October 24, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ATHENA Roundtable Colloquy
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. ACTA's 30th Anniversary Celebration
George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon,
3600 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
8:30 a.m.– 12:00 noon
Continental Breakfast will be served on the Founders Terrace at 8:30 a.m. The colloquy will begin at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will start at 12:00 noon at the Mount Vernon Inn.
President Reagan called for “informed patriotism.” President Kennedy wrote that an American uninformed of our history stands defenseless before the world. For 30 years, ACTA has placed before the nation the urgency of a recommitment to the collegiate study of American history and government. Our colloquy of distinguished historians will explore how civic education is the indispensable factor in America’s quest for a more perfect union.
MODERATOR: Anne D. Neal, Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Co-Founder and former president of ACTA.
PANELISTS: Douglas Bradburn, Director, George Washington’s Mount Vernon; Wilfred M. McClay, Victor Davis Hanson Chair in Classical History and Western Civilization, Hillsdale College; author of Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story; Louise Mirrer, President, New-York Historical Society; and Richard Brookhiser, American journalist, biographer, and historian; senior editor at National Review.
Following the colloquy, Steve McGuire, ACTA’s Karen and Paul Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom, will present the Hero of Intellectual Freedom Award to Panayiotis Kanelos, Chancellor, University of Austin. Jacob Howland, former provost, senior vice president for academic affairs, and dean of intellectual foundations at the University of Austin, will deliver a tribute.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cocktail Reception on Mezzanine, 6:30 p.m.; Gala Dinner on lower level, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
PRESENTATION OF THE PHILIP MERRILL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION
For our 30th anniversary, ACTA will present the Philip Merrill Award to Lawrence H. Summers, the Charles W. Eliot University Professor and president emeritus at Harvard University. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Dr. Summers has walked a path of uncompromising integrity of purpose and vision. He has championed rigorous undergraduate requirements, not infrequently against popular fashion and faculty hostility. While far too many in the academy have sought to curtail free speech, President Summers has stood firm for the importance of the free exchange of ideas. And while many used a false liberalism as a mask for antisemitism, Larry Summers sounded the warning bell decades ago. He has placed his skills in the service of our nation as Secretary of the Treasury (1999-2001) and continues to be a pivotal participant in current economic policy debates. ACTA is privileged to present him with our highest award for service to liberal arts education. Tributes to Dr. Summers will be given by Tom Rollins, founder of The Teaching Company, and Nadine Strossen (video), John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law Emerita, New York Law School.
A block of rooms is available at the historic Hamilton Hotel for celebration attendees for a rate of $349.00/night. To reserve your room, please use the following link: American Council of Trustees & Alumni Booking Link . Guests may also call 866-407-1764 and reference the group code 102225ACT. The room block is for October 22-26, 2025. Reservations must be made by October 1.
ACTA's 30th Anniversary Celebration provides an opportunity for ACTA’s patrons to sponsor the event. Contributors may purchase tables at the Merrill Award Gala and receive special recognition. Please contact Grant Vargo-Willeford at gwilleford@GoACTA.org.
Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
Discover MoreSign up to receive updates on the most pressing issues facing our college campuses.