"Mises University 2009"

I want to thank Jeffrey Tucker and the rest of good folks at the Mises Institute for publishing my first article.

Here is an excerpt:

"What is Mises University? It's the premier, educational week-long event at the Ludwig von Mises Institute that provides a systematic introduction to Austrian economics, libertarianism, and classically liberal political theory as a complete integral unit — not to mention forty other intermediate and advanced elective courses to choose from.

I am an alumnus of Mises University, class of 2009, and because of that, I'd like to provide an eager, first-hand, consumer review of Mises University. Toward this end, I'll explain why I feel those young Austrian students who have not yet applied should do so for next year — and as soon as possible!

No one has yet written a review of Mises University written for Mises Daily. A few days into the conference, I decided that I would be the first one to do so. Indeed, I felt an obligation to write, since I knew that there had to be a way to get the word out to the many potential students who might not think to apply otherwise...

...In coming to Auburn, I had assumed that Mises University was really the same as any other conference, perhaps with a greater emphasis on education. However, I was wrong about that, as were many of my colleagues who had arrived with similar assumptions. Holding true to its name, Mises University is like a mini-university. All of the lectures are given in classrooms, libraries, or halls. You have professors walking around everywhere, graduate students working on summer fellowships projects, and all of the resources of the Mises Institute campus at your fingertips.

Students who apply to Mises University are awarded a scholarship that covers dorms, food, and the entry fee. The accommodations and hospitality are wonderful: Awardees of the scholarship stay at Auburn University's Cambridge dormitory, shared with a roommate. Complimentary breakfast is available most days. Every evening after classes, there is dinner followed by either a "Mises Circle" talk or a guest speaker who delivers a speech. (Oh, and when they cater food, it is absolutely delicious — every time.) Following that, there is a social hour on the beautiful backyard patio, where drinks are made available and the conversation carries late into the night.

The social hours are an integral part of Mises University. Unlike other colleges, the professors don't rush off campus once class is over. They want to get to know you. The faculty members are all approachable, smart, and very in-tune with the needs and curiosity of the students.

One quickly grows accustomed to the generosity of the institute, as well as the warm and friendly smiles of the ever-attentive Patricia Barnett, Kristy Holmes, and Barbara Pickard. They are the behind-the-scenes triumvirate who make the week run smoothly.

Oh, and in case you are still wondering: yes, Dr. Thornton is pretty tall...

...Mises University pushes young students to think critically and reassess the party line. Most significantly, it gives students the intellectual ammo to brave mainstream, academic waters. And, it connects them with a network of people they can count as their classmates and colleagues. I can say with certainty that my fellow Mises University graduates are going to return to the academic world and spread the ideas of liberty with a renewed dedication and focus.

Mises University was just one of the small steps that I and many others have to taken in our own careers and vocations for the cause of liberty. In the spirit of Ludwig von Mises and Murray Rothbard — two great teachers who dedicated their lives to educating others —Mises University provides a venue where the accomplished Austrian scholars of today can interact with, teach, and pass on the torch to an incoming generation of academics, thinkers, and leaders of tomorrow's freedom movement..."

Kudos.