriving democracy.
- Martin Baron, Former Executive Editor, The Washington Post
- Jessica Yellin, Founder, News Not Noise
- Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)
