UNO Hosts Chuck Hagel Forum with Eric H. Holder Jr.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and the Atlantic Council welcomed former U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Thursday, April 4, for the sixth annual Chuck Hagel Forum in Global Leadership.

This event invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community to engage with global leaders as they explore the world’s critical issues and the importance of leadership as they look to the future.

Holder shared his enthusiasm for engaging with university students and future leaders. “This is a proving ground for ideas and for vital policy solutions,” he said. “These types of gatherings serve as a repository, not only of our national memory, but also as an incubator for the path forward.”

He encouraged the audience to consider the choices and impacts of the past when acting for the future. He discussed major events of 1963, a year of turmoil and change that led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act in following years.

His particular focus was on the idea of progress and the pace at which it moves. Noting that it was the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, Holder questioned how close the U.S. is to reaching “the promised land” of a more perfect union that King worked toward. He pointed to some moments of major reform in the U.S. that required bold leadership. He expressed dissatisfaction with the otherwise slow crawl of progress through the lives of activists, presidents, and his own loved ones.

“So, I hope you, like me, will leave this place later this evening feeling impatient. Inspired and impatient…Do not be satisfied with progress.”

The event then moved to a discussion between Hagel and Holder with questions from students, moderated by Jody Neathery-Castro, Ph.D.

Hagel and Holder were asked about what motivates them to work in public service, their shared time as members of President Obama’s Cabinet, the role of the U.S. in global conflicts, voting rights, and cultivating a value of civic engagement.

Hagel said that he stays motivated in his work by looking forward and trying to be better each day. “I was never afraid to try new things. Some things I was not very good at and I didn’t do well. But that didn’t stop me from trying,” he said. “Young people, they need to experiment a little bit. I think that develops not only character, but also courage and self-confidence if you continue to do that.”

When discussing their time serving on President Obama’s Cabinet, they agreed that their priority was serving the country. Their opposing political party affiliations did not matter because they were working together to produce long-term solutions to problems.

Regarding questions about the role of the U.S. in global conflicts, they said that there were no quick or simple answers. They talked about the necessity of good relationships with allies, the consequences of allowing continued war in Ukraine, and the complex negotiations and tactics needed in the Middle East.

The last topic of the night was about encouraging young people to see the value of civic engagement and being leaders.

Hagel said that he tries to make it as accessible as possible so that it does not seem overwhelming. “You don’t have to run for office, or be an attorney general, or do all the things that you can do to be fulfilled,” he explained. “Service is about your community, your family, your friends. Don’t you want to help build a better community, a better life for people?”

Calling back to his beginning statements, Holder reminded the audience to look at history. “Young people should understand that the great social movements in this nation have always been led by young people. There’s not a notion that you’ve got to be, you know, gray-haired to be effective and to have an impact.”

Holder urged students to use their power and voice to make the world better. “A motivated, focused, committed group of young people can change the direction of the nation and change the world.”

Watch the Event

If you were unable to attend the forum, or would like to watch it again, the Atlantic Council will broadcast the recording of the event to their website, YouTube, and social media channels on Tuesday, April 9, at 1 P.M. The following day, the video will shared on the The Chuck Hagel Forum in Global Leadership website.