Benson Center Newsletter - March 2025

Joseph Bottum will join the Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization at the University of Colorado Boulder as the Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy in fall 2025. Bottum is the former literary editor of the Weekly Standard and editor of First Things. He has been called the “poetic voice” who “shaped the minds of a generation” in National Review and “a poet and critic and essayist with a sideline in history and philosophy” in the New York Times. His interests and expertise range widely across philosophy, literature, and the social condition. Among other courses, he will teach classes on “The Rise and Fall of the Novel” and “Philosophical Mysticism.”

Earl L. Wright, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at AMG National Corp., was recognized as an Icon of Innovation at the 2025 Colorado Business Hall of Fame. Wright joins Bruce Benson in receiving this honor.

AMG provides personal financial management services ranging from strategic wealth planning, investment management, private capital, tax planning and preparation, trust, and banking services across eight offices in the United States. In 2010, Wright co-founded the Common Sense Institute (CSI), which does econometric analysis of Colorado state and local issues.

At the Benson Center, Wright serves on the Conservative Thought and Policy (CTP) search committee. This committee is charged with providing feedback and advice on candidates for the Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy position. Congratulations, Earl! 

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Wolf Law, room 207 | 2450 Kittredge Loop Dr. Boulder, CO 80309

About the Lecture
Join John Wallis as he discusses why capitalism and democracy effectively co-exist in some societies, but not others. There is no doubt that democracy and capitalism can coexist in the developed world, but it is not clear that they coexist comfortably in the rest of the world.  

About the Speaker
John Wallis is a Professor of Economics at the University of Maryland and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. He is an economic historian and institutional economist whose research focuses on the dynamic interaction of political and economic institutions over time.

Registration
The event is free, but registration is required for in-person and livestream audiences. Short-term pay parking is available in lots 415, 406, or 306. Please contact Parking Services with any questions. 

Wednesday, April 9, 2025
5:30 - 7:00 pm, doors open at 5:00 pm
Del Ward Athletic Center, Touchdown Club | 2100 Stadium Dr. Boulder, CO 80309

About the event
The Benson Center and the Steamboat Institute present the following resolution: "Be it resolved, transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in women's sports."

Arguing the affirmative is Kevin Bolling, executive director of the Secular Student Alliance.
Arguing the negative is Jennifer Sey, former NCAA Champion Gymnast, former Brand President at Levis, and current founder and CEO of XX-XY Athletics.
The moderator will be Kaylee McGhee White, Editor-in-Chief for Independent Women Features and Tony Blankley Fellow, Steamboat Institute. 

Registration
This event is free, but registration is required for the in-person audience. The event will be broadcasted at 5:30 pm on the Steamboat Institute's YouTube channel. Short-term, paid parking is available at 2250 Stadium Drive. Please contact Parking Services with any questions. 

Friday, April 25 - Saturday, April 26
9:00 am - 6:30 pm, various panels
Wolf Law, Wittemyer Courtroom, room 101 | 2450 Kittredge Loop Dr. Boulder, CO 80309

About the event
“Tech” isn’t like other industries. In addition to money and products, it is now a source for politicians, policy, culture, and philosophies with unprecedented influence throughout the globe. Figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel hardly count as mere industrialists; they function as thought-leaders and government operatives.  

This two-day conference gathers actors from today’s tech world–entrepreneurs, makers, thinkers, observers, and critics–to discuss the meaning of the tech counterculture, and what it might entail for the future of technology and American democracy.   

Registration
The event is free, but registration is required. This event is offered in-person only. Short-term pay parking is available in lots 415, 406, or 306. Please contact Parking Services with any questions. 

About the speakers
Speakers include Michael Gibson, Geoff Shullenberger, Patrick Deneen, James Pogue, Glen Weyl, Julia Steinberg, Julie Fredrickson, Augustus Doricko, Josh Vandiver, Lynne Kiesling, Josie Zayner, Louise Liebeskind, and Joseph Bottum. 

Wednesday, April 30
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Eaton Humanities, room 150 | 1610 Pleasant St. Boulder, CO 80309

About the Event
Join Ross Douthat, an American author and New York Times columnist, as he discusses Donald Trump's second term and its effect on American politics.

Registration
The event is free, but registration is required. Short-term pay parking is available in lots 381 (limited space) or 205. Please contact Parking Services with any questions. 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Kittredge Central, North Wing, 2nd Floor, N221

Group up and prove your Buff herd is the most cultured and win prizes ranging from gift cards, Yetis, t-shirts, and more!

Please register so we provide an appropriate amount of food!

Thursday, April 10
12:15 - 1:15 pm
Kittredge Central, North Wing, 2nd Floor, N221

In this lunchtime seminar, Paul Diduch discusses Francis Bacon's Wisdom of the Ancients. This fascinating work reinterprets classical myths, offering a blend of philosophy, allegory, and scientific inquiry. Bacon reveals hidden insights within ancient tales, presenting them as vehicles for timeless truths about human nature, governance, and the pursuit of knowledge. Together, we’ll explore how Bacon’s interpretations invite us to uncover deeper wisdom in the myths we often take for granted.

We will read a short passage and discuss over food and drinks. Please register so we provide an appropriate amount of food!