George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, spoke to more than 1,600 attendees of the annual High Center Forum on Wednesday evening

The High Center at Elizabethtown College recently hosted George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, as a special guest for its annual High Center Forum on April 16 at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in Lancaster.

President Bush offered leadership lessons to a crowd of more than 1,600 attendees, speaking on the challenges facing the U.S. in the 21st century and the power of freedom during the exclusive conversation.

“Humility is the key to leadership,” President Bush shared with attendees at the forum. “Know what you don’t know. Find the people who do know, and listen to them.”

As Commander in Chief, President Bush worked to expand freedom, opportunity, and security at home and abroad. His Administration reformed America’s education system, restored robust private-sector economic growth and job creation, protected our environment, and pursued a comprehensive strategy to keep America safe after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

After the Presidency, President Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. The Bush Center is home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a nonpartisan public policy and leadership development center.

“We were honored to have President Bush join us for the 30th anniversary of The High Center,” Executive Director of The High Center Mike Mitchell said. “He spoke candidly about his time in office and shared his insights on leadership, humility, and decision making. We left entertained and inspired by his comments!”

President Bush is the author of four bestselling books: “Decision Points,” “41: A Portrait of My Father,” “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” and “Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants.” He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.Held each spring, the High Center Business Forum is the Center’s keynote annual event and includes a half day of seminars followed by an evening dinner and keynote event. The 2025 Business Forum also featured afternoon keynote speaker Rachel DeAlto, CSP – a communication and relatability expert, media personality, and the author of, “relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even if It Scares You).”

About the High Center
Founded in 1995, the High Center serves over 225 family-owned and privately-held businesses as well as nonprofits throughout south-central Pennsylvania and beyond through Executive Peer Groups, Best Practice and Exit Planning surveys, and their Leadership Speaker Series with nationally acclaimed speakers.

More information about the High Center can be found at thehighcenter.com.