FOX News anchor engages Concordia community in conversation on media, politics and public trust.
Students, faculty, staff and community members filled the Todd Wehr Auditorium on the evening of April 21, 2026, to hear from one of the nation’s most recognized news anchors, Bret Baier. As chief political anchor and executive editor of “Special Report with Bret Baier” on FOX News, he visited Concordia University Wisconsin as part of the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics on the Bluff Speaker Series, hosted by the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center within the Batterman School of Business.
The event reflected the series’ ongoing commitment to bring nationally recognized voices to campus, encouraging thoughtful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the ideas shaping public life.
“Due to the generosity of our donors, this speaker series allows us to bring nationally-known speakers to campus for our students to learn from and engage with,” said Dr. Scott Niederjohn, dean of the Batterman School of Business.
This semester’s event marked a milestone for the series. Tickets, which are free for all Free Enterprise Center events, were claimed within days of their public release. The strong response led organizers to create a waitlist, allowing additional guests to attend as seats became available. Additional attendees also joined via livestream, extending the reach of the conversation beyond the auditorium.
A highly anticipated campus event
Baier, who spoke for more than an hour, answered questions from attendees, creating a conversational atmosphere throughout the evening.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a clear sense of anticipation. Members of CUW’s Young America’s Foundation student chapter welcomed attendees outside the auditorium, sharing information about their organization and its mission to promote civic engagement.
Baier also took time to connect with students ahead of the event, engaging in conversation on topics ranging from global markets to current events.
“Bret’s charisma and cordiality won the crowd over during this great event,” said Micah Hoehner, MBA student and president of the Investment Club. “His willingness to talk directly with students before his speech was special. He was interested in the topics that the Investment Club was discussing, and his conviction was especially helpful in discerning noise from reality on world events.”
A conversation on media and public trust
Baier held the audience’s attention through a wide-ranging discussion on politics, media and public trust.
“My job every day is to sift through the news and try to figure out what is most important, and to present it in a way that you feel at the end of the show you’ve gotten the full picture,” Baier said.
Drawing on his experience covering national and global events, Baier spoke about the responsibility that comes with reporting the news. He emphasized the importance of fairness and discernment in a fast-moving media environment.
“You need to understand what you’re reading and seeing before you get to a conclusion about how you feel about it,” he said.
His perspective encouraged listeners to think critically about the information they consume while remaining engaged in civic life.
“Yes, it’s disconcerting sometimes when you look at politics, but don’t give up,” Baier said. “There are a lot of good people trying to do good things.”
He also offered practical advice for students, pointing to the value of perseverance and purpose. “If you work hard, if you hustle, you’re going to beat 99% of people out there,” Baier said.
“Bret Baier is a class act, and he was a great speaker to host at CUW,” said Jenna Piwowarczyk, a junior studying political science. “His impartiality and loyalty to the facts are refreshing, especially in today’s media climate. He’s a strong storyteller, and it was clear he held the attention of the entire audience, from students to faculty to community members.” Piwowarczyk also expressed gratitude for the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics on the Bluff Speaker Series and the YAF chapter.
A personal perspective on purpose and faith
Beyond his professional insights, Baier shared a personal story that resonated deeply with the audience. He spoke about his son’s medical journey and the care their family received at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., shaping both his perspective and priorities.
“It does change your perspective… It’s the big things in life that matter,” Baier said.
He added that his faith has remained central through those experiences. “My faith is rock solid, and it’s gotten me through every moment of my son’s challenges,” he said.
In gratitude, Baier donates the honorariums from his speaking engagements to Children’s National Hospital.
Extending the conversation beyond the auditorium
Events like this continue to shape the student experience by connecting classroom learning with real-world voices. They offer an opportunity to listen, reflect and ask questions of individuals actively engaged in the work students study.
This reflects CUW’s mission to prepare graduates who are thoughtful, informed and ready to lead in their vocations.
As the evening concluded, many attendees lingered, continuing conversations sparked by the discussion.
The impact of the event will carry beyond the auditorium, finding its way into classrooms and daily life.
For those unable to attend, a recording of the event is available on the Concordia Free Enterprise Center’s website.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.