We hope you enjoy these top news stories about TFAS activities, alumni and events this week. Please visit us on social media for additional up-to-the-moment TFAS news and information and sign up to receive weekly updates.

TFAS President Roger Ream Named 2021 Bradley Prize Winner

TFAS is pleased to share that President Roger Ream ’76 has been awarded a Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation 2021 Bradley Prize. This honor recognizes individuals whose outstanding achievements reflect The Bradley Foundation’s mission to restore, strengthen and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism.

Ream will receive the award at the 17th annual Bradley Prizes ceremony on Monday, Sept. 13, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

“Roger’s commitment to developing the liberty leaders of the future has strengthened the ideals of freedom in the U.S. and beyond,” said Rick Graber, President and CEO of The Bradley Foundation. “His remarkable career has been dedicated to ensuring that younger generations understand and advance the foundations of a free society. The Bradley Foundation is proud to honor Roger for his work, which has touched thousands of lives.”

TFAS faculty, board members and staff join in congratulating Ream for this achievement and are grateful for his more than 30 years of service to the future leaders of the world: the outstanding TFAS students. TFAS Chairman of the Board of Trustees Randal C. Teague says he is grateful to work with Roger in the pursuit of liberty.

We are proud The Bradley Foundation has recognized the longstanding dedication and outstanding determination that Roger has brought over these past three decades to teach freedom to thousands of young people around the globe through the work of TFAS.” – Randal C. Teague, TFAS Chairman

“We are proud The Bradley Foundation has recognized the longstanding dedication and outstanding determination that Roger has brought over these past three decades to teach freedom to thousands of young people around the globe through the work of TFAS,” Teague said. “It is also a lifetime achievement award in that he has spread his enthusiasm for personal liberty throughout the other organizations which he has led and whose growth he has nurtured. The Board regards it as an honor to work alongside Roger.”

Read more about Ream’s commitment to the liberty movement at TFAS.org/BradleyPrize.

Going the Extra Mile: TFAS Alumna Shares Key Advice During Summer 2021 Closing Ceremony

As an alumna of TFAS D.C. Academic Internship Programs and a career humanitarian, Sarah Dawn Petrin ’95 knows firsthand what it means to “go the extra mile” to succeed in the world.

“This is something you will need to do your whole life,” Petrin told students during the summer 2021 closing ceremony on July 29. In her keynote remarks, Petrin shared three pieces of advice that she believes will “withstand the test of time” based on the challenges she has faced in her own life.

“Start making a difference, right where you are today,” Petrin encouraged the summer cohort. “You do not have to wait for the right job or the right salary to have an impact. By looking around you and doing something about the small problems you see each day, you will be preparing yourself to do even greater things in the days to come.”

This theme is consistently reinforced through TFAS programs, which provide students with experiences that challenge their perspectives. United States Air Force Academy cadet Jack Erwin ’21 shared that this summer has transformed the way he thinks about the world. By participating in the Journalism + Communications track and interning at the Military Times, Erwin gained experience that he believes will bring him future success.

“For me, the program was really about changing the way I think, especially through my internship and the classes here,” Erwin said. “I got to have a lot of things I believe in challenged, which has definitely impacted my future.”

Read more about Petrin’s advice for TFAS students at TFAS.org/Petrin.

The People Behind the Programs: John Kessler

TFAS high school programs division, the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE), introduces young individuals to an economic way of thinking about national and international issues. FTE also promotes excellence in economic education by helping teachers of economics become more effective educators. This mission would not be possible without the dedicated professors, mentor teachers and leadership facilitators who devote their time and energy to leading these engaging and innovative programs.

FTE faculty members are high-energy individuals who breathe life into the programs they facilitate, making each program unforgettable for students and teachers alike. Their passion for teaching economics and leadership skills shines through each interaction they have with the participants, leading to lifelong lessons and lasting change in the lives of thousands of students and teachers each year.

FTE mentor teacher John Kessler is one of the outstanding teachers who encourages FTE participants to examine economic challenges pragmatically to find win-win solutions. A senior lecturer in the Department of Economics and Finance and the director of the Center for Economic Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) in Indiana, Kessler first discovered FTE at a workshop at the University of Delaware. Immediately captivated by the interactive nature of the program and the passion of FTE’s mentor teachers, Kessler briefly considered how fun it would be to work at FTE. In 2007, Kessler’s quick thought turned into a reality when he was hired as a mentor teacher. His favorite part of being a mentor teacher is engaging in intercultural exchanges with vibrant and eager-to-learn students from all over the world.

“I leave every program inspired by the students,” he said. “I enjoy hearing about their dreams for the future; they give me hope.”

To learn more about Kessler and FTE, visit TFAS.org/Kessler.

Paul Glader ’99, ’00 has been promoted to a full professor of journalism, media and entrepreneurship at The King’s College in New York City.

Elise Amez-Droz, PPF ’19, coauthors a piece for Governing on how lawmakers are undermining the potential benefits of telehealth practices.

Garrett Boorojian ’09 shares the lessons he has learned from going into business with his father in CEOWorld Magazine.

Naomi Schaefer Riley, Novak ’01, shares how critical race theory is impacting children in Independent Women’s Forum.

Joseph Lawler, Novak ’13, reports on the labor market recovery for the Washington Examiner.

Forrest Conner ’21 is featured in Hometown Station for his participation in the 2021 TFAS D.C. Summer Program.

Carrie Sheffield ’06, Novak ’06, has been named the recipient of the 2021 Tony Blankley Fellowship for Public Policy and American Exceptionalism by the Steamboat Institute.

TFAS professor Dr. Donald Boudreaux coauthors a piece for The Wall Street Journal on how pandemic lockdowns are reemerging.

TFAS regent emeritus Dr. Lee Edwards questions whether Cuba can overcome communism in a piece for Arca Max.

Luci Willits ’95 is running for a seat on the Boise City Council in Boise, Idaho.