National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education | July 2025 | Atchison, KS

Monday, July 21, 2025 — Tuesday, July 22, 2025
07/21/25 8:00 AM 07/22/25 12:00 PM America/Chicago National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education | July 2025 | Atchison, KS Synopsis  The 2025 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education (Benedictine College, July 21–22) will gather K-12 teachers, principals, and mission-driven nonprofit leaders to recover one central conviction: robust civic formation begins with a dramatic, story-rich study of history. Across two days, we will explore how narrative history ignites students’ imagination, grounds their love of country in truth, and equips them to serve the common good as faithful Catholic citizens. The Summit’s unifying lens rejects both technocratic “data-and-dates” social-studies minimalism as well as calls for an integralist break with the American founding; instead, it affirms a liberal, virtue-oriented reading of the Republic that harmonizes Catholic Social Teaching with the best of our constitutional heritage. Speaker line-up. Opening the conference, Andrew Zwerneman (Founder, Cana Academy) will deliver the keynote History: Recovering the Liberal Discipline for Civic Formation, showing how epic narrative and primary sources kindle civic virtue in students. He will be joined by classical-education author Martin Cothran (What Education Can Do), who will trace the relationship between Christian education, civic virtue, and the preservation of a republic, and by David Denton, whose plenary on heroic biography will model concrete classroom practice. A closing talk, “Civics, Not Politics,” from Erik Twist will challenge attendees to form citizen-disciples rather than partisan foot-soldiers. Speakers will also appear together in a moderated panel, distilling practical insights and fielding audience questions. What to expect. The schedule interlaces daily Mass, four high-impact plenaries, and two rounds of focused break-outs: (1) teaching with primary sources; (2) introducing students to public policy; (3) measuring civic virtue and mission outcomes; and (4) a collaborative Build-Your-Civic-Curriculum lab led by textbook publisher Mike Van Hecke, as well as a session lead by Michael Maibach (distinguished fellow at Save our States and chairman of the Center for Constitutional Liberty’s DC Advisory Board) on How to teach the electoral college. Networking receptions, a showcase of the new History 250 resource suite, and the Herzog Foundation program spotlight ensure participants leave with both intellectual formation and concrete tools for immediate implementation. Take-aways for attendees. By the closing benediction, school teams will possess: <ul><li>- a clear roadmap for embedding narrative history and Catholic Social Teaching into every grade’s civics sequence;</li><li>- model lesson plans and assessment rubrics for cultivating virtue, citizenship skills, and love of country;</li><li>- actionable strategies for launching service-learning or public-policy modules consonant with Church teaching;</li></ul> In short, the Summit will equip Catholic educators to reclaim history as the seedbed of civic virtue—forming graduates who love God, serve neighbor, and steward the blessings of American liberty with wisdom and grace. Who’s it For? We recommend schools bring two to three members to this training. There will be sessions for headmasters/administration, teachers, and other nonprofit leaders in this space. Benedictine College, with the generous support of the William S. Knight Foundation, has funding available to supplement travel costs for participants in need of additional financial support. As a reminder, your hotel, transportation to the college, and meals are covered while on site. If you would like to request travel assistance, please contact Isaac Michael (mich6483@ravens.benedictine.edu). Schedule Day 0: TRAVEL DAY| Hotel provided Day 1: 8am-6pm | Hotel provided Day 2: 8am-12pm | Do not plan travel that would require you to depart early Benedictine College 1020 North 2nd Street, Atchison, KS 66002 United States National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education | July 2025 | Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com false MM/DD/YYYY

Benedictine College

1020 North 2nd Street
Atchison, KS 66002 United States

http://www.herzogfoundation.connect.space

Synopsis

The 2025 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education (Benedictine College, July 21–22) will gather K-12 teachers, principals, and mission-driven nonprofit leaders to recover one central conviction: robust civic formation begins with a dramatic, story-rich study of history. Across two days, we will explore how narrative history ignites students’ imagination, grounds their love of country in truth, and equips them to serve the common good as faithful Catholic citizens. The Summit’s unifying lens rejects both technocratic “data-and-dates” social-studies minimalism as well as calls for an integralist break with the American founding; instead, it affirms a liberal, virtue-oriented reading of the Republic that harmonizes Catholic Social Teaching with the best of our constitutional heritage.

Speaker line-up. Opening the conference, Andrew Zwerneman (Founder, Cana Academy) will deliver the keynote History: Recovering the Liberal Discipline for Civic Formation, showing how epic narrative and primary sources kindle civic virtue in students. He will be joined by classical-education author Martin Cothran (What Education Can Do), who will trace the relationship between Christian education, civic virtue, and the preservation of a republic, and by David Denton, whose plenary on heroic biography will model concrete classroom practice. A closing talk, “Civics, Not Politics,” from Erik Twist will challenge attendees to form citizen-disciples rather than partisan foot-soldiers. Speakers will also appear together in a moderated panel, distilling practical insights and fielding audience questions.

What to expect. The schedule interlaces daily Mass, four high-impact plenaries, and two rounds of focused break-outs: (1) teaching with primary sources; (2) introducing students to public policy; (3) measuring civic virtue and mission outcomes; and (4) a collaborative Build-Your-Civic-Curriculum
lab led by textbook publisher Mike Van Hecke, as well as a session lead by Michael Maibach (distinguished fellow at Save our States and chairman of the Center for Constitutional Liberty’s DC Advisory Board) on How to teach the electoral college. Networking receptions, a showcase of the new History 250 resource suite, and the Herzog Foundation program spotlight ensure participants leave with both intellectual formation and concrete tools for immediate implementation.

Take-aways for attendees. By the closing benediction, school teams will possess:

- a clear roadmap for embedding narrative history and Catholic Social Teaching into every grade’s civics sequence;
- model lesson plans and assessment rubrics for cultivating virtue, citizenship skills, and love of country;
- actionable strategies for launching service-learning or public-policy modules consonant with Church teaching;

In short, the Summit will equip Catholic educators to reclaim history as the seedbed of civic virtue—forming graduates who love God, serve neighbor, and steward the blessings of American liberty with wisdom and grace.

Who’s it For?

We recommend schools bring two to three members to this training. There will be sessions for headmasters/administration, teachers, and other nonprofit leaders in this space.

Benedictine College, with the generous support of the William S. Knight Foundation, has funding available to supplement travel costs for participants in need of additional financial support. As a reminder, your hotel, transportation to the college, and meals are covered while on site. If you would like to request travel assistance, please contact Isaac Michael (mich6483@ravens.benedictine.edu).

Schedule

Day 0: TRAVEL DAY| Hotel provided

Day 1: 8am-6pm | Hotel provided

Day 2: 8am-12pm | Do not plan travel that would require you to depart early

Event Contact: Herzog Foundation Institute
training@herzogfoundation.com

National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education | July 2025 | Atchison, KS

Monday, July 21, 2025, 8:00 AM — Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 12:00 PM CDT

07/21/25 8:00 AM 07/22/25 12:00 PM America/Chicago National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education | July 2025 | Atchison, KS Synopsis  The 2025 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education (Benedictine College, July 21–22) will gather K-12 teachers, principals, and mission-driven nonprofit leaders to recover one central conviction: robust civic formation begins with a dramatic, story-rich study of history. Across two days, we will explore how narrative history ignites students’ imagination, grounds their love of country in truth, and equips them to serve the common good as faithful Catholic citizens. The Summit’s unifying lens rejects both technocratic “data-and-dates” social-studies minimalism as well as calls for an integralist break with the American founding; instead, it affirms a liberal, virtue-oriented reading of the Republic that harmonizes Catholic Social Teaching with the best of our constitutional heritage. Speaker line-up. Opening the conference, Andrew Zwerneman (Founder, Cana Academy) will deliver the keynote History: Recovering the Liberal Discipline for Civic Formation, showing how epic narrative and primary sources kindle civic virtue in students. He will be joined by classical-education author Martin Cothran (What Education Can Do), who will trace the relationship between Christian education, civic virtue, and the preservation of a republic, and by David Denton, whose plenary on heroic biography will model concrete classroom practice. A closing talk, “Civics, Not Politics,” from Erik Twist will challenge attendees to form citizen-disciples rather than partisan foot-soldiers. Speakers will also appear together in a moderated panel, distilling practical insights and fielding audience questions. What to expect. The schedule interlaces daily Mass, four high-impact plenaries, and two rounds of focused break-outs: (1) teaching with primary sources; (2) introducing students to public policy; (3) measuring civic virtue and mission outcomes; and (4) a collaborative Build-Your-Civic-Curriculum lab led by textbook publisher Mike Van Hecke, as well as a session lead by Michael Maibach (distinguished fellow at Save our States and chairman of the Center for Constitutional Liberty’s DC Advisory Board) on How to teach the electoral college. Networking receptions, a showcase of the new History 250 resource suite, and the Herzog Foundation program spotlight ensure participants leave with both intellectual formation and concrete tools for immediate implementation. Take-aways for attendees. By the closing benediction, school teams will possess: <ul><li>- a clear roadmap for embedding narrative history and Catholic Social Teaching into every grade’s civics sequence;</li><li>- model lesson plans and assessment rubrics for cultivating virtue, citizenship skills, and love of country;</li><li>- actionable strategies for launching service-learning or public-policy modules consonant with Church teaching;</li></ul> In short, the Summit will equip Catholic educators to reclaim history as the seedbed of civic virtue—forming graduates who love God, serve neighbor, and steward the blessings of American liberty with wisdom and grace. Who’s it For? We recommend schools bring two to three members to this training. There will be sessions for headmasters/administration, teachers, and other nonprofit leaders in this space. Benedictine College, with the generous support of the William S. Knight Foundation, has funding available to supplement travel costs for participants in need of additional financial support. As a reminder, your hotel, transportation to the college, and meals are covered while on site. If you would like to request travel assistance, please contact Isaac Michael (mich6483@ravens.benedictine.edu). Schedule Day 0: TRAVEL DAY| Hotel provided Day 1: 8am-6pm | Hotel provided Day 2: 8am-12pm | Do not plan travel that would require you to depart early Benedictine College 1020 North 2nd Street, Atchison, KS 66002 United States National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education | July 2025 | Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com false MM/DD/YYYY

Download Agenda

Agenda Highlights:

All guests are required to attend the training in full including all sessions, activities, breaks, and group meals.

Breaks and snacks will be provided at various times during the session blocks. During group meals, food options will be available to accommodate select dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free and vegetarian. Please plan accordingly for other dietary restrictions or preferences.

Agenda is subject to change.

Jul

JUL

Monday ico

	07/21/25 7:05 AM 07/21/25 8:00 AM America/Chicago Transportation to Training View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29718 <br/> Be in the lobby by 7:05am. Transportation will be leaving at 7:10am SHARP. National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 7:05 - 8:00 AM Transportation to Training Be in the lobby by 7:05am. Transportation will be leaving at 7:10am SHARP. Less Info
	07/21/25 8:00 AM 07/21/25 9:00 AM America/Chicago Mass View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29719 <br/> If you are driving yourself, arrive by 8:00am. St. Benedict's Abbey \| 1020 N 2nd St Abbey, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 8:00 - 9:00 AM St. Benedict's Abbey \| 1020 N 2nd St Abbey, Atchison, KS 66002 Mass If you are driving yourself, arrive by 8:00am. Less Info
	07/21/25 9:00 AM 07/21/25 9:15 AM America/Chicago Walk to Training View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29720 <br/> National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 9:00 - 9:15 AM Walk to Training
	07/21/25 9:15 AM 07/21/25 12:00 PM America/Chicago Event Begins: Opening Sessions View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29721 <br/> Grab & Go Breafast<br> Registration<br> Welcome from HF<br> Opening Keynote Speaker Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 9:15 AM - 12:00 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Event Begins: Opening Sessions Grab & Go Breafast Registration Welcome from HF Opening Keynote Speaker Less Info
	07/21/25 12:00 PM 07/21/25 12:45 PM America/Chicago Connection: Lunch Together View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29722 <br/> Connect with your peers over lunch! Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 12:00 - 12:45 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Connection: Lunch Together Connect with your peers over lunch! Less Info
	07/21/25 12:45 PM 07/21/25 3:30 PM America/Chicago Afternoon Sessions View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_31139 <br/> Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 12:45 - 3:30 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Afternoon Sessions
	07/21/25 3:30 PM 07/21/25 5:30 PM America/Chicago Reception View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_31836 <br/> Join us for a relaxed reception—mingle, enjoy some refreshments, appetizers, and connect with those around you! Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 3:30 - 5:30 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Reception Join us for a relaxed reception—mingle, enjoy some refreshments, appetizers, and connect with those around you! Less Info
	07/21/25 5:30 PM 07/21/25 7:00 PM America/Chicago Connection: Dinner Together View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_31140 <br/> Connect with your peers over dinner! Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 5:30 - 7:00 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Connection: Dinner Together Connect with your peers over dinner! Less Info
	07/21/25 6:45 PM 07/21/25 7:25 PM America/Chicago Transportation to hotel View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29731 <br/> Atwell Suites \| 11732 NW Plaza Cir, Kansas City, MO 64153 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 6:45 - 7:25 PM Atwell Suites \| 11732 NW Plaza Cir, Kansas City, MO 64153 Transportation to hotel

	07/21/25 7:05 AM 07/21/25 8:00 AM America/Chicago Transportation to Training View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29718 <br/> Be in the lobby by 7:05am. Transportation will be leaving at 7:10am SHARP. National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 7:05 - 8:00 AM Transportation to Training Be in the lobby by 7:05am. Transportation will be leaving at 7:10am SHARP. Less Info
	07/21/25 8:00 AM 07/21/25 9:00 AM America/Chicago Mass View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29719 <br/> If you are driving yourself, arrive by 8:00am. St. Benedict's Abbey \| 1020 N 2nd St Abbey, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 8:00 - 9:00 AM St. Benedict's Abbey \| 1020 N 2nd St Abbey, Atchison, KS 66002 Mass If you are driving yourself, arrive by 8:00am. Less Info
	07/21/25 9:00 AM 07/21/25 9:15 AM America/Chicago Walk to Training View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29720 <br/> National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 9:00 - 9:15 AM Walk to Training
	07/21/25 9:15 AM 07/21/25 12:00 PM America/Chicago Event Begins: Opening Sessions View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29721 <br/> Grab & Go Breafast<br> Registration<br> Welcome from HF<br> Opening Keynote Speaker Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 9:15 AM - 12:00 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Event Begins: Opening Sessions Grab & Go Breafast Registration Welcome from HF Opening Keynote Speaker Less Info
	07/21/25 12:00 PM 07/21/25 12:45 PM America/Chicago Connection: Lunch Together View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29722 <br/> Connect with your peers over lunch! Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 12:00 - 12:45 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Connection: Lunch Together Connect with your peers over lunch! Less Info
	07/21/25 12:45 PM 07/21/25 3:30 PM America/Chicago Afternoon Sessions View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_31139 <br/> Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 12:45 - 3:30 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Afternoon Sessions
	07/21/25 3:30 PM 07/21/25 5:30 PM America/Chicago Reception View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_31836 <br/> Join us for a relaxed reception—mingle, enjoy some refreshments, appetizers, and connect with those around you! Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 3:30 - 5:30 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Reception Join us for a relaxed reception—mingle, enjoy some refreshments, appetizers, and connect with those around you! Less Info
	07/21/25 5:30 PM 07/21/25 7:00 PM America/Chicago Connection: Dinner Together View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_31140 <br/> Connect with your peers over dinner! Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 5:30 - 7:00 PM Benedictine College - Ferrell Academic Center \| 1020 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002 Connection: Dinner Together Connect with your peers over dinner! Less Info
	07/21/25 6:45 PM 07/21/25 7:25 PM America/Chicago Transportation to hotel View session: https://herzogfoundation.connect.space/accounts/events/national-summit-on-civics-in-catholic-education-july-2025-atchison-ks/agenda/2025-07-21#session_row_29731 <br/> Atwell Suites \| 11732 NW Plaza Cir, Kansas City, MO 64153 National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education \| July 2025 \| Atchison, KS training@herzogfoundation.com MM/DD/YYYY 6:45 - 7:25 PM Atwell Suites \| 11732 NW Plaza Cir, Kansas City, MO 64153 Transportation to hotel