Washington College Launches Hogan Institute to Promote Principled Leadership and Civic Engagement
Nonpartisanship initiative announced by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan at Historic College’s Commencement will focus on preparing the next generation of citizen leaders.
Gov. Larry Hogan announces his new Institute at Washington College's 2026 commencement ceremony.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Washington College is launching a new initiative aimed at renewing the principles that have long guided American democracy.
The Hogan Institute at Washington College, announced by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan at the 243rd Commencement is being established to advance a return to founding principles and common sense. This nonpartisan initiative, which will launch its formal programming in the fall, will promote leadership rooted in character, respect for institutions, and the discipline to work across differences in pursuit of the common good. The Institute’s focus aligns well with the historic liberal arts college’s mission of graduating citizen leaders who rely on critical thinking, effective communication, and moral courage to enhance and engage with their communities.
The Institute draws inspiration from Governor Hogan’s record of bipartisan governance. His tenure demonstrated that pragmatic, results-oriented leadership can still deliver meaningful outcomes. That example—and the values behind it—will shape the Institute’s approach to leadership development, public service, and civic engagement.
“When we look back at George Washington and the leaders who have shaped this country, we can’t help but yearn for something better and more noble than the politics of today,” said Governor Hogan. “The Hogan Institute will be dedicated to preparing the next generation of citizen leaders and renewing the idea that public service is about a commitment to something greater than ourselves and honoring the trust of those we serve.”
The Institute will offer programming focused on leadership development, civil discourse, and real-world problem-solving. Through workshops, seminars, and public forums, students will engage directly with leaders and practitioners from across all levels of government to gain a clearer understanding of how governing works and how it can work better.
“Since 1782, Washington College has been an incubator for developing the leadership
skills and genuine interest in public service within our graduates that are required
for a truly democratic life,” said Washington College President Bryan Matthews. “Through
this exciting partnership with Governor Hogan, we will be able to give our students
access to learn from one of our country’s true leaders in bi-partisan leadership and
civic engagement.” Matthews was recently named the 32nd president of Washington College.
The Hogan Institute will be committed to advancing Washington College’s founding mission:
preparing graduates for lives of engaged and principled citizenship.
"We teach our students that sustaining democracy requires their active participation. The Hogan Institute will provide them with a new platform to learn the intrinsic value of civic education and engagement from a liberal arts perspective,” said Christine Wade, chair of Washington College’s political science department and the Louis L. Goldstein Chair in Public Affairs. “These are values that generations of Washington College alumni have taken with them into careers in public service and building lives of purpose. This partnership not only enriches our academic and co-curricular offerings but also supports our role as a premier institution for developing the next generation of public servants.”
More information on the Hogan Institute and Washington College can be found at www.washcoll.edu/hogan.
A recording of the commencement livestream and announcement can be found at: https://youtube.com/live/wb3k2CnlN_k?feature=share.
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About Washington College:
Washington College, Maryland’s premier liberal arts college, enrolls approximately 1,000 undergraduates from more than 39 states and territories and 23 nations. Washington is known for outstanding academics in more than 50 academic programs. With an emphasis on experiential learning opportunities across the disciplines, ranging from internships and research to international study and civic engagement, Washington prepares students for successful careers and lives after graduation. The College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, history, and writing as well as the 5,000-acre River and Field Campus, which provides unique research opportunities for students and faculty. Additionally, the recently launched Warehime School of Business at Washington College is redefining business education by blending strategy and economics with a global liberal arts perspective. Launching this fall, Warehime empowers bold thinkers to lead across industries through a curriculum rooted in purpose, world languages, and hands-on experience. Learn more at www.washcoll.edu.