The 2026 Great Conversation

 A Note from the Dean

Hello Honors Alumni and Friends!

It’s time to mark your calendar for the most unique gala in town! Join us for The Great Conversation on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. A lively conversation on an interesting topic over dinner amid the European masters – what more could you ask for? 

For over 30 years, this signature fundraising event has made a college education affordable for Honors Coogs. Explore a new year with both fresh and familiar table topics to stretch your mind and feed your curiosity. Popular table topics are scooped up quickly, so watch for table sponsorships to open up in early September!

The Great Conversation
Saturday, February 21, 2026
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
7pm 

About The Great Conversation

Conversation is the foundation of an Honors College education. Each year, more than 300 individuals come together for The Great Conversation, an award-winning fund-raising event. It’s also our primary fund-raising event. Proceeds from The Great Conversation provide Honors College scholarships and special support to Honors faculty and programs.

The Great Conversation has the same ideal as the Honors College itself: to foster thoughtfulness about and care for the world by engaging people in disciplined discussion about things that matter. Event topics are drawn from many areas of life, from arts and literature, history, religion, and public policy, to aspects of the city of Houston, just to name a few.

The event format allows all guests to be active participants. The conversation is facilitated by a University of Houston faculty member or other expert. Guests are encouraged to indicate on their response card their preference for topics. On most occasions, guests can be accommodated at a table offering one of their top three conversation preferences.