(Music)
Freedom is very rare in history.
It's a jewel.
And so, as such, it's incumbent on us who live in a free society
to know history, to study it, to
study how freedom in the past was secured for the first time
and then how freedom was maintained through the years, through the decades, the centuries,
then how freedom was lost. 
The School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies
prepares you to think about the power of decisions in history, 
and the power of decisions in our politics. 
You will be prepared to be a good decision-maker, 
whether you pursue a career in politics or in some other avenue. 
What's inspiring about it is our students. 
They're getting a wonderful educational experience, they're involved, 
and they energize us. 
(Music)
The professors in the program really care about the
academic and professional goals of their students,
and they really make an effort to show them
how they can achieve those goals.
All in all, I became a better citizen of my community
after joining Political Thought and Leadership. 
And now, in society, I feel more equipped
and more prepared for the future ahead.
Many students who do the certificate in Political History and Leadership
are students in history, philosophy, or religious studies. 
But we have students from all over the campus who want to come and
take part in this wonderful program. 
And we are delighted to welcome all of you here. 
You make our community that much richer
by spending time with us.
And we hope that spending time here with our faculty 
in History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies
can help you to broaden your experience at ASU, 
and your path to becoming someone who is knowledgeable in the ways of
political decision-making and political history. 
So success for me is where students will graduate from Arizona State University, 
and for them years later to remember this program 
as a program that's still within them,
this desire, this thirst to be change-agents
in society, in the world, in politics.
Whatever avenue they take, 
we want them to remember their time here, 
to remember the experiences they had with the faculty, 
but also with the fellow students.
