Join us for our undergraduate retreat this January in Austin, Texas. Led by Dr. Raul Rodriguez of The LeFrak Forum at Michigan State University, this retreat will explore how a democracy can come to know itself through an examination of de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America.

About the Leader
Raul Rodriguez is the Director of The LeFrak Forum at Michigan State University. He previously served senior fellow at the Civitas Institute and an associate professor in the School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin. He has a B.A. from Furman University and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.

Dr. Rodriguez’s writings have appeared in policy journals such as American Journal of Political Science, American Political Thought, The Political Science Reviewer, and The Review of Politics. One of his more popular works is entitled, “Liberal Democracy Reexamined: Leo Strauss on Alexis de Tocqueville.” His forthcoming book is titled Redeeming Democracy: Tocqueville’s New Liberalism.

About the Retreat

Upon acceptance, you will enjoy an academic retreat that includes:

• Seminar discussions and lectures led by Dr. Raul Rodriguez

• Intentional meals and social time to build friendship and community

• Time with teachers and leaders from the Valor schools in Austin

• Room and board provided ($200 retreat fee and transportation expenses to be covered by the participant)

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

Sponsorship: the Valor Institute is looking for partners to join us in expanding our retreat offerings. Click here to learn more about how you can support the Valor Institute.