Why ethics matters: CMU’s 4th annual ethics summit

Now in its fourth year, the Central Michigan University Ethics Summit continues its mission of equipping students with a strong ethical foundation for both their personal and professional lives. Each year, this free, high-impact event connects students with top minds in ethical leadership and peers who share a commitment to integrity in business and beyond.

This year’s event will take place in the Grawn Atrium on Friday, Feb. 21, with check-in beginning at 11:15 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be provided for attendees.

Meet this year’s keynote speaker: Dr. Andrew V. Abela

The 2025 Ethics Summit will feature Dr. Andrew V. Abela, dean of the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America and author of Super Habits: The Universal System for a Successful Life. A nationally recognized expert in business ethics, Dr. Abela will discuss how virtuous habits can transform both personal and professional success. His insights will provide students with actionable strategies for navigating ethical challenges in their careers and beyond.

Championing ethical leadership at CMU

The Ethics Summit is made possible through the generosity of CMU alumnus and retired corporate attorney Jay Hughes, ‘76, and his wife Diane, ‘78. The couple has dedicated time and resources to ensuring ethics remains a core discussion in business education.

"We need to educate our future business leaders that ethical decision-making isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for business and creates long-term value," Hughes said.

For Hughes, the summit is a way to instill ethical decision-making as a lifelong skill for CMU students. He believes Dr. Abela’s approach will resonate with students, offering practical insights that challenge them to become the best versions of themselves.

"We are deeply grateful to Jay and Diane Hughes for establishing our ethics endowment six years ago," said College of Business Administration dean Chris Moberg. "The endowment’s signature event, the Ethics Summit, is dedicated to student development and open to the entire campus community. This year’s summit features nationally recognized speaker Andrew Abela, whose latest book distills centuries of research into a practical guide for building habits that foster wellness, fulfillment, and work-life balance in an ever-changing and time-crunched world."

Join us for the Ethics Summit

The Ethics Summit offers an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, learn from experts, and develop ethical leadership skills that will shape your career. This event is free and open to all CMU students.

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your ethical leadership skills—register here to secure your spot today!