Betsy DeVos
A Grand Rapids native, Betsy DeVos is a proven leader, an innovator, a disruptor and an advocate. In education, in business and in politics, Betsy has been a pioneer in fighting to remove barriers, to enact change and to create environments where people have the opportunity to thrive.
She currently serves as the 11th United States Secretary of Education. Prior to her confirmation, DeVos served as the chairman of The Windquest Group for more than 20 years. From 1995 to 2005, Betsy DeVos sat on the Acton Institute’s board of directors, and served numerous local educational and philanthropic organizations. She is married to entrepreneur, philanthropist and community activist Dick DeVos, and together they have four children and six grandchildren. We are greatly pleased to welcome Betsy back to Grand Rapids for this special occasion.
Rev. Robert A. Sirico
Rev. Robert A. Sirico is the president and co-founder of the Acton Institute and the pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, both in Grand Rapids, MI. A regular writer and commentator on religious, political, economic, and social issues, Rev. Sirico's contributions have been carried by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Washington Times, CNN, ABC, CBS, NPR, and the BBC, among others. In his recent book, Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy, Rev. Sirico shows how a free economy is not only the best way to meet society's material needs but also the surest protection of human dignity against government encroachment. Rev. Sirico holds dual American and Italian citizenship.
