Patrons Circle Distinguished Speaker Series
Featuring Dr. Lawrence H. Summers, 71st Secretary of Treasury
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute will welcome Dr. Lawrence H. Summers as our Distinguished Luncheon Speaker on April 29 in Phoenix. Dr. Chris Howard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Arizona State University, will moderate the discussion on the domestic and global economy.
Teaching Civility Through Experience and Exposure
Civility is more than just politeness—it's the foundation of a functioning democracy. As Justice Sandra Day O’Connor once said, it’s about having “the ability to disagree without being disagreeable.” But how do we teach that essential skill in a time of division? The answer might be more straightforward than we think: experience and exposure. The O’Connor Institute’s Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club is doing just that—empowering students to listen, discuss, and grow by engaging with peers from across the country.
In our latest blog post, you’ll meet Molly Nealon and Trex Jones—two inspiring alumni of the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors program who discovered that true understanding comes from listening to others. Whether it was through spirited debates, voter registration drives, or organizing civil discourse events, these students gained insight into perspectives they had not previously considered. Their stories illustrate how the next generation is learning the value of civility, one conversation at a time.
Give A Listen: Our Latest Podcasts
Women, Caregiving, and America’s Social Safety Net
Sociologist Jessica Calarco joined the O’Connor Institute to discuss her powerful new book, Holding It Together: How Women Became America’s Safety Net. Through in-depth research and interviews, Calarco examines how American society relies heavily on women’s unpaid and underpaid labor, revealing significant gaps in our social safety net. What insights can this provide for creating more equitable systems and a stronger civic society?
Conversations Series: A Republic, If We Can Teach It
Can we sustain our democracy without civic education? Political scientist Jeffrey Sikkenga joins the O’Connor Institute to discuss his book A Republic, If We Can Teach It, and explain why teaching American principles is essential to preserving our constitutional republic. Whether you're a parent, educator, or engaged citizen, this episode presents a compelling case for renewing civic learning in America.
Mark Your Calendar: Join Our Live U.S. Constitution Panel Discussion on June 23
Live from Philadelphia! The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute is proud to sponsor this engaging event, featuring Yale scholars Professor Akhil Reed Amar and Pulitzer Prize winner David Blight in conversation with National Constitution Center President Jeffrey Rosen. Together, they will explore the U.S. Constitution along with pivotal debates and Supreme Court decisions that have shaped America from its founding to today. This event is made possible through a partnership with the National Constitution Center and the Organization of American Historians.
Date: Monday, June 23
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM ET
Location: Free | In Person and Online
A Celebrated Journey: Giada De Laurentiis Headlines 2025 Legacy Luncheon
On April 10, 2025, the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy was honored to welcome world-renowned chef and bestselling author Giada De Laurentiis to the annual Legacy Luncheon, presented by the Ladies of the Court. Held at the elegant Caesars Republic Scottsdale, the event captivated a sold-out audience with Giada’s inspiring conversation, " An American Journey: My Dolce Vita," moderated by Ted Simmons of Arizona PBS.
Giada immigrated to the United States at age seven and became a naturalized U.S. citizen, Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur, and mother. Giada exuded warmth, wit, and wisdom as she shared her extraordinary personal and professional journey pursuing the "American dream" —from her culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris to her rise as a household name and a global culinary icon. Guests enjoyed a menu curated by Giada and gained exclusive insight into her newest cookbook, Super-Italian, enhancing an already memorable afternoon.
The Legacy Luncheon is a cherished tradition honoring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's extraordinary life and enduring legacy. As the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, her trailblazing spirit continues to inspire generations, and this annual event celebrates her commitment to civic engagement, education, and public service.
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute extends heartfelt thanks to the Ladies of the Court for their outstanding leadership and dedication in hosting this signature event. Their efforts make the Legacy Luncheon a powerful tribute to Justice O’Connor, and proceeds benefit the Institute's educational programs.
We invite you to enjoy these images of the event and look forward to sharing the 2026 event details with you later this year!
Institute VP Helps to Lead Civic Education Competitions
Liam Julian, Vice President of Programs and Public Policy, recently contributed to two prominent civic education events. He served as emcee for a local round of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s National Civics Bee held in Queen Creek. The competition invites middle school students to submit essays on civic engagement and then present their ideas and answer civics questions live. The Queen Creek winners advance to the Arizona state finals, with a chance to compete nationally.
Julian also served as a judge at the 2025 Regents’ Cup, held at Northern Arizona University. The annual event features students from Arizona’s public universities competing in Oxford-style debate and storytelling centered on civil discourse and democratic values. The University of Arizona won this year's first-place team prize.
Public Square: "Civics in the Digital Age: How Gen Z Engages with Democracy"
How is Gen Z navigating civics in a world shaped by social media and digital technology? The O’Connor Institute partnered with the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University to welcome media experts Professor Mi-Ai Parrish and Dr. Marie-Louise Paulesc for our virtual Public Square. The insightful conversation featured the younger generation and how they consume news, engage in democracy, and how technology influences civic understanding. You can now watch the whole discussion to see how it explored current trends, fact-checking tools, and how digital platforms can both challenge and empower civic education.
Civics 101: Do You Know How Checks and Balances Work?
Curious about how our government keeps power in check? Explore the origins of America’s checks and balances system, which is grounded in Enlightenment ideals and designed to protect your freedoms. Then, test your knowledge with a quick quiz!
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