One of the Thomas S. Foley Institute’s main areas of focus is on public affairs education. The Foley Institute works with many partners to present high-quality symposia and public forums, in person and online, and to bring noted speakers to campus to speak with students and the wider community.
Archived and upcoming event videos can be accessed at the Foley Institute YouTube channel.
The Democratic Resilience Lab
The Democratic Resilience Lab at the Foley Institute supports programming and research on how governance, trust, and communication shape civic engagement and trust in democratic processes, and how institutions adapt to ongoing and emerging challenges.
Thomas S. Foley Distinguished Lecture Series
The Thomas S. Foley Distinguished Lecture Series is committed to spreading powerful ideas. Its purpose is to broaden the educational experience of WSU students and the surrounding community by bringing engaging and influential opinion leaders to campus in encourage thought-provoking discussions and ideas.
Public Forums and Symposia
Panels of experts discuss a variety of current issues. Annual events include the Business Policy Symposium, the Media & Politics Symposium, the Science, Ethics, and Public Policy Series, and an annual policy symposium held in Olympia, WA, with the Washington Secretary of State’s Office.
Coffee & Politics
The Institute’s flagship public affairs series brings policy makers, elected officials, and public commentators to campus to speak with students, faculty, and community members in an informal setting.
Humanities Washington
The Foley Institute in collaboration with Humanities Washington is proud to announce its partnership in providing a Speakers Bureau—a collection of presenters on a variety of topics who are dedicated to nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across Washington state.
Learn more about Humanities Washington