The 2025 Zug Cup Award Keynote Speaker is none other than Mike Scioscia—a legendary figure in Major League Baseball. Best known for his tenure as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels from 2000 to 2018, Scioscia led the team to its first and only World Series Championship in 2002, securing his legacy as one of the most respected managers in the game. Before stepping into management, Scioscia had an impressive career as a Major League catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1980-1992). During his time with the Dodgers, he earned two World Series rings (1981, 1988) and became known for his exceptional defensive skills, leadership, and ability to handle elite pitching staffs. Beyond baseball, Scioscia is a man of deep faith, strong family values, and a leadership philosophy that extends far beyond the field. His insights on teamwork, perseverance, and faith-driven leadership have inspired athletes, business professionals, and Catholics alike.

Dr. Lessard is the Founder & President of Adeodatus; the Executive Co-Director of The Cornerstone Forum; and the President of Gaudent Angeli. He directs the intellectual formation of Santiago Catholic Trade School students; and teaches Theology for Rosay College and Foundations of Western Education for Catholic International University. He served on the founding board of St. Monica Academy, and currently serves on the Presidential Advisory Board of Wyoming Catholic College and the Board of Regents of Thomas Aquinas College.

Dr. Lessard is the Founder & President of Adeodatus; the Executive Co-Director of The Cornerstone Forum; and the President of Gaudent Angeli. He directs the intellectual formation of Santiago Catholic Trade School students; and teaches Theology for Rosay College and Foundations of Western Education for Catholic International University. He served on the founding board of St. Monica Academy, and currently serves on the Presidential Advisory Board of Wyoming Catholic College and the Board of Regents of Thomas Aquinas College.

We are blessed to start this season's nine first Fridays with a leading voice in our Catholic Church, Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. Fr. Spitzer is: - President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith and the Napa Institute. Host of "Fr. Spitzer's Universe" on EWTN. - Past President of Gonzaga University which had an increase of 75% in the student body, construction of 20 new facilities, and raised over $200 million under his tenure. - Writer of nineteen books, including: "New Proofs for the Existence of God" and "Science, Reason, and Faith: Discovering the Bible"

Featured Presentation: “The Spirit of the Age: Why Adult Children Are Leaving the Faith” with Noelle Mering Noelle Mering, a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, will explore the cultural forces pulling young adults away from their faith and family roots. Drawing from her upcoming book, she’ll offer insights into this “spirit of the age,” emphasizing that this trend is not always a reflection of parental failure but a broader challenge we face as Christians. Her talk will blend faith, cultural analysis, and practical wisdom for navigating these difficult times.

We welcome Ben O’Neil, Senior Director of Development of the Richard Nixon Foundation and Presidential Library as well as Jason Schwartz, Curator at the Richard Nixon Foundation who will be explaining the goals and timeline for this once in a lifetime national celebration. Ben brings a unique perspective to this project as he has worked professionally in evangelization as Regional Team Director for FOCUS - the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, and Director of Mission Advancement for the Napa Institute. As a Catholic at Work in the intersection of Faith, Family, Formation, Politics and Evangelization of Culture, Ben and Jason's insights will be something we will all benefit from as we seek to learn about our nation’s 250th birthday celebration.

Judge Belz was born and raised in Orange County, attending St. Boniface Catholic School and Servite High School. A Pepperdine Law School graduate (1975), he spent 32 years as a trial lawyer, handling jury trials in state and federal courts before being appointed to the Orange County Superior Court in 2009. During his 13+ years on the bench, he presided over family and probate court, gaining expertise in evidence and legal reasoning. Judge Belz is the founder and 10-year president of the St. Thomas More Society of Orange County and serves on the Board of Directors for the Shroud Center of Southern California at the Santiago Retreat Center. He has given numerous presentations on the Shroud, making the case for its authenticity from a legal and evidentiary standpoint.

Steve Cameron is the president and founder of Foremost Companies, with over 30 years of experience in California real estate development. Steve has led significant projects, from large master-planned communities to new home marketing and sales. Before founding Foremost Companies in 2007, Steve served as COO of Fieldstone Communities, overseeing the development of more than 20,000 homes. Steve holds degrees from Hope College and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Beyond his professional achievements, Steve is deeply committed to Catholic and nonprofit initiatives. He serves as the Executive Director of the Orange Catholic Foundation, Chairman of the Board of PAX CHRISTI Academy, and has contributed to numerous community organizations. Steve and his wife, Suzanne, live in San Juan Capistrano and are proud parents of five grown children. His journey in leadership and faith will inspire us all to integrate our faith into our work and communities.

We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker: Michael E. Gates, City Attorney of Huntington Beach, CA, and a devout Catholic. Michael brings a wealth of experience in law, leadership, and service to our community. Michael Gates has served as the City Attorney for Huntington Beach since 2014, where he has defended the city’s values and tackled complex legal issues, including protecting local control and standing up to state mandates. Before his election, Michael was a partner at a prestigious Orange County law firm, specializing in federal civil rights, government liability, and employment law, among other areas. Michael’s legal journey began with clerkships at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. A graduate of Chapman University School of Law, Michael also holds a Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University, magna cum laude. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael is deeply rooted in his Catholic faith and the Huntington Beach community. As a husband and father of five, he is a passionate advocate for faith, family, and public service.