E. James Holland Symposium on American Values
The symposium is named in honor of its creator, E. James Holland, retired dean of the ASU College of Liberal and Fine Arts, and is designed to bring the ASU community and the public together to reflect on issues related to the country’s values.
The E. James Holland Symposium on American Values has brought more than 50 knowledgeable and sometimes provocative figures from the front lines of American culture and society to the ASU campus to spark discussion on a wide range of topics. Pop culture, politics, entertainment, immigration, foreign policy and violence provide a sampling of the subjects covered in the annual lecture.
Holland Symposium speakers have included noted scholars in a variety of fields, including ecology, sociology, psychology, political science, education and business.
2025 Symposium
The Good Energy Club: Using Play, Connection and Flow to Transform Engagement
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt the energy - whether it was uplifting and contagious or draining and heavy? The way we show up impacts not just ourselves, but everyone around us. In an academic environment where stress, deadlines and expectations run high, energy isn’t just about enthusiasm - it’s a tool for success.
Join Sarah Collins for a dynamic, interactive session that will challenge you to rethink how you cultivate and share your energy. Through engaging stories, research-backed insights and hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to harness the power of play, connection and flow to boost engagement, foster collaboration and create a culture where positivity thrives.
Whether you’re a student navigating campus life, a faculty member shaping the next generation, a staff member supporting your institution or a community member thinking about the way you lead, this session will leave you with simple, actionable strategies to elevate your energy, build stronger relationships and inspire those around you.
Let’s start building your Good Energy Club - because when we bring our best energy, everyone benefits.
Upcoming Presentations
About the Speaker
With over a decade of experience in leadership development, coaching and team dynamics, Collins has worked with companies across industries, from corporate teams to healthcare organizations and educational institutions. She is known for her engaging, interactive approach that blends positive psychology, strengths-based development and practical strategies that audiences can immediately apply. Her ability to bring research-backed insights to life with humor, storytelling and hands-on activities has made her a favorite among leaders and teams looking to create lasting impact.
Collins’ work is centered on the belief that when people play to their strengths, recognize the contributions of others and cultivate a culture of good energy, both individuals and organizations thrive. She is also the co-host of the “Strengths on Fire” podcast, where she shares insights and conversations on professional growth, leadership and personal development.
Looking for More?
Dive deeper into The Good Energy Club with our research guide. Created by ASU library staff with Sarah Collins, it connects you to book recommendations, podcasts and other great resources.
Contact Information
For more information about the symposium, contact: