Gwartney Institute

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Gwartney Institute Poverty sucks. It sucks the life and dignity out of people keeping them from being able to lead lives that flourish. Explore evidence that creates change!

Dr. McCullough moderated a panel discussion that was titled, “Data Center Costs and Benefits”.   Data centers are a hot ...
10/15/2026

Dr. McCullough moderated a panel discussion that was titled, “Data Center Costs and Benefits”. Data centers are a hot topic currently because of the complexity of both the costs and benefits citizens need to reason through. “There are costs and/or benefits to one city that may not apply to another community” was notable comment that came out in discussion. Thank you to our panelists, Dr. Paul Byrne and Josh Svaty, and our moderator for sharing their insights and helping foster an engaging conversation about the costs, benefits, and future of data center development in our communities. The property tax benefit to Ottawa households is significant.

Winner of Nobel Prize in Economics, Friedrich von Hayek is one of the 20th century’s greatest intellectuals.  His work i...
10/12/2026

Winner of Nobel Prize in Economics, Friedrich von Hayek is one of the 20th century’s greatest intellectuals.

His work is widely cited by libertarians, conservatives, and classical liberals, all of whom claim him as a major influence.

So, what did Hayek have to say, and why is he still relevant?

Tune in to find out!

Amy Gwartney and her sister Donna visited Russ McCullough and Gwartney Institute team.  The three are pictured standing ...
10/06/2026

Amy Gwartney and her sister Donna visited Russ McCullough and Gwartney Institute team. The three are pictured standing in front of an ad tower the Institute has to highlight the Gwartney’s contribution to the school and the world. The tower boasts a story written by Russ of Jim and Amy who met at Ottawa University. It also has an interactive screen that allows users to learn about Economic Freedom around the world through the Fraser Institute’s website.
Russ stated, “It is always a treat to visit with Amy and reminisce about Jim. I worked closely with Jim in 2017 to develop the Gwartney Institute and carry on the legacy Jim left in helping people understand the importance of individual economic freedom. I was honored to have Amy and Donna add us to their fall road trip.”

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Justin leads a discussion centered on one of his favorite philosophers, the 19th Century’s Great Dane, Soren Kierkegaard...
10/05/2026

Justin leads a discussion centered on one of his favorite philosophers, the 19th Century’s Great Dane, Soren Kierkegaard.

Kierkegaard is a difficult, perceptive, and prescient philosopher whose popularity has steadily been on the rise, and whose insights inform many contemporary debates across many disciplines. Find out what all the fuss is about!

Eleven OU students traveled to the State Capitol of Kansas with Dr. Russ McCullough to listen and discuss Economic Freed...
10/01/2026

Eleven OU students traveled to the State Capitol of Kansas with Dr. Russ McCullough to listen and discuss Economic Freedom with Dr. Peter Jacobsen, Otto Professor at the University of Kansas and Affiliate Scholar of the Gwartney Institute.
This was part of our lecture series on Liberty with the Pearson Eby Liberty Academy.
After the event we all went to Chipotle for a fun meal together where we could further connect with meaningful conversations.

Peter leads a discussion centered on the upcoming midterm elections here in the US of A.  Is there a blue wave incoming?...
09/28/2026

Peter leads a discussion centered on the upcoming midterm elections here in the US of A.

Is there a blue wave incoming? A red one? Why?

Join in for an informative discussion about political coalitions and disappointment.

What is the evidence that economic freedom promotes human flourishing? How do fiscal policy, monetary policy, and intern...
09/21/2026

What is the evidence that economic freedom promotes human flourishing? How do fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade policy impact economic freedom and outcomes such as poverty, healthcare, and life expectancy?

Whether you're new to these ideas or looking to deepen your understanding, this discussion will provide valuable insights into the foundations of economic liberty.

What does Costco have to tell us about America?The Gwartney Institute's leading Costco Fanboy, Justin, leads a discussio...
09/21/2026

What does Costco have to tell us about America?

The Gwartney Institute's leading Costco Fanboy, Justin, leads a discussion about all things Costco. The episode includes some mind-boggling information about all the ways Costco benefits Americans who don't even shop there (even though he thinks they should).

So, scrounge up six quarters, get yourself a hot dog and a soft drink, and settle in for a discussion of the wonders of American capitalism as seen through America's best retailer: Costco Wholesale.

Peter leads a discussion about a recent fiasco involving AI agents acting autonomously and in concert to fulfill their o...
09/14/2026

Peter leads a discussion about a recent fiasco involving AI agents acting autonomously and in concert to fulfill their own goals.

Is artificial intelligence coming for us all next, or is this just more hysteria about new technology? Tune in to find out!

Justin and Russ discuss an article titled '10 Things Classy People Never Do', which of course implicates them both.  Are...
09/07/2026

Justin and Russ discuss an article titled '10 Things Classy People Never Do', which of course implicates them both.

Are you, like Justin and Russ, inadvertently advertising your low class to those around you? Join in for a fun discussion and learn how to pass as someone with class (especially if you aren't!).

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1001 S Cedar Street
Ottawa, KS
66067

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