Free Society

The Free Society programming at Hannibal-LaGrange University is focused on promoting the ideals of a free society. We focus on three foundations of a free society, which are democratic form of government, free market economic systems, and cultural institutions, like the church. The speakers we bring to campus and events we host emphasize concepts within these three foundations, often viewing them through the lens of a Biblical worldview, which is central to the mission of Hannibal-LaGrange University.

Free Society programming offers a scholarship for incoming and current students studying Business. One student from each class is selected each year to receive the $3,000 scholarship. Scholars are required to attend all Free Society events and give input and feedback on speakers. Events are free to the public and beneficial to all students studying Business.

For more information on how to apply for the Free Society Scholarship contact freesociety@hlg.edu.

Free Society events are made possible and in partnership with the Moorman Foundation.

Free Society U Podcast

The Free Society U podcast is an opportunity for to have a deeper conversation with our guests on a variety of topics that may come up during their presentation. The casual layout allows the speakers to share more details about their perspective on encouraging a free society.

You can find the episodes on the Free Society YouTube page.

Upcoming Events

March 25, Chloe Cole2026, 6:00 PM - Chloe Cole

National youth advocate and speaker Chloe Cole, will present on the theme “Facing Giants.” The event is part of an ongoing initiative to engage students and the community in thoughtful dialogue surrounding identity, purpose, and the challenges facing today’s generation.

Tickets for the event will go on sale at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, and will be available for purchase at $15 per ticket.

For more information, please contact Charlie McKeon at 573.629.3260 or via email at charlie.mckeon@hlg.edu.

Past Events

 

You can watch any of our past speakers on our YouTube channel.

Fall Semester 2025

Spring Semester 2025

  • Ben Carson -17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Spring Semester 2024

  • Alexander Mallory
  • Riley Gaines – Free Society Speaker Series – 1/31/2024
  • Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey – 3/1/2024

Fall Semester 2023

  • Dirk Deaton – Constitution Day – 9/21/2023
  • Free Society Movie Night – The Hong Konger – 0/2/2023
  • Dr. Tawni Ferrarini – “Democratic Socialism versus Capitalism”
    Free Society Speaker Series – 11/9/2023

Spring Semester 2023

  • Free Society Event: Finance Feud – 3/6/2023
  • Free Society Movie Night – The Birth of Freedom – 3/7/2023
  • Dr. Tawni Ferrarini  – Free Society Speaker Series – 3/23/2023
  • Free Society Reading Group – 3/26/2023
  • Free Society Scholarship Presentations – 4/17/2023
  • Yeonmi Park – Free Society Speaker Series – 4/25/2023

Fall Semester 2022

  • Tri-State Development Summit at Culver Stockton College – 9/16/2022
  • Dr. Doug Richey – Constitution Day –  9/19/2022
  • Cindy O’Laughlin – Free Society Speaker Series – 10/11/2022
  • Free Society Movie Night – Poverty Inc. – 11/7/2022
  • Free Society Reading Group – 11/20/2022

Spring Semester 2022

  • Rachel Ferguson – “Black Liberation Through the Marketplace”
    Free Society Speaker Series – 2/22/2022
  • Scott Hall & Kayla Meier – Free Society Foundations Lecture – 3/3/2022
  • Free Society Reading Group – 3/5/2022
  • James Whitford – “The Pervasive Problem of Misguided Compassion” –
    Free Society Speaker Series –3/22/2022
  • Hannah Stolze – Free Society Speaker Series – 4/18/2022
  • Cassidy Winters – Free Society Speaker Series – 4/22/2022

Fall Semester 2021

  • Jeffery J. Ventrella – Constitution Day Speaker Series –  9/7/2021
  • David Roland – Constitution Day Speaker Series – 9/16/2021
  • Free Society Movie Night (10/26/2021) – “What is an Entrepreneur?”, “The Conditions for Entrepreneurship” and “The Impact of Entrepreneurship”.
  • Free Society Reading Group – 11/6/2021
  • Scott Hall – “Does the Bible Teach Socialism?” – Free Society Lecture – 11/19/2021

For more information about Free Society or the Speaker Series at HLGU, email FreeSociety@hlg.edu or call 573-629-3260.