As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Vanderbilt University is launching an ambitious, yearlong initiative designed to strengthen one of democracy’s most essential skills: the ability to engage across difference with curiosity, evidence and respect.
Beginning this month, 250 Conversations on America: Civil Discourse in Action will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader community for a wide-ranging series of public events and smaller conversations across Vanderbilt’s Nashville and New York City campuses. Led by Dialogue Vanderbilt, the initiative will serve as the university’s signature contribution to the national celebration, modeling how to “agree and disagree better” at a moment of profound civic complexity.
A living laboratory for democracy
Rather than centering on a single lecture series, 250 Conversations on America is designed as a campus-wide framework—one that invites academic units, student organizations, cultural centers, athletics and administrative partners to explore shared questions through dialogue.
Programming will span themes such as democracy and civic life, the future of free expression, culture and storytelling, faith and pluralism, technology and the digital public square, entrepreneurship, athletics, and service. Together, these conversations will examine how democratic principles are practiced across disciplines and lived experiences.
“This is about turning our commitment to civil discourse into action,” said Francesca Schuler, executive director for Dialogue Vanderbilt. “America’s 250th anniversary invites reflection, but it also calls us to practice the habits that allow democracy to function: listening to learn, engaging with humility and reasoning together through complexity.”
What to expect in 2026
Throughout 2026, the 250 Conversations on America event series will feature high-profile conversations with nationally recognized leaders and thinkers, smaller facilitated dialogues, and collaborative events hosted in partnership with academic departments. Some notable highlights include:
- A conversation with Teddy Solomon, CEO and co-founder of the popular social media platform Fizz, discussing the future of social media and how digital forums are shaping campus culture, civic dialogue and the way students engage with one another. The event will be Feb. 3 at Langford Auditorium.
- An in-depth dialogue with Sir Richard Moore, former chief of the United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), exploring today’s most pressing global security challenges through the perspective of one of the United States’ most critical Five Eyes partners. In partnership with the Institute of National Security, the event will be Feb. 4 at Langford Auditorium.
- A conversation with Metin Hakverdi, coordinator of transatlantic cooperation for the German government and member of the German Bundestag. Drawing on extensive experience in European and transatlantic affairs, Hakverdi will reflect on leadership, democratic cooperation and the future of the transatlantic relationship. This lecture inaugurates a new series honoring the legacy of Ambassador John C. Kornblum and Vanderbilt’s commitment to thoughtful global dialogue. In partnership with the Max Kade Center for European and German Studies and American Council on Germany, the event will be Feb. 17 in the Community Room at Central Library.
- A celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. James Lawson and the launch of his new memoir NONVIOLENT: A Memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love will be at the Woolworth Theatre, a landmark of the Civil Rights Movement. The evening will feature a conversation with Rev. Lawson’s son, John Lawson, and the co-author, Emily Yellin, as well as musical performances. In partnership with the James Lawson Institute, the event will be Feb. 18.
- Discussions later in the year will feature renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, among others.
Built a foundation of student leadership
The launch of 250 Conversations on America builds on Dialogue Vanderbilt’s rapid growth and campus impact. Over the past year, thousands of students have participated in Dialogue Vanderbilt events, and hundreds more completed Dialogue Habit workshops that emphasize civil discourse as a core leadership skill.
Students are playing a central role in shaping the initiative. Through the Dialogue Vanderbilt Student Advisory Board, the First-Year Student Ambassador Program and the Dialogue Vanderbilt Facilitator Fellows program, students are helping design, lead and facilitate—across campus and beyond.
A cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s commitment to free expression
250 Conversations on America also reflects Vanderbilt’s broader commitment to a campus culture grounded in free expression, civil discourse and open forums. Dialogue Vanderbilt serves as a catalyst and a connector by providing tools, programs and shared language that help the community translate principles into practice.
As the nation marks 250 years of independence, Vanderbilt is using the moment not only to reflect on where America has been, but to actively shape how its next generation of leaders learns to listen, reason and lead with purpose and conviction.
More information about upcoming events, speakers and opportunities to participate will be shared throughout the year on the Dialogue Vanderbilt website.
