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Created in honor of Nobel laureate Dr. Vernon L. Smith, this fund provides scholarships for leaders from around the world to attend Acton University. Fellows gain the moral, theological, and economic training needed to promote freedom and human flourishing in their communities, carrying forward the principles that have defined Dr. Smith’s career: liberty, virtue, and human dignity.

Featuring Special Keynote Speaker...

Ross Douthat is a columnist for The New York Times and one of today’s most insightful commentators on religion, culture, and politics. A graduate of Harvard University, he also serves as a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he explores the intersections of American public life, faith, and society.

He is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Decadent Society, To Change the Church, and Bad Religion. His writing is known for its depth, clarity, and ability to challenge prevailing cultural assumptions while engaging a wide audience.

Douthat will speak about his newest book, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, a timely and thought-provoking argument for the continued relevance of religious belief. Drawing on philosophy, culture, and personal insight, he invites both skeptics and believers to consider how faith offers a compelling vision for human life.

For questions, please email us at events@acton.org or call (616) 454-4080