Welcome to the Alexander Hamilton Fellowship Program!
The economic crises of the 21st century call for a new generation of Christian leaders with the knowledge and understanding of the principles of economic and political liberty.
To help answer this call, the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation is funding a distinct and advanced learning opportunity to a select number of undergraduate students at Regent University — the Alexander Hamilton Fellowship. Students selected to participate in this program critically explore books and ideas that address the relationship between Christianity, public policy, and a market-based economy.
The ten meetings held are rigorous but informal, beginning with a meal provided by the Koch Foundation and then moving into the evening’s discussion. The meetings will be held beginning the week of March 11, 2024, and ending the week beginning April 29, 2024.
In addition, during the course of the program, a prominent speaker will be hosted to interact with the students concerning issues of faith, vocation, and economics. Previous speakers have included Dan Forest, then-Lt. Gov. of North Carolina; the Hon. Doug Bandow, former Special Assistant to President Reagan; and the Hon. Bill Wichterman, former Special Assistant to Pres. George W. Bush.
Junior and senior students who wish to be included in the program must apply for the opportunity to be selected as one in a group of 20 participants. The course can be taken as a one credit option for qualifying students. It is also open to Honors students, who may take it for one credit OR six LIFE Points for their participation. The Alexander Hamilton Fellowship is recognized at graduation as a distinct honor.
For more information about the Alexander Hamilton Fellowship, please email Dr. Robert Schwarzwalder at rschwarzwald@regent.edu.
Mission
The Alexander Hamilton Fellowship exists to develop Christian leaders who will work to preserve political and economic liberty in the 21st century.
Objectives
Students in the Alexander Hamilton Fellowship will:
- Study and comprehend the conditions favorable to economic prosperity and political freedom through study of books in the classical liberal tradition.
- Explore and evaluate the legal, religious, and sociological conditions favorable to economic prosperity and political freedom.
- Apply biblical principles to questions of political theory and economic thought through the exploration of how these principles and a biblical anthropology inform these topics.
- Select students may apply to attend the Acton University program in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 24-27, 2024. Acton University offers more than 100 course taught dozens of leading experts in their fields to advance greater integration of sound economic, business, theological, and intellectual understanding.
Students will receive their books and other readings free of charge. The first meeting will be the week of March 11, 2024. The program will conclude the week of April 29, 2024. This year, we will read and discuss the following:
- Bradley, Anne R. and Art Lindsley, Counting the Cost: Christian Perspectives on Capitalism
- Wehner, Peter and Arthur C. Brooks, Wealth and Justice: The Morality of Democratic Capitalism
Articles
A reading packet will be provided students at the first meeting.
ROBERT SCHWARZWALDER, PH.D. (History), UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN, SENIOR LECTURER, GENERAL EDUCATION
Dr. Schwarzwalder’s background and research are focused on the intersection of theology, culture, and politics. His background in public policy has been informed by his service on Capitol Hill, the private sector, and various Christian ministries. His op-eds have been published in numerous national publications, ranging from TIME and U.S. News and World Report to The Washington Stand, The Federalist, and The Public Discourse, as well as scores of newspapers and opinion journals. He has been interviewed on National Public Radio, Fox News, CBN News, and other television and radio programs. Schwarzwalder’s scholarly publications include studies of such issues as Marxism, fatherlessness, pornography, and federal economic policy. He and his wife of 42 years, Valerie, make their home in Virginia Beach and have three adult children.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Students selected to participate in this competitive program will be notified no later than one week following the application deadline.
Please apply to become a fellow of the program if you meet the following criteria:
- You are an undergraduate student who embraces the opportunity to read, think, and talk about important ideas related to politics, economics, and Christianity;
- You are committed to contributing to each discussion;
- You have time to devote to a challenging set of readings;
- You are a person who enjoys discussing ideas;
- You are willing to put your ideas before a group for critical, sometimes passionate discussion;
- You are available for a two-hour meeting on an evening to be determined during the semester and during other times as necessary.
Participants are chosen based upon their application materials. In addition to filling out all application materials, students may be asked to undergo an interview with Dr. Schwarzwalder.
If you wish to be considered for the Alexander Hamilton Program, complete the application form no later than the posted deadline. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
