Two former members of Congress will visit Missouri Western State University to participate in the university’s celebration of Constitution Day 2015. Former Representatives Bill Sarpalius, D-Texas, and Steven Kuykendall, R-California, will participate in two events on Thursday, Sept. 17. Both events are free and open to the public, and both will include time for questions from the audience.
“Congress and the Constitution,” 9:30-11:30 a.m., Kemper Recital Hall, Spratt Hall room 101
Join the two former congressmen for a discussion of how they see Congress fitting into the constitutional order created by James Madison and the Founding Fathers in 1787. Drawing upon their personal experiences, Sarpalius and Kuykendall will examine how the role of Congress has evolved and changed, especially in the context of rising presidential power, and the dire need for increased civic engagement.
“Harsh Voices: The Decline of Civility in American Politics,” 7-9:30 p.m., Hoff Conference Room, Blum Student Union room 218
If our politicians are unable to talk to one another, how can they work together to solve the problems facing the country? Kuykendall and Sarpalius will discuss the decline of civility in the American political order and what citizens can do to reengage with politics to help reverse this trend and reclaim politics for the civic good. Light refreshments will be available.
Kuykendall and Sarpalius are coming to Missouri Western through the Congress to Campus program, which seeks to bring together former members of Congress and students to increase civic participation and literacy. The aim of Congress to Campus is to engage students and provide inspiration that will lead to greater democratic participation, whether it is in the arena of public service or something as simple as voting. Congress to Campus is run by the United States Association of Former Members of Congress in partnership with the Stennis Center for Public Service.
Missouri Western’s Constitution Day observance is sponsored by the Department of Economics, Political Science and Sociology and the Department of History and Geography.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.