The 2025 Gupta Values Scholars (GVS) Weekend brought 28 scholarship recipients from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Northern Virginia Community College to Washington, DC for a powerful and timely program centered on the theme “Autocracy vs. Democracy.” It blended service, history, civic engagement, law, and ethics, offering the scholars a space to reflect on their values and leadership during a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
Highlights included a dedicated Zoom session with Congressman Jamie Raskin, offering timely insights into the responsibilities of democratic citizenship; and a volunteering experience at a food hub with Cornerstones, a Foundation-supported non-profit working to combat rising food insecurity in northern Virginia.
This year’s program featured rich discussions led by guest speakers Nick Robinson (Senior Legal Advisor at the International Center for Non-Profit Law), and Nathaniel Green (Professor of History at Northern Virginia Community College).
Scholars took part in a private, docent-led tour of the Smithsonian’s American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith exhibit, deepening their understanding of democracy’s evolving story – made possible by the late Congressman Gerry Connolly, a dear friend of the GVS. The group also engaged in a private, guided walking tour of DC’s iconic memorials and enjoyed a lunch at the historic Willard Hotel.
The theme was made all the more relevant as it coincided with the nationwide Hands Off! protests—peaceful demonstrations in defense of civil liberties.
Throughout the weekend, scholars engaged one another and program leadership in thought-provoking discussions, leaving inspired, informed, and more deeply committed to leading with purpose and integrity.
Watch the video from UM Scholars after GVS 2025 Weekend