Restoring Neighborliness: Democracy. Community. Ethics. With former Governor Ed Schafer
Thu, Jan 15
|Zoom
Join us for a thoughtful conversation that invites reflection, renews hope, and explores how civility can once again guide public leadership and community life.
TIME & LOCATION
Jan 15, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST
Zoom
ABOUT
Virtual Lecture with Former ND State Governor Ed Shafer
Thursday Jan 15, 2026 | Noon-1 pm CT | Zoom
Moderator: Larry Skogen
What happened to civility in public life—and how do we get it back?
Join former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer for a thoughtful, one-hour virtual event exploring the role of civility in governance and society. Drawing from his time leading the Schafer Administration, Governor Schafer will discuss how his team approached issues of respect, public trust, and productive dialogue, and how those values have changed in today’s polarized climate.
He’ll reflect on the cultural and political shifts that have contributed to the erosion of civility and offer ideas on how individuals, communities, and leaders can help restore it. The lecture will conclude with a live Q&A session with attendees.
About Governor Ed Shafer:
Ed Schafer is one of the few leaders with proven success in both business and government. Twice elected Governor of North Dakota and later serving as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, he strengthened the state’s economy, modernized agencies, and advanced sound fiscal policies. As president of Gold Seal Company, Ed grew sales by 50% and tripled the company’s value. He also launched and sold several successful entrepreneurial ventures. A graduate of the University of North Dakota with an MBA from the University of Denver, Ed continues to serve on corporate boards and civic organizations while promoting innovation and community growth.
Moderator Dr. Larry Skogen is a historian and former president of Bismarck State College. A U.S. Air Force veteran and scholar of U.S. Indian education policy, he is the author of the two-volume series To Educate American Indians: Selected Writings from the National Educational Association’s Department of Indian Education, 1900–1909. Dr. Skogen's work explores the complex legacy of early 20th-century federal education efforts and their impact on Native communities. He continues to write, teach, and speak on history, leadership, and democratic values.