Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) and Indiana Humanities are set to host the 10th annual Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium on April 9, 2025. This year’s event, which is free and open to the public, will take a deep dive into the intersections of religion, civic leadership, and the growing polarization of politics in Indianapolis and beyond. Titled “Civic Spirit: Religion and Leadership in Indianapolis,” the symposium invites individuals to explore how faith and civic leadership have shaped the region historically, how they continue to do so, and what challenges lie ahead as religious and political lines become increasingly blurred.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium has established itself as a significant platform for thoughtful discussion on civic life, and the 2025 iteration promises to be no exception. With a decade of successful engagement, this event will highlight the evolving role of religion in public life and how it intersects with the leadership decisions shaping the community. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Schwitzer Student Center on the UIndy campus, conveniently located at 1400 Campus Drive in Indianapolis.
Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities, expressed her enthusiasm for the symposium, noting the opportunity for attendees to delve into important conversations about the relationship between religion and civic life. “It’s a privilege to support conversations that enhance our understanding of the role of religion in civic life,” said Amstutz. “Anyone interested in learning from faith and civic leaders in Indianapolis will benefit from this opportunity.”
This year’s symposium features two engaging panels and a keynote conversation that will bring together a diverse group of thought leaders and community members. The first panel will focus on the historical contributions of religious communities in the formation of Indiana’s civic identity. These discussions will shed light on the foundational impact that faith communities have had on local institutions and the broader fabric of civic engagement in the region.
The second panel will spotlight present-day faith and civic leaders, discussing their work and efforts within Indianapolis to address contemporary challenges. These discussions will provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to gain insight into the ways that faith and civic leadership continue to drive change at the local level.
The event will also feature a keynote conversation between two distinguished speakers: David Campbell, a national expert and founding director of the Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy at the University of Notre Dame, and Greg Shufeldt, professor of political science at UIndy. Together, Campbell and Shufeldt will explore the current political landscape in America, particularly focusing on the “God Gap” — the growing divide between religious and non-religious voters in the nation’s political discourse. Their discussion will highlight the ways that religion has become both a unifying and divisive force in the country’s political life, influencing elections, policies, and public discourse.
Ted Frantz, chair of the University of Indianapolis History department and one of the event organizers, expressed his excitement about this year’s theme, noting the importance of the discussions for both local citizens and students. “I am particularly intrigued about this year’s topic because it is important not only for understanding the social fabric of the greater metropolitan area, but also because it so clearly ties to some of the most important questions that citizens are asking about how they can make a difference,” said Frantz. “As we ask questions of leaders about the roles that faith can and should play in enriching Indianapolis, we also hope to encourage students, alumni, and citizens to reflect on their own understanding of what their beliefs compel them to do.”
The symposium will also provide valuable networking opportunities, as community leaders, faculty, students, and the general public come together to explore these critical issues. Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m., providing a chance for further dialogue and engagement with the panelists and fellow attendees.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP in advance. While the event is free, registering ensures that attendees will have access to the full schedule and resources provided during the symposium. Media representatives are also invited to attend, with interview opportunities available after the keynote conversation and panels.
Parking for the event will be available outside the Schwitzer Student Center, located near the intersection of Hanna Avenue. Those wishing to learn more about the event, its panelists, or register for the symposium can visit the University of Indianapolis website or the event’s dedicated page.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium is hosted by UIndy’s Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives, in collaboration with Indiana Humanities. The symposium is made possible through the generous support of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, whose commitment to promoting civic engagement and leadership has helped foster meaningful conversations like this one for the past decade.
As the Fairbanks Symposium celebrates its 10th anniversary, this year’s event provides an exciting opportunity for individuals in Indianapolis and beyond to reflect on the role of religion in shaping the future of civic leadership. With a wide-ranging discussion of the “God Gap,” the contributions of religious communities, and the intersection of faith and politics, this symposium promises to be a thought-provoking experience for all who attend.
