On June 9th, TPPF, in conjunction with the Institute for the Study of Western Civilization at Texas Tech University, hosted a summit on Western Civilization where academics from across the country came together to discuss the importance of expanding the study of this specific discipline. From the philosophical foundations of democracy and the republic through the development of rational thought and the realization of free will, our audience learned how these foundations and concepts helped to create free and tolerant western societies. Our audience also learned how these programs are under attack and what we can do at our own alma maters to hold these administrations accountable.

The Hon. Kent Hance, former U.S. Congressman and Chancellor Emeritus of Texas Tech University, keynoted our luncheon where he shared just how valuable the discipline of Western Civilization is to mankind. According to Hance’s remarks:

  • 97% of the world’s leading scientific discoveries have happened in Europe or North America.
  • Of the 214 most notable inventions since 1415, all were created in the West.

Yet, less than 20% of universities and colleges require the teaching of western civilization and administrations are increasingly looking to cull these classes to be replaced with open curriculum-type programs which don’t offer a Western Civilization option.

While we discussed the need for courage in our institutions for higher learning that morning, the afternoon filled us with hope as we learned about the success stories of today’s non-traditional students. “Courageous Learning” told the story of entrepreneurship by several non-traditional students who earned their degrees due to innovation and access to course work by the private sector; which made earning a post-secondary education more efficient– in both time and money.

Check out the videos of our Western Civilization Summit (“Why Teach the West” and “How to Create More Western Civilization Programs”) and The Hon. Kent Hance’s keynote address, then watch “Courageous Learning” and learn how non-traditional students are achieving their American Dream.