The Ethos and Excellence Conference unites the reflective spirit of the Ethos Symposium with the academic rigor of Celebrate Carroll. Anchored by the university theme of Stewardship, this day invites faculty, staff, students and alumni to showcase scholarships, share stories and engage in meaningful dialogue that embodies Carroll’s Ethos values.

Please refer to CampusGroups for additions and final student academic presentations.

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Continental Breakfast & Gathering with Visual, Interactive & Performing Arts 

9:00 – 9:04 a.m. | Welcome | Provost Eli Hestermann

9:04 – 9:10 a.m. | Opening Invocation | Ashley Lubkeman ’26, Student Senate President; Sam Owens, Staff President; BJ Best, Faculty President

9:10 – 9:30 a.m. | President Cindy Gnadinger | Recognition of Dr. Howard Fuller '62 | Introduction to Opening Fireside Conversation

9:30 – 10:15 a.m. | Opening Fireside Conversation: Stewardship in Public Service: Leadership, Responsibility and Working Across Difference
This fireside conversation brings together Carroll alumni Rep. Andrew Hysell '93 and Rep. Adam Neylon '08 for a dialogue on stewardship in public service. Reflecting their experiences in the Wisconsin State Assembly, they will discuss how respect, collaboration and principled leadership make it possible to work across political lines. Grounded in Carroll’s values, the conversation invites students to consider how civic engagement, dialogue and stewardship shape responsible leadership and public service.

Moderators: Mikel Saavedra '26 (Student) and Nate Dehne '95 (Vice President for Student Life).

10:30– 12:15 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions: Scholarship, Creative Inquiry and Ethos in Practice
Interdisciplinary presentations, faculty and student showcases, community engagement panels and Ethos development sessions will run concurrently throughout this block. Sessions will include:

• Scholarship Showcases – Student and faculty presentations, performances and capstone panels that highlight research, inquiry and creativity.
• Ethos in Practice – Interactive offerings led by internal or external contributors that engage faculty, staff, students and alumni in exploring how the Ethos values can be integrated into teaching, learning, leadership and daily practice.

10:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Poster and Creative Showcase (Campus Center Ballroom)
Ongoing student and faculty posters, visual exhibits and applied learning displays that invite exploration and conversation.

• Delta Sigma Nu inductee names displayed.

12:15 – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own | Break | Reflection
For attendees who will be dining in the Main Dining Room, table prompts and visuals will be on display to encourage reflection on how to live out Carroll’s Ethos in their teaching, learning and work.
 
1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Gary Ellerson | Champions of Industry
Featured speaker Gary Ellerson, former NFL running back for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, alongside moderator Billy Schmid ’17.

• For more information download the PDF.
• Champions of Industry 4/14/26 Live Stream Link

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Conference Closing: Keenan Awards and Reflection
Recognition of the Deirdre M. Keenan Humanities Award for Writing, celebrating outstanding student scholarship from across the University. The conference will conclude with a brief reflection connecting the day's conversations to the theme of Stewardship and the ways these ideas can continue to shape our campus community. A reflective closing conversation that brings the day’s experiences back to the university theme. Participants share key takeaways, commitments and examples of how the theme was embodied throughout the sessions and interactions.

Congratulations to this year's Deirdre M. Keenan Humanities Award for Writing winners:

First place: Liam McMahon
"What’s Happening Brother? How What’s Going On Created the Conditions for Stevie Wonder’s Political and Creative Liberation at Motown"
Faculty mentor: Dr. Abigail Markwyn

Please note we’ll be using CampusGroups for the event and this is where you can find the most up-to-date schedule and information.

You will need to create a quick and easy log-in. This platform serves as the central hub for all event information, ensuring quick and easy access to the event. With everything in one place, staying informed has never been more convenient. To download the app and get started, please follow these steps:

• Download the CampusGroups app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Select "Carroll University"
• Select "Ethos and Excellence Conference" Hub
• Follow the instructions to complete the login and enter the app.