USD

The Conference

 

On August 6th 2009 at the University of San Diego, 32 students from across America along with experts in their respective fields, came together for
three days to discuss the institution of marriage; how it stands in today’s society, what challenges and jeopardy it faces and what we, as a free
society, can do to nurture and protect it.

 

The Ruth Institute’s First Annual Student conference was a resounding success.

 

DAY ONE – THE OPENING CEREMONIES

 

The weekend was kicked off with a wonderful Mexican buffet under the stars, with weather in San Diego cooperating nicely.

 

Our Master of Ceremonies was local San Diego attorney Chuck LiMandri, who is also the general DrJCounsel of National Organization for Marriage and the attorney who helped lead the effort to pass Proposition
8. Chuck introduced the speakers for the weekend’s conference and finally Dr. Morse who gave the keynote address for the evening.

 

Our students were given an opportunity to meet one another and enjoy some bufftrelaxing moments with the more than 100 guests in attendance at the dinner, which included many donors and
supporters of the Ruth Institute, as well as numerous members of the clergy and the news media. The entire evening was videotaped. Afterward, the
students and the presenters retired to their rooms at the wonderful housing facility offered by the University of San Diego.

 

DAY TWO — THE SPEAKERS

 

Six renowned presenters — offering perspective from a variety of positions on the issue of marriage — were present to share their wisdom
and counsel with the students. (Note: the slides used by the various professors listed below, if available, are downloadable here, under their respective listings.)

 

 

“…by far the best conference I have ever attended! The information is invaluable, the experience memorable and the constant stream of thoughts on
marriage and its social good have interrupted many of my pondering moments! Hands down — fantastic job!!”

Leah from Texas

 

The students were allowed to break during mid-day for an hour lunch at the fabulous new state of-the-art cafeteria just completed on the USD campus,
where the discussions on marriage continued.

 

The afternoon brought more discussions from medical perspective by Dr. Gary Rose and toward the evening, students were invited to participate in a
Q and A period with the entire faculty in a dais format.

 

By nine o’clock, enervated but enthusiastic, students retired for the evening.