A Preview of Acton University 2025

·37 min·3 clips

Acton University's four core lectures on anthropology and natural law set it apart from other think tanks.

The episode begins with an introduction to Acton Line and the hosts, Dan Huger and Dan Churchwell. They set the context for Acton University 2025, noting it is the 20th anniversary of the conference. Dan Churchwell explains the origins of Acton University, starting as Acton Symposium in Grand Rapids to consolidate traveling conferences. He details the venue change from the Eberhard Center to DeVos Place due to growth. Statistics are shared: 1,000 attendees this year from 82 foreign countries, with over 22,000 unique visitors historically. The core lecture series is described, covering anthropology, natural law, economic thinking, and political engagement, which all attendees must complete to become alumni. Elective lectures total over 80, with 60 faculty members. Plenary sessions are highlighted, featuring speakers like Matt Hangen of Water4, Arthur Brooks, Heather Templeton Dill, and Frank Hanna, who share practical and academic insights. Networking is emphasized, with speakers staying for the entire conference and Q&A sessions after each lecture. Special events include panels, documentary showings like Poverty Inc., and a live podcast recording. The hosts discuss the organic conversations and collaborations that arise, with examples of alumni starting universities or businesses. Dan Churchwell shares personal anticipation for meeting attendees and hearing their stories. Contingency planning for speakers is mentioned, with an anecdote about Andy Crouch delivering a plenary while ill. The episode concludes with information on how to access conference content online via Acton On Demand and apply for future years.

As heard by us

A measured conference preview about lectures, questions, hospitality, and the relationships that last beyond the event.

ActonLine frames Acton University as an extension of the Acton Institute's wider mission, not simply another conference date. Dan Huger asks Dan Churchwell, the institute's director of programs and education, to explain the gathering's origins, its 20th anniversary, and its…

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Want a conference pitch where the speakers do not disappear after the lecture?

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