Condoleezza Rice, the former U.S. Secretary of State and seasoned academic, issued a direct call to action for the next generation of leaders during a recent appearance at Auburn University. In a wide-ranging dialogue focused on the fragility and resilience of civic institutions, Rice challenges Auburn students to strengthen democracy by moving beyond passive observation and taking individual, tangible ownership of the democratic process.
The event, part of Auburn’s America 250 semiquincentennial programs, paired Rice with Margaret Hoover, the journalist and author who currently hosts PBS’s Firing Line. Together, they navigated the complexities of modern governance, the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence, and the shifting trends of global democracy, framing the university experience not merely as a path to a degree, but as a training ground for citizenship.
Rice, who brings a unique perspective as both a diplomat and a former provost at Stanford University from 1993 to 1996, argued that the health of a republic depends on the willingness of its citizens to engage with ideas that make them uncomfortable. She described higher education institutions as essential “engines of innovation” that serve a purpose far beyond the production of knowledge.
The University as a Democratic Laboratory
Central to Rice’s argument was the idea that universities are among the few remaining spaces where students can systematically encounter perspectives that challenge their own assumptions. According to Rice, this intellectual friction is not a byproduct of a college education, but its primary democratic value.
She suggested that when students learn to engage thoughtfully with opposing viewpoints, they are practicing the very skills required to sustain a functioning democracy. For Rice, the exchange of differing ideas is the bedrock of a healthy society, and she warned that if democratic systems are to improve and endure, the students in the room must be the ones to sustain them.
“Find the one thing you can do to make your democracy stronger and head out and do it,” Rice told the audience. “It’s yours to keep.”
This emphasis on personal agency resonated with students who are preparing to enter a volatile political and professional landscape. Buckley Nettles, a senior majoring in communication who graduates this May, described the experience as a catalyst for his own civic outlook.
“Having the opportunity to hear from Secretary Rice and Margaret Hoover was an unforgettable experience,” Nettles said. “I left feeling inspired that college students like me have a responsibility to participate in democracy and help move it forward.”
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Participation
The conversation steered through the intersection of technology and civic life, specifically how artificial intelligence might reshape the way citizens interact with information and government. Throughout the discussion, Hoover pushed the dialogue toward the practical application of these theories, asking how a generation raised in a digital echo chamber can return to the “thoughtful engagement” Rice championed.
The dialogue concluded with reflections on the necessity of active participation over theoretical agreement. Owen Beaverstock, a political science senior and former SGA President, noted that the event highlighted the intrinsic value of open discourse in a polarized era.
“Events like tonight remind us how much dialogue matters, how much ideas matter, and that the future of our country is shaped by our willingness to participate in it,” Beaverstock said.
A Glimpse Behind the Diplomat
While the evening was anchored in the weight of civic responsibility, the closing moments offered a more personal glimpse into Rice’s life outside of diplomacy and academia. In a rapid-fire series of questions from Hoover, Rice touched on her personal disciplines and her diverse professional interests.
When asked to compare the discipline required for playing the piano versus playing golf, Rice noted that the piano demands a far greater commitment—a self-deprecating nod to her own golf game. The conversation also touched on her role in professional sports. Rice has been part of the ownership group of the Denver Broncos since 2022.
Responding to a question about whether she is more recognizable at Broncos games or on the Stanford campus, Rice observed that while students certainly know her name, their primary interest is usually more pragmatic: “mostly they just want to get into my class.”
As Auburn continues its semiquincentennial celebrations, the university will host further programs and speakers aimed at reflecting on the American experience and the evolution of its governing institutions. Details on upcoming events can be found through the university’s official America 250 portal.
Do you believe universities are still the primary engines for civic engagement, or has that role shifted to other spaces? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
