Generous $1 Million Gift to the American Civics Campaign Expands the Nixon Library’s Efforts to Inspire Civic Dialogue and Engagement
YORBA LINDA, Calif. — The Richard Nixon Foundation is proud to announce a transformative $1 million gift from Shaun and Leland Smith in support of the American Civics Campaign, the Foundation’s national initiative dedicated to strengthening civics education and preparing the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.
The announcement was made during a special event at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum on October 19, featuring guest speaker Eric Trump and moderated by Christopher Nixon Cox, grandson of President and Mrs. Nixon and Nixon Foundation Board member.
This landmark contribution establishes the Shaun and Leland Smith Distinguished Speakers Series — a dynamic forum that will bring leading voices in public policy, history, media, and culture to the Nixon Library. The series will host thought-provoking programs designed to inspire civic dialogue, deepen public understanding of American democracy, and encourage active citizenship.
“For more than three decades, Shaun and Leland Smith have been valued members of the Nixon Library community, even attending events with President Nixon,” said Joe Lopez, Acting President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation. “Their extraordinary generosity will ensure that the Nixon Library continues to serve as a national stage for discussions, debate, and the exchange of ideas that shape our country.”
Shaun and Leland Smith’s commitment to faith, family, and country has long guided their civic work. Founders of Service Champions, the Smiths have been friends of the Nixon Library since its earliest days. Their generous contribution to the American Civics Campaign reflects a deep belief in preserving history and inspiring future generations to serve and lead.
Since its opening in 1990, the Nixon Library has welcomed thousands of distinguished speakers, from political leaders and policymakers to journalists to historians, whose presentations and discussions have advanced public understanding and fostered civil discourse. The Smiths’ enduring commitment to the Foundation and its mission makes them a vital part of this legacy.
Upcoming featured events in the Shaun and Leland Smith Distinguished Speakers Series include Fox News Channel’s Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier, Daily Wire Host Michael Knowles and international broadcaster Piers Morgan. Additional events will be announced regularly at nixonfoundation.org/events.
About The Richard Nixon Foundation
The Richard Nixon Foundation is a privately supported, nonprofit, nonpartisan institution that advances President Nixon’s legacy of visionary leadership, international grand strategy, public service, and a more just society for all Americans. The Foundation is based at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, California, and works throughout the country and online by actively encouraging and supporting scholarship, sponsoring programs that engage the public with American civics, creating and promoting educational exhibits rooted in American history, and fostering discussion and debate about America’s 37th president. For additional information, visit www.nixonfoundation.org.
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