Annual Gala Honoring Gov. Ron DeSantis
An evening of patriotism and conviviality, honoring the work of longtime patriot and tireless defender of America and her founding principles—our 2021 honoree, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Also featuring Michael Knowles, conservative commentator, media host, and Claremont Fellowship alumnus, as the Master of Ceremonies.
Watch the full event video here.
Speakers
Ryan P. Williams
President, Claremont Institute
Prior to becoming president in 2017, Mr. Williams held positions at the Claremont Institute as Chief Operating Officer, Director of Programs, Director of Special Projects, Assistant Director of Programs, and Research Assistant. He has taught American politics and political philosophy as an adjunct professor at California State University, San Bernardino and Cal Poly Pomona. A 2004 Publius Fellow of the Claremont Institute, Mr. Williams holds a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Hillsdale College and an M.A. in Politics from Claremont Graduate University. A native of Southern California, he was born in Santa Monica before moving to Encinitas in north county San Diego. He is the Publisher of The American Mind. He now resides in Claremont with his wife Amelia and their son.
Ron DeSantis
Governor of Florida
Ron DeSantis is the 46th Governor of the State of Florida. Since taking office, he has expanded education opportunities, improved the state’s water resources and Everglades, championed vocational training, bolstered public safety, fostered health care innovation, assisted with hurricane recovery, promoted infrastructure development and supported veterans.
Governor DeSantis attended Yale University, where he captained the university baseball team and graduated magna cum laude. He also gradated with honors from Harvard Law School. While there, he earned a commission in the U.S. Navy as a JAG Officer. During his service, then-Lieutenant DeSantis deployed to Iraq as an advisor to a U.S. Navy SEAL Commander, receiving military decorations including the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.
Prior to serving as Governor, DeSantis served as the U.S. Congressman for Florida’s 6th District. As Chairman of the National Security Subcommittee, DeSantis spearheaded efforts to reform the VA, combat terrorism, identify government waste and relocate the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. As a Congressman, DeSantis championed term limits, fiscal responsibility with a strong national defense.
He is married to First Lady Casey DeSantis; they are the proud parents of three children: Madison, Mason, and Mamie. They are the youngest family living in the Florida Governor’s Mansion in nearly fifty years.
Governor DeSantis attended Yale University, where he captained the university baseball team and graduated magna cum laude. He also gradated with honors from Harvard Law School. While there, he earned a commission in the U.S. Navy as a JAG Officer. During his service, then-Lieutenant DeSantis deployed to Iraq as an advisor to a U.S. Navy SEAL Commander, receiving military decorations including the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.
Prior to serving as Governor, DeSantis served as the U.S. Congressman for Florida’s 6th District. As Chairman of the National Security Subcommittee, DeSantis spearheaded efforts to reform the VA, combat terrorism, identify government waste and relocate the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. As a Congressman, DeSantis championed term limits, fiscal responsibility with a strong national defense.
He is married to First Lady Casey DeSantis; they are the proud parents of three children: Madison, Mason, and Mamie. They are the youngest family living in the Florida Governor’s Mansion in nearly fifty years.
Michael Knowles
Host, "The Michael Knowles Show"
Michael is the celebrated host of “The Michael Knowles Show” at the Daily Wire, “The Book Club” at PragerU, and “Verdict with Ted Cruz.”
In 2017, Michael published the №1 national bestselling treatise Reasons to Vote for Democrats, which President Donald Trump hailed as “a great book for your reading enjoyment.” Earlier this year, his latest book Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds was released. Michael is a graduate of Yale University and has lectured on college campuses around the country.
In 2017, Michael published the №1 national bestselling treatise Reasons to Vote for Democrats, which President Donald Trump hailed as “a great book for your reading enjoyment.” Earlier this year, his latest book Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds was released. Michael is a graduate of Yale University and has lectured on college campuses around the country.
