Shaping Future Leaders: 18th Annual High School Ethics Forum
The 18th Annual High School Ethics Forum, hosted by the Center for Leadership Ethics in the Eller College of Management, took place on February 14, 2025, and was the largest one yet with roughly 125 student participants. For the first time, students from Santa Cruz County joined their peers from Tucson, making it a regional event that emphasized the significance of ethical decision-making.
Humberto Lopez
Sponsored by the Better Business Bureau, Vantage West, and the HSL Family Foundation, the forum gave students a valuable opportunity to hear from business and community leaders. Eller College Dean and Halle Chair in Leadership, Karthik Kannan, opened the event with remarks highlighting the role of ethics in every stage of life. “Whether you’re in high school, college, or a business leader, it is so important to make ethical decisions,” he stated. He also reinforced Karl Eller’s well-known mantra: “Integrity is all you’ve got.”
Tucson businessman and long-time supporter of the Eller College, Humberto Lopez, addressed the students on the true meaning of success. He emphasized that success is not only about financial gain but about discovering one’s passion. He also shared essential principles for achieving success, including hard work, integrity, perseverance, passion, respect, humility, mentorship, and the willingness to take risks and learn from failure. Additional speakers included John Bruflat from Vantage West and Irene Coppola from the Better Business Bureau. Coppola, the keynote speaker, talked about the importance of staying vigilant in today’s digital landscape, warning students about social media and internet scams.
Schools that participated in this year's High School Ethics Forum were:
- Ajo High School
- San Miguel High School
- Desert View High School
- Sunnyside High School
- Emerging Leaders of Santa Cruz
- Tanque Verde High School
- Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
- Tucson High Magnet School.
“Students from the Emerging Leaders of Santa Cruz had a highly valuable learning experience while attending the Forum," stated Rodolfo Martinez Morales, cooperative extension director in Santa Cruz County. "They acquired knowledge on ethics principles which is a very important aspect on successful professional development and leadership.”
Michael Fricke, associate director of the Center for Leadership Ethics
Superintendent of the Ajo Unified School District, Roman Soltero, also reflected on the experience his students had: "The Student Council Leaders from Ajo High School represented Ajo Unified School District with pride and distinction. Our Senior Red Raiders were excited and thoroughly embraced this brand new opportunity. This was Ajo’s first time participating in the High School Ethics Forum and they truly valued the exposure. Ajo Unified School District will remember this great opportunity and we look forward to a strong and lasting partnership with Dr. Paul Melendez and with the Eller College of Management."
With its record-breaking attendance and impactful discussions, the High School Ethics Forum left students inspired and better equipped to navigate ethical challenges in their future careers and personal lives. This year’s event set a new benchmark, and anticipation is already building for what’s to come.