Programs
When: One Monday each month during the academic year
Where: CCU Main Campus
Who Should Attend: Students, faculty, alumni, and all interested community members
Issue Monday
Join us for Issue Monday, a monthly forum hosted by the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University, where students, faculty, and community members come together to engage with the most pressing cultural, political, and theological issues facing our nation. Each event features thought-provoking presentations from leading voices—ranging from policymakers and scholars to public intellectuals—followed by open dialogue and Q&A.
Issue Monday reflects the Centennial Institute’s mission to advance faith, family, and freedom through public policy by equipping the next generation of Christian leaders to think critically, act courageously, and influence culture for Christ.
Whether you’re passionate about religious liberty, national security, free markets, or the intersection of faith and public life, Issue Monday is your opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future.
Notable past speakers include: Michael Knowles, Hugh Hewitt, Dr. Owen Strachan, Ian Rowe, Dr. Ryan Anderson, Abigail Shrier, and Joel Rosenberg
Business Council
The Business Council at the Centennial Institute serves as the core group of supporters dedicated to advancing the Institute’s mission of promoting faith, family, and freedom in the public square. The Council plays a pivotal role in empowering the Institute’s work to influence cultural and policy discussions through research, events, and publications.
Business Council members are invited to exclusive events and policy briefings to engage directly with prominent state and national leaders in public policy and business. These gatherings offer members firsthand insights into pressing policy matters, interact with influential figures, and foster relationships with Colorado’s top business and political leaders. Notable past speakers include: Ken Starr, Brian Kilmeade, Dr. Yoram Hazony, Hans von Spakovsky, Rick Santorum, and Colorado Legislative Leadership.
Membership in the Business Council requires an annual donation of $2,500. Recognizing the importance of involving young professionals, we also offer an Under-40 Membership at a reduced rate of $500 per year, with the aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders committed to the Institute’s values.
For more information or to join the Business Council, please email centennial@ccu.edu.
When: One Monday each month during the academic year
Where: CCU Main Campus
Who Should Attend: Students, faculty, alumni, and all interested community members
Last Lecture Series
“If this were your last chance to address your students, what would you say?”
You are invited to join us for our Last Lecture Series, a monthly lecture series highlighting some of Colorado Christian University’s top faculty and staff. Inspired by the story of former Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch who, after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, presented a final lecture of lessons he had always wanted to share with his students, Centennial Institute posed the question: “If this was your last chance to address your students, how would you summarize your accumulated wisdom into a concise summation?”
The Last Lecture Series furthers Centennial Institute’s mission to promote and preserve first principles, inspiring our culture to pursue faith and truth with new insight.
Past lectures include Professor Michael Plato’s “Rules for Rebels” and Dr. John Wind’s “Christian Nationalism: Good or Bad?” You can these lectures on our YouTube channel.
Student Opportunities & 1776 Scholars
The 1776 Scholars program at Colorado Christian University’s Centennial Institute is dedicated to cultivating informed and principled conservative leaders among CCU students. Named to evoke the spirit of America’s founding, the program emphasizes the values of faith, family, and freedom, aiming to impact American politics for the glory of God and in the spirit of 1776.
As the student arm of the Centennial Institute, the 1776 Scholars engage in various activities designed to develop their political knowledge and leadership skills. These include attending dynamic speaker events, participating in engaging forums, and connecting with leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. Through these experiences, students are equipped to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
The program also offers opportunities for students to gain practical experience by working with the Centennial Institute, assisting with its day-to-day operations. This hands-on involvement helps students develop a strong moral compass and the energy to effect positive change in the nation.
Graduates of the 1776 Scholars program have gone on to serve in various capacities within government and nonprofit organizations, reflecting the program’s success in mentoring the next generation of leaders committed to upholding conservative values.
Past 1776 Scholars include:
Brittany Vessely: Executive Director, Colorado Catholic Conference
Chad Yelinski: Director, Novo Nordisk
Damon Sidur: Communications Director, Idaho Attorney General’s Office
Erin Amsberry: Director of Communications, Colorado Business Roundtable
Jonathan Finer: Vice President, Ready Colorado
Jaimie Erker: Director of Communications, Centennial Institute
Jordan Jantzen: Legislative Correspondent, Congressman Jeff Crank
Katie Kellet: Defense Attorney, Sawyer Legal Group
Lauren Holmes: Staff Director, U.S. House Committee on Small Business
Nate Grasz: Executive Director, Nebraska Family Alliance
