Civil Society, Free Speech, and Leadership - The University Epicenter

Alana Galardo is an experienced marketing leader in the technology industry. She has been recognized as a Salesforce Marketing Champion and Global Trailblazer. Additionally, Alana is a committee member for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game and co-leader for the Indy Marketers User Group. Aside from professionally, she and her husband Brian have four children (including twins) and two fur babies.

“Freedom of inquiry is at the core of the academic enterprise; knowledge advances only when ideas are free to collide and compete. Free speech and tolerance are equally central to responsible citizenship and self-governance. That’s why we insist on these principles as fundamental in the Purdue experience.” Purdue President Mitch Daniels

The class V fellows started our day at Purdue University this past December. As I walked up to the Dauch Alumni Center, it was hard not to notice the bustle of the campus. It was holiday time and students' faces clearly showed that finals were upon them. I knew the day was focused on civil society, free speech, and leadership but what I had yet to consider was how much rich history the very campus I was on had with this topic.

Purdue University, under the leadership of our namesake Mitch Daniels, was the first university to adopt a revision of The Chicago Principles, The Commitment to Freedom of Expression, which is essentially a ranking system on the university’s stance on free speech. During class, Dr. John Gates emphasized the role universities play in essentially being the incubator for free thought, “Universities are a bastion of free speech, the very marketplace for free speech. Universities seek to create great citizens.” Purdue saw this ideology as so fundamental to the university’s existence that it memorialized the principles within the university. Quite profound.

Being a part of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation has changed my perspective on my place in the world. As a seasoned marketer within the private sector, I had yet to really consider a place in public servantry. MDLF has lit a fire in me to be an agent of change for my community by exposing me to topics and people who are beacons of real change in Indiana. It is truly inspiring.

Class V Fellows pose in front of the Boilermaker Special during their December Class Day at Purdue University.