Enormous Success For Omaha

One hundred and fifty students filled the Hilton Omaha to set a new record for our Federalist Leadership schools. Students from our parent Bellevue University campuses topped the list but there was generous representation from Creighton University and its Law School, the University of Nebraska Omaha, Simpson College, Metro Community College, and Nebraska Wesleyan, as well as many community activists and homeschooled and academy honor students.

The Federalist Leadership Center schools are based upon the principle that true leadership must rest upon philosophical understanding, specifically upon the federalist thinking of America’s founders. The United States can only be successful if these principles--illustrated best by its greatest founding writing, The Federalist Papers--are as viable and central to its leaders and citizens today as they were at the nation’s birth.

To make these ideals concrete to our students, syndicated writer and Fox television commentator Robert Novak spoke at a luncheon that was also open to the adult community about how Federalist principles are related to current events in Washington, D.C., a city he has covered in depth for over a half century. The student lectures were given by Bellevue professor and director of the Center, Dr. Donald Devine, Ronald Reagan’s former director of personnel management.

The luncheon was attended by students and local notables headed by Berniece and Bill Grewcock who inspired the creation of the Center. Other prominent members of the community included Bruce Billesbach, Robert Berkshire. Matt Butler, The Honorable Hal Daub, Mike Simmonds, The Honorable Don Stenberg, and Dr. Britt and Kelly Thedinger. Dr. John Muller, President of Bellevue University, spoke about the ideals of his sponsoring university in giving rise to the Center and prefiguring its principles and practices.

Michael Ronan Conlon, a student at Creighton University told us: “The Omaha Federalist Leadership School was both engaging and informative. I enjoyed Robert Novak’s story about Nebraska’s William Purdy and his campaign promise to run for one term only, to never speak on the floor of the House or introduce any bills, and to vote against any bill that increased the size of government. Although there is no such thing as a free lunch, the free dinner to students was delicious!”

Another student, Brandon Kenig said: “The Federalist Leadership School aims to train the leaders of tomorrow in policies and principles rooted in the Constitution and documents of our Founding Fathers. From listening to leading constitutional proponents to discussing the role of the state in American society, the Federalist Center provided me with the tools and resources to argue and defend sound, constitutional principles when I graduate and enter the business and political arenas”