“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle
Join us in Chicago for a transformative educational experience at the 2025 Great Connections Seminar, running from July 26 to August 2, 2025, at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Sponsored by Reliance College, this week-long event is designed to deepen your understanding of foundational ideas, foster meaningful connections, and help you apply timeless wisdom to the challenges of modern life.
Learn more about the seminar program for 2025
What is the Great Connections Seminar?
The Great Connections Seminar is more than a week of learning—it’s an immersive experience that blends intellectual rigor with personal growth. Through discussions of seminal texts, engaging workshops, and collaborative activities, you’ll explore this year’s theme, “Reason and Free Will,” from multiple perspectives.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Small-Group Discussions: Dive into influential texts like Aristotle’s De Anima, Rand’s The Objectivist Ethics, and the Declaration of Independence with peers who share your enthusiasm for meaningful dialogue.
- Engaging Activities: Visit cultural landmarks like the Art Institute of Chicago, participate in improv comedy workshops, and explore the city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from professionals in business, science, and the arts about their careers and life journeys.
Why Attend?
This seminar is ideal for students and young adults aged 16-24 who are:
- Seeking intellectual growth and clarity on life’s big decisions.
- Eager to improve reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills.
- Enthusiastic about exploring ideas across disciplines and applying them to their lives.
Our unique approach to education through the Socratic Method—focused on active discussion rather than passive lectures—has been shown to significantly improve cognitive skills. Participants consistently report a 20-85% increase in their reasoning abilities.
Learn more about how we apply the Socratic Method at Reliance College here
Highlights of the Schedule
- Daily Discussions: Explore philosophical, historical, and scientific texts in guided seminars.
- Workshops: Develop practical skills such as introspection, effective time management, and statistical reasoning.
- Cultural Experiences: Attend such experiences as concerts, museums, and comedy shows.
- Relaxation and Community: Spend afternoons enjoying Chicago’s beaches or connecting with fellow participants in informal settings.
For a detailed schedule, click here.
Scholarship and Registration Information
A limited number of scholarships are available to cover tuition and partial room and board. Early registration offers significant savings, made possible by our generous sponsors:
- Register by March 1, 2025: Tuition, Room & Board $400
- After March 1, 2025: Tuition, Room & Board $800
How to Apply:
Submit your application here and indicate if you’d like to be considered for a scholarship. For questions, email Marsha@reliancecollege.org.
Meet the Founder
Marsha Familaro Enright, founder of The Great Connections Seminar and president of Reliance College, brings decades of experience in Montessori education, psychology, and philosophy. With her guidance, you’ll experience an unparalleled opportunity for growth, challenge, and inspiration.
Discover Chicago
Spend a week in one of the most dynamic cities in the world! Chicago offers:
- 29 miles of beaches, parks, and recreational opportunities.
- World-class art, architecture, and music.
- A vibrant tech and business scene with over 20 incubators and accelerators.
- The birthplace of improv comedy and home to renowned theaters like Second City.
Ready to Connect?
The 2025 Great Connections Seminar is your opportunity to explore profound ideas, make lasting connections, and ignite your potential. Apply now to secure your spot!
