Friday, October 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM until 6:00 PMPacific Daylight Time UTC -07:00
Garrison Theater231 E. 10th StreetClaremont, CA 91711United States
Join us for the CGU Centennial Summit, a landmark gathering of visionary thinkers and changemakers. Spend the day exploring the forces shaping our world, from the AI revolution and global health challenges to leadership and ethics, education, and the future of society. Hear from Wesleyan University President Michael Roth in a keynote on the future and importance of higher education, then join a roundtable of university leaders moderated by CGU Professor Joshua Goode. Throughout the day, you will gain insights from more than 30 faculty and alumni at the forefront of their fields, discover bold ideas, engage in dynamic dialogue, and build meaningful connections. Space is limited — register now to secure your spot.Summit Schedule
Keynote Highlight Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University and acclaimed author of The Student: A Short History and Beyond the University: Why Liberal Education Matters, will deliver a keynote on The Future & Importance of Higher Education. Roth, a national voice on the role of universities in democracy, was recently honored with the PEN/Benenson Courage Award for his outspoken defense of higher education.
Roundtable with University Presidents What lies ahead for higher education? Hear directly from leading voices from across the academic landscape as they explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the next century of learning. Panelists include Michelle Bligh, Interim President of Claremont Graduate University; Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University and acclaimed author and education advocate; and Cynthia Olivo, President of Fullerton College and a national leader in student equity and success. The discussion will be moderated by Joshua Goode, CGU Professor of Cultural Studies and Chair of the History Department.
Visionary Panels
The AI Revolution and the Future of Technology: Opportunities and Challenges Across FieldHosted by Professor Yan Li Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the future of technology, transforming industries and touching our daily lives. This panel brings together perspectives from across fields to discuss where AI is headed, the opportunities it creates, and the challenges it poses. By focusing on innovation and impact, the discussion will highlight how developments in areas such as healthcare, government, and education may unfold, and how each of us can prepare for the changes ahead.
When the Pendulum Swings: The Future of Ethics in Leadership Hosted by Professor Stephen Gilliland As we read newspaper headlines, we may wonder if ethical leadership has become an oxymoron. However, we see this current state as a pendulum that swings. What does ethical leadership look like and what forces may drive the pendulum to swing back? Four experts provide their thoughts, answer your questions, and engage in dialogue about the future of leadership and ethics.
The Future of Health Equity: Staying on Course During Challenging TimesHosted by Professor Paula Palmer Among developed nations, the U.S. spends the most on healthcare per capita, yet Americans experience lower life expectancy, poorer mental health, and higher rates of preventable deaths. These shortcomings are especially evident among individuals at risk for health disparities and structural and racial inequities, such as children, seniors, and minority populations. The current administration’s reduction or elimination of health, education, and social programs, along with budget cuts to research, jeopardizes progress made. In this session, experts in education, aging, politics, and economics will share insights on advancing health equity during the current political climate and beyond.
The Future of Society: Perennial Questions for a Rapidly Changing WorldHosted by Professor Patricia Easton Every generation confronts enduring questions: What is true, how do we know, and how is that knowledge shared? How do we balance freedom and responsibility? What do we owe one another in building a just society? How should power serve the common good? Today, these questions carry new urgency. Technology is reshaping life, trust in institutions is fraying, and the pace of change can feel overwhelming. Yet this moment also invites creativity, renewal, and bold reimagining. This panel encourages us to explore these questions together — to inspire inventive answers and help shape a future that is human-centered, just, and alive to possibility.