Sutherland Institute Honors Brooks and Leavitts
The Utah-based think tank recognized Arthur Brooks and Mike and Jacalyn Leavitt for their leadership and values.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Awards
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The Sutherland Institute held an awards dinner to present honors to Arthur Brooks and the Leavitts. Brooks received the George A. Sutherland Award, while Mike and Jacalyn Leavitt were recognized with the Family Values Award.
Why it matters
The awards highlight the organization's focus on conservative principles and personal values. Speakers emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence and intentional living in maintaining American success.
A survey of students conducted by Arthur Brooks found that 50% are unable to answer questions regarding their core life purpose. The organization also projected that economic, military, and technological strength will define American markers for the next 250 years.
The players
Arthur Brooks
He is a University of Utah Impact Scholar who researches happiness and life purpose.
Mike Leavitt
He is a recipient of the Family Values Award who emphasizes the role of emotional and spiritual intelligence in national success.
Jacalyn Leavitt
She is a recipient of the Family Values Award.
Sutherland Institute
This is a conservative think tank based in Utah that focuses on public policy and cultural values.
The details
During the event, University of Utah Impact Scholar Arthur Brooks advocated for reducing screen time by establishing phone-free meals and setting aside devices at the start and end of each day. Mike Leavitt noted that collaborative, emotional, and spiritual intelligence serve as fundamental pillars for the future of American exceptionalism.
Timeline
2007: Arthur Brooks first visited Utah.
2008: Arthur Brooks observed changes in student response rates.
October 29, 2026: The Sutherland Institute held its awards dinner.
Culture Shift
The recognition of Arthur Brooks extends the Sutherland Institute's conservative public policy agenda by reinforcing its stated intellectual priorities. This event aligns with broader efforts to promote traditional cultural values through the lens of modern intellectual discourse.
Residents may consider adopting the recommended habits of phone-free mealtimes and digital boundaries to improve daily personal focus. These practices serve as a practical application of the values discussed by the award recipients during the event.
The takeaway
Focusing on family and spiritual intelligence may provide a path toward greater life purpose in an era of digital distraction. Implementing deliberate device-free periods at home can help individuals reclaim their attention and deepen their personal connections.
Further reading
Explore more local recognitions and organizational honors in Utah Awards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deseret News.
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