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The strength of a movement often shows up in the conversations it inspires and the communities it brings together. The Mackinac Center welcomed more than 500 friends and supporters on May 1 to celebrate another year fighting for liberty at the annual Evening with the Mackinac Center. The awards ceremony and keynote address by Mike Rowe took place at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, where guests explored the exhibits over cocktails and after dinner.
State lawmakers, business leaders, policy advocates and community members joined to make this our best-attended Evening with the Mackinac Center. Attendees included former Gov. John Engler; U.S. House Rep. Tom Barrett; former U.S. House Rep. Mike Rogers; and gubernatorial candidates Mike Cox, John James and Aric Nesbitt.
Mike Rowe, known for the hit Discovery Channel series “Dirty Jobs,” has long defended the value of skilled trades. His hands-on experience with people across the country shaped his deep respect for their work and inspired him to launch the mikeroweWORKS Foundation in 2008. The foundation supports scholarships for students pursuing training in the skilled trades and aims to reframe the way Americans view technical and vocational careers.
The foundation’s mission aligns closely with the Mackinac Center’s philosophy that change begins from the ground up.
This message came to life when Mike joined Mackinac Center President Joseph G. Lehman on stage. The two started up a conversation with the familiarity of old friends, which they in fact were — as of the night before.
Joe had spotted Mike while out to dinner and struck up a conversation that didn’t end until several hours later.
“I’m in the room with a guy I met in the bar last night — around 9 o’clock,” Mike told the audience. “Next thing I knew, it was much later than that, and we had made friends with everybody in the joint.” That’s what happens when you put two charismatic personalities, both passionate about empowering others, in the same room.
Joe added some context. “We spent about three hours together last night, and then about 25 young master technicians from all over the country — we used to call them mechanics — they were here for a meeting at Ford. And they figured out who you were and waited for a brave one to approach and tell you that you’re their hero.”
Mike then spent an hour with these young professionals. He didn’t merely shake hands and take selfies; he gave each of them personal attention.
When Joe asked what prompted Mike to take that time, he responded, “It’s not that I talked to them so much as that I listened to them... But the real reason is that I love it. I love to sit there and listen to stories of young men and women who are so full of enthusiasm and skill and hope.” Some of them had even benefited from Rowe’s scholarship foundation.
The conversation also covered the skills gap currently threatening the American economy. The two men were optimistic that we can fix the misallocation of skills that has resulted from politicians’ single-minded and expensive drive to increase college attendance. Their discussion concluded with a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.
Evenings like this reflect what makes the Mackinac Center’s work possible and powerful: dedicated friends, thoughtful dialogue and an unwavering belief in individual liberty. As Mike Rowe illustrated, change often begins when we listen to and empower those who build, fix and serve behind the scenes.
We are deeply grateful to all who join us — in person and in spirit — to celebrate this mission. With your support, we are working to remove barriers, advocate for freedom and ensure that opportunity is within reach for every Michigander.
