Past Events

Join us for a warm and uplifting networking reception honoring the life and legacy of Lt. General Norm Lezy, whose leadership and service continue to inspire generations. This gathering offers a special opportunity to celebrate his impact while connecting with colleagues, friends, and community members.

Join us for an engaging discussion about public service and the pressing political issues shaping our nation today. Congressman Gonzales, who represents Texas’s 23rd District and served in the U.S. Navy with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, will share insights from his career in public life and his perspective on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and Texas.

Join us for a moderated conversation with Nathan Johnson, Texas State Senator and current Democratic candidate for Attorney General, as he shares his vision for the future of justice and governance in Texas. The discussion will explore his policy priorities, campaign goals, and perspectives on the evolving political landscape.

Join us for a conversation with Lisa Davis, Austin’s Police Chief, as she reflects on the politics and public safety issues shaping the city today. This discussion will explore the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing community and the role of policing in Austin’s future.

Join the LBJ School of Public Affairs for a timely conversation with Amanda Litman, CEO and co-founder of Run for Something, and author of Run for Something: A Real‑Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself and When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership. Litman brings a bold, forward-looking perspective on civic engagement, leadership, and the importance of building power from the ground up.

In today’s polarized political climate, conversations across party lines are rare — and friendships across those lines, even rarer. Join us for a timely and thought-provoking discussion with two respected Texas leaders, Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm and Johnny Sutton, who have built a lasting, bipartisan friendship rooted in mutual respect, service, and principled leadership.

Join us for “2024, 2025 and What Comes Next: A Conversation with Tyler Pager”, featuring the distinguished White House correspondent from The New York Times. Tyler draws on his new book, “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America”, and his front-row coverage of the U.S. presidency to explore how the 2024 election reshaped American democracy—and where we go from here.

What’s it really like to run for office? In this session, hear directly from former candidates as they share the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned on the campaign trail and as an elected official.

Join us for an engaging Election Day conversation with acclaimed writer, director and novelist Noah Hawley (Fargo and Alien: Earth on FX). A longtime Austinite, Hawley brings a unique perspective on the role of storytelling, media, and the arts in shaping public discourse and democratic values.

Join us for a moderated discussion exploring the current state and future of public education in Texas. Commissioner Morath will share insights on key challenges, policy priorities, and opportunities shaping Texas classrooms today and tomorrow.