CLASS OF 1962 STUDENT ENRICHMENT FUND EVENT FEEDBACK
Speaker – David Brooks
February 24, 2025

As compiled by Alan Loehr, Director of Stewardship 

Student Feedback

“As one of the students who had the honor of interviewing Mr. Brooks on stage, I had an amazing experience. The preparation process helped me grow closer to my CMA counterpart and our adult advisors, making it even more meaningful. It was also a great opportunity to practice my public speaking skills, and I gained a lot of confidence through it.

“Mr. Brooks’ visit had a significant impact on our student body—his message about personal connections really resonated with us. After talking to my classmates, I saw how much they appreciated his advice. I also loved the conversations that happened afterward; they created an environment where people felt comfortable talking to those they hadn’t before. Many of them even told me that they wished we had more of these conversations where we could get to know one another deeper.

“Overall, this was an incredible experience, and I learned so much from it.”

—Emma Butcher, CGA ‘25

“The David Brooks event was truly a meaningful experience for me. Being involved in such a personal way allowed me to reflect more deeply on how character development shapes us as individuals and as a community. Brooks' insights really resonated with me, and it reinforced the importance of connection and empathy in the way we practice leadership here at Culver.”

—Jayden Gilley, CMA ’25

“I had a great time at breakfast and truly enjoyed conversing with the Class of '62 and the people at my table. Engaging in the Q&A session allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of various topics, and hearing David’s responses provided me with a fresh perspective. One key takeaway that resonated with me, especially as a senior preparing for college, was David’s insight that an undergraduate degree does not define one's career opportunities. Additionally, speaking with the Class of '62 and learning from their experiences like how some of them lived in Argone and how south was still there, was incredibly fun to listen to.”

—Alejandra “Ale” Gutierrez, CGA ‘25

“Meeting David Brooks was an awesome experience that really made me think about what it means to truly see and hear others. His talk about deep connections and being present in conversations challenged me to be more intentional in how I engage with people. Reading his book prompted meaningful discussions about our preconceived notions. Getting to meet him in person and hear his perspective was inspiring, and I’m excited to use what I’ve learned to build stronger relationships and be a better listener. Thanks to the Class of ’62 for providing such a valuable experience to the Culver community!”

—Jack Christiansen, CMA ‘25

That day was extremely impactful. Hearing from David Brooks helped to change my perspective on everyday conversations. I was reminded of the importance of actively listening to others, as well as the importance of meaningful conversation. I enjoyed getting to learn more about my classmates later that day. One piece of advice that truly stood out to me was about college. Brooks said, “Pick the college that your friends would pick”. This advice stuck with me because the college process has been hard and this was a good reminder to pick the place that would feel the most like home.

—Jade Springer, CGA ‘25

Faculty Feedback

“David Brooks’ visit to Culver was a dream come true and an inspiration to our students, faculty, and staff. It was truly exciting to have a writer and public intellectual of his stature on campus!  Since I read his book, The Road to Character, I have seen so many connections between his writings and Culver’s mission.  His illuminating talks, latest book-- How to Know a Person, and student discussions not only helped us build stronger social skills and community bonds, but will also form enduring, positive character traits that will guide our students to be better leaders and responsible, caring citizens in the years to come.”

—John Buggeln, Humanities Instructor

“Inspirational" is the best word I can generate to describe our time with David Brooks. His visit inspired adults on campus to try something new in our programming for students by having a reading night the night before his visit — what an awesome way for us to signal that we value reading and also show respect for our visitors by being so intentional in preparing our students for the visit. His Q and A with adults in the morning before the ASM, he inspired me to think more deeply about cultivating character through the teaching of leadership. And then his talk in the ASM inspired the entire campus to try to know one another better through "park bench"-like conversations among students who wouldn't normally move in one another's circles on campus. At a time when it's easy to feel disconnected from others, David Brooks inspired me to make the effort to connect and gave me some tools to do it.”

—Kim Bowman, Humanities Instructor

“I found having David Brooks on campus quite impressive, as I have been a fan of his writing for decades, often finding inspiration, provocation to deeper thought, and a call to live a more engaged life through his writing.

“He is an excellent model for students of a life-long learner who calls us to be… not ‘good people’ but ‘better people’, emphasizing the growth that is always possible. His stories provide us with examples of real life and how no one is perfect, but everyone can be a bit better. Better conversationalists, better illuminators, better social animals, and better people. Brooks is able to share with both student and faculty audiences messages that are equally challenging and uplifting, both recognizing the difficulty of being more patient, curious, and intentional about policing our own failings and appreciating the possibility to be better even in the little moments and gestures of care for the people around us. I am delighted and energized by his call to, and steps to, build character in our daily lives. His messages are all particularly resonant for Culver - that leadership really means moral character, that we can learn from role models, and that we can always choose to be better. Our students have demonstrated their capacity to grow as citizens and leaders of character through active participation in optional ‘Civil Discourse’ talks throughout the school year over topics including gun violence, abortion, immigration, civil rights, the cost of college, and climate change. The faculty and staff have supported this civil discourse practice because we recognize hard, meaningful things do take practice, and that thoughtful, self-reflective, sound leadership is always in the making.”

—Rebecca Hodges, PhD, Senior Instructor, Humanities 

“In David Brooks’s visit, I was able to have major milestones, both personally and professionally. I was able to interact one-on-one with one of my professional heroes, a writer whom I consider a reasonable moderate driven to help Americans find their common ground and common sense. As an educator, I was able to work with my amazing colleagues to create not just a short assembly, but to structure several days around how to practice, maintain, and support community and personal relationships.

“It was the collaborative work of my amazing colleagues that made this event a high point both professionally and personally.”

—Oliver Eaton, Senior Instructor, Humanities