UK Happenings

University of Kentucky Partners With Concordia to Host Inaugural Lexington Summit This November

photo of Lexington skyline with cupola of Young Library in forefront
Mark Cornelison | UK Photo.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 28, 2021) — The University of Kentucky today announces a partnership between three of its academic units and Concordia, the New York-based nonprofit that builds partnerships for social impact. Known for its Annual Summit — the leading nonpartisan gathering alongside the U.N. General Assembly — Concordia engages the world’s most influential leaders in politics, business, and social impact, with past speakers including Presidents Biden, Bush, and Clinton, Prime Minister Blair, Jennifer Lawrence, Christine Lagarde, and Secretary Wilbur Ross.  

The J. David Rosenberg College of Law, the Gatton College of Business and Economics, and the College of Education will work with Concordia to develop the 2021 Lexington Summit, taking place in both a digital and in-person capacity from Nov. 16-18, at the University of Kentucky, in partnership with Rubicon.  

“We look forward to working with Concordia and Rubicon on exploring these critical issues facing our society. This convening in Lexington of world-class scholars, policymakers, and leaders from business, nonprofits, and NGOs will advance thinking on solutions,” commented David W. Blackwell, provost at the University of Kentucky.  

This first-of-its-kind event will explore opportunities for collaboration, progress, and sustainability in the U.S. as the country enters a new era. Crucially, it will convene a variety of voices across the political spectrum and across sectors to advance civil discourse and understanding between the different socioeconomic worlds. Additional themes include workforce development, the impact of global trade, the opioid epidemic, the role of technology in society, and environmental sustainability. 

“The Lexington Summit marks an exciting new direction for Concordia, and one that places education at its core,” remarked Kerry Healey, Ph.D, president of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream and Concordia Leadership Council member. “I’m excited to see Concordia partner with three of the University of Kentucky’s key academic units and provide a platform for our next generation to explore the opportunities facing our nation.” 

Commenting on today’s announcement, Nate Morris, founder and CEO of Rubicon, chairman of the Lexington Summit, and Concordia Leadership Council member, said: “The University of Kentucky is the greatest institution of its kind in Kentucky, and represents the path toward achieving the American Dream for many young Kentuckians and unlocking opportunity for all. I could not be more proud for Rubicon to work with Concordia and the University of Kentucky, and I look forward to addressing the critical issues facing our country today.” 

“With more than 150 years of excellence in education in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the University of Kentucky places its responsibility to its community at its core. At Concordia, we believe that inclusivity is key to driving sustainable progress. Through our partnership with three key colleges at this leading university, I look forward to elevating the voices of our next generation,” commented Concordia’s co-founder and CEO, Matthew Swift. “November’s Lexington Summit will mark the commencement of this critical initiative for Concordia, and we hope to incorporate it into our annual agenda going forward.” 

The 2021 Lexington Summit will build on the conversations and outcomes of the 2021 Annual Summit. Registration for both will open in the coming weeks.  

For press and media inquiries, contact Jay Blanton, UK chief communications officer, at jay.blanton@uky.edu or 859-257-6605.  

About Concordia: Concordia is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that builds meaningful partnerships for positive social impact. As equal parts convener, campaigner, and idea incubator, Concordia is actively fostering cross-sector collaboration to create a more prosperous and sustainable future. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.  

About Rubicon: Rubicon is a software platform that provides smart waste and recycling solutions for businesses and governments worldwide. Using technology to drive environmental innovation, the company helps turn businesses into more sustainable enterprises, and neighborhoods into greener and smarter places to live and work. Rubicon’s mission is to end waste. It helps its partners find economic value in their waste streams and confidently execute on their sustainability goals. Learn more at Rubicon.com. Rubicon’s inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, Toward a Future Without Waste, can be found at Rubicon.com/esg-report/

About University of Kentucky: The University of Kentucky is a public, land-grant university dedicated to improving people's lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service and health care. As Kentucky's flagship institution, the university plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development and human well-being. 

The University of Kentucky: 

  • facilitates learning, informed by scholarship and research; 

  • expands knowledge through research, scholarship and creative activity; and 

  • serves as a global community by disseminating, sharing and applying knowledge. 

The university plays a critical leadership role for the Commonwealth of Kentucky by contributing to the economic development and quality of life within Kentucky's borders and beyond. The university nurtures a diverse community characterized by fairness and equal opportunity. 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.