2025 Annual Dinner & Peters Lecture

Join Pioneer Institute on Thursday, October 9, 2025, for the 28th Annual Dinner & Peters Lecture—an evening that honors the legacy of our founder, Lovett C. Peters, and celebrates individuals whose work exemplifies the intersection of intellectual rigor and real-world impact.

We are honored to welcome , Holbert L. Harris Chair of Economics at George Mason University, as this year’s Peters Lecturer. Dr. Cowen is also chairman and faculty director of the Mercatus Center, a Distinguished Senior Fellow in Mercatus’ F.A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, and co-author of the influential economics blog Marginal Revolution. He is the founder of the philanthropic initiatives Emergent Ventures and Fast Grants, as well as the host of the acclaimed podcast Conversations with Tyler.

The author of several bestselling books, including his most recent, —Dr. Cowen will deliver a timely lecture on the role of states as engines of economic dynamism and human flourishing. He will explore how economic freedom, policy innovation, and state-level governance can shape national outcomes, foster vibrant communities, and advance individual potential.

We hope you will join us for this important annual tradition, marked by thought-provoking dialogue and meaningful fellowship.

To inquire about sponsorships please contact Caitlin Marple at Y21hcnBsZSB8IHBpb25lZXJpbnN0aXR1dGUgISBvcmc=