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Cato University

Cato University on Campus in Phoenix

Date and Time
April 18, 2026
8:30 AM MDT — 8:30 PM MDT
Location
Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ
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As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of America’s Founding, Cato University on Campus will explore how the enduring principles of individual liberty, free expression, and limited government outlined in the Declaration of Independence remain essential to civic life. Sessions will examine the role individuals play in cultivating these principles, especially on campus, and what is at stake when free expression is threatened. Each discussion will invite students to reflect on how America’s classical liberal Founding commitments can inform current policy issues and our civic culture.

Cato University on Campus in Phoenix will be held at the Desert Willow Conference Center located at 4340 E. Cotton Center Boulevard, Suite 100. Benefits include a full day of academic programming, networking opportunities, resources for further study, and a $100 travel stipend upon completion of the program.

Cato University on Campus is the Cato Institute’s regional event series for college and graduate students. Each program will explore classical liberal philosophy as a foundation for considering current policy issues. While the topics for each program will vary, the goal remains to bring together outstanding faculty and participants who share a commitment to liberty and learning, and to provide participants with an opportunity to form an enduring community through a one-of-a-kind experience.

Applicants will be notified of their status on a rolling basis. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. If you have any questions or need assistance applying, please email our staff at events@​cato.​org.


Schedule

8:30 - 8:50 AM MDT

Registration and Breakfast

8:50 - 9:00 AM MDT

Welcoming Remarks

9:00 - 10:00 AM MDT

Free Speech, Civil Discourse, and Self-Governance

Adam Seagrave, Associate Professor, School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Allan Carey, Director, Sphere Education Initiatives
10:00 - 10:30 AM MDT

Break

10:30 - 11:30 AM MDT

The Grievances of the Declaration of Independence at 250

Clark Neily, Senior Vice President for Legal Studies, Cato Institute
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM MDT

Debrief Activity

12:00 - 12:45 PM MDT

Lunch

12:45 - 1:45 PM MDT

Policy Session

Speaker to be announced

1:45 - 2:00 PM MDT

Break

2:00 - 3:00 PM MDT

Policy Session

Speaker to be announced

3:00 - 3:15 PM MDT

Break

3:15 - 4:15 PM MDT

Workshop: Civil Discourse & Free Speech on Campus

4:15 - 6:00 PM MDT

Free Time

6:00 - 8:30 PM MDT

Reception and Dinner Program: Proclaiming Liberty

Timothy Sandefur, Vice President for Legal Affairs, Goldwater Institute