Navigating the many stressors of our modern world can be like venturing into a great darkness. These challenges are often filled with uncertainty that leaves us blind to what could be up ahead. In our darkest moments, we call on shining beacons of hope to light our way. Our 2026 conference theme, Radiance, evokes those beautiful moments when we find or create the lights in our lives.
The word “radiance” denotes the brilliance of light. It’s the warmth of connection, the passion behind ideas, and the resilience to shine even in the face of darkness. It reveals truths, sparks imagination, and guides us forward. Sometimes, radiance is innate: a talent, conviction, or joy that lives within us. Other times, it is kindled by passion, struggle, or by the people and experiences that challenge us to grow. Visually, radiance manifests in the simple prism: light refracted through one angle explodes into vibrant rainbow hues. The prism represents how just one person, one ray of light, can rebound into the lives of so many others.
Our speakers will share stories of resilience, creativity, and discovery, and examine what it means to shine in both moments of triumph and adversity.
2026 Speaker Lineup:
- Lisa Bee | CEO and co-founder of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
- John Pasquale | Director of U-M Marching and Athletic Bands
- Baktygul Chynybaeva | Award-winning human rights journalist
- Catherine Badgley | U-M Ecology and Evolutionary Biology professor
- Klementina Sula | Networking expert and U-M lecturer
- Kyle Fraser | Winner of Season 48 of CBS’ Survivor
- Carol Hutchins | Winningest coach in U-M sports history
- Frederick Richard | Olympic bronze medalist in gymnastics and Paul Juda | Olympic bronze medalist and U-M gymnast
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