Center for Economic Freedom

Exploring the impact of economic freedom on prosperity and growth. Founded in May 2017 and directed by Dr. Alice Louise Kassens.

The role of economic freedom in encouraging prosperity and growth is a long-debated principle. The mission of the Center for Economic Freedom at Roanoke College is to explore this principle with the Roanoke College community in a liberal arts setting. Through reading, writing, discussion, and lecture we seek to examine the classically liberal knowledge base and develop the critical thinking and communication skills to share findings effectively with others.

09/01/2025

We are thrilled to announce that the fall 2025 David L. Guy Lecture will be given by Magatte Wade on September 29 at 7:00 in Olin Theater! We look forward to hearing what this superwoman has to share with us. Join us!

Read her best-selling book "The Heart of a Cheetah" ahead of time to get ready.

09/07/2023

05/19/2023

Yeonmi Park gave the David L. Guy `75 lecture in March. CSPAN was on campus to film it for an episode of Book TV. Watch it here:

While Time Remains North Korean defector and human rights advocate Yeonmi Park talked about political indoctrination and censorship in the United States. This event, held at Roanoke College in Virginia, was hosted by Young America's Foundation.

North Korean defector and author speaks at Roanoke College

03/24/2023

We had a wonderful evening with Yeonmi Park on Monday. Read about it here:

North Korean defector and author speaks at Roanoke College Yeonmi Park engaged a packed crowd about her incredible journey as part of the David L. Guy Lecture Series.

03/16/2023

We are thrilled to host Yeonmi Park as the spring 2023 David L. Guy Lecture on Monday March 20th at 7:00 PM in the Wortmann Ballroom. No tickets are required.

09/16/2022

Due to a complication from surgery, Mr. Forbes needed to reschedule his visit to Roanoke College. He will now be giving the David L. Guy Lecture on Tuesday November 15 at 7:00 PM in the Cregger Center. Tickets are still required, but are free of charge. You can pick up a ticket from the Colket Center Information Desk starting Monday November 7. We look forward to seeing you and sharing this exciting evening.

08/12/2022

We are thrilled to announce Steve Forbes as the next David L. Guy Lecturer. Mr. Forbes will be at Roanoke College September 20th. The lecture is at 7:00 PM in Olin Theater. Tickets are required but free of charge (available at the Colket Center Information Desk September 12.)

04/07/2022

Stickers are here!

About 3 inches wide and 1.5 inches tall, durable vinyl.

If you live in the US and want a sticker (and promise you will put it to good use), email the Center Director, Alice Kassens (kassens at roanoke dot edu), and she will send you one free of charge. You will need to give her a mailing address of course.