Institute Board Feature
Brian Day O’Connor named to National Advisory Board, Board Members recognized
The Institute is pleased to announce Brian Day O’Connor has been named to the National Advisory Board. Mr. Day O’Connor, the son of the late Justice, is a successful Phoenix business leader, a real estate and venture capital investor, and the President and Designated Broker of O’Connor Commercial. A fifth-generation Arizonan, Brian is active in non-profit community associations, including the FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Arizona State Troopers Association, the Civics Initiative, and the O’Connor Institute.
We are happy to share the recent recognition of National Advisory Board Member Dr. Chevy Humphrey, who was honored by Grand Canyon University with the Colangelo Servant Leadership Awards—these awards, named in honor of Jerry Colangelo, honor outstanding servant leaders.Â
Additionally, National Board of Advisory member Myles Lynk, dean of and an Emeritus Professor at ASU Emeritus College, has been recognized with the 2025 American Bar Foundation Outstanding Service Award on Feb. 1 at the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation’s 69th Annual Awards Reception and Banquet.
The phenomenal leadership of our Board members is a testament to Justice O’Connor’s legacy. Thank you for your service, and congratulations on this recognition.
Celebrating Trailblazing Women
In honor of our founder, the first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor, we are featuring other women who were pioneers in their fields throughout March. As Justice O’Connor shared, “It’s nice to be first, but don’t be the last.”
Explore the life and work of Justice O'Connor in the O'Connor Digital Library today!
These women broke barriers, reshaped history, and provided an example for generations to come. Explore these weekly spotlights on our social media platforms or here on Civics for Life.Â
We are honored to celebrate the legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor every day and hope these resources allow you to join us in remembering this remarkable woman.
A Conversation with Yuval Levin, Ph.D.
Yuval Levin, the director of Social, cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, joined the O’Connor Institute to discuss his latest book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation - And Could Again. The book examines the Constitutional foundations of American unity. Levin argues that the Constitution is more than a framework for government—it is a foundation for national cohesion, provided we remain committed to its principles.
6th Annual Civics Challenge Winners
Congratulations to the 6th Annual Civics Challenge Winners! The Civics Challenge is a national online competition that is open to students in grades 6 through 12. Youth are invited to choose a civics education topic, then express their knowledge through an essay, short video, or original song. We received hundreds of entries from across the country showcasing exceptional talent and understanding of civics education through their submissions. We are pleased to celebrate these winners and share their work with you!
Camp O’Connor USA - Now Accepting Applications!
It may feel like summer is far away, but the Institute is now accepting applications for 7th—and 8th-grade students to attend Camp O’Connor USA 2025. This youth civics day camp is free, merit-based, and open to students nationwide. It will take place from June 9 to 13 at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law Downtown Phoenix Arizona State University Campus. Please share with those you know!
Do You Know a High School Senior? Share this $5,000 Scholarship Opportunity!
It isn’t too late to get involved in the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club!  High school students in 9th-12th grade are invited to this virtual club where they can engage with students across the country to discuss issues and speak with leaders at every level of government. Seniors may also be eligible to receive a graduation cord and compete for a $5,000 scholarship.Â
O’Connor Institute Presents National Collaboration for U.S. Educators
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy is pleased to present a U.S. Constitution Teachers Workshop in Philadelphia this June. In partnership with the National Constitution Center and the Organization of American Historians, the workshop will be held from June 22 to June 27, 2025. Middle and high school social studies and government teachers are invited to apply to the week-long program.Â
The public is also welcome to attend the opening night panel discussion with workshop faculty, including NCC President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, OAH President David Blight, and Yale Law professor Akhil Amar, that will help set the stage for the week. This program will be live-streamed. Look for more details in future communications. Learn more about this program and the partners behind it here.
Civics 101 Micro-Lesson: Executive Branch
Do you know the types of Executive Actions our President can take? It is not uncommon for Presidents to start their term with Executive Actions including Executive Orders. However, each President uses these differently. We invite you to take a five-question quiz to test your understanding of these Executive Branch powers or explore more of the role of the President in this quick micro-lesson.
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