Augusta University hosts Constitution Day on Sept. 18

To commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution, University Libraries, the Department of Communication and Department of Social Sciences in Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences will host Constitution Day from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at the Dr. Roscoe Williams Ballroom in the Jaguar Student Activities Center.

Faculty, staff and student volunteers will read portions of the Constitution. Neil MacKinnon, PhD, Augusta University provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, will also take part in the reading.

In 2004, Congress designated Sept. 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, requiring that all federal agencies and educational institutions that receive federal funds host educational programming on the Constitution. Since Sept. 17 fell on a Sunday this year, the event is taking place the next business day.

“The Department of Social Sciences is excited to be part of this event commemorating such an important day in our nation’s history,” said William Hatcher, PhD, chair of the department. “The signing of the Constitution led to the creating of the government that we have today, which has lasted longer than many other democracies. Learning about the importance of the Constitution will help ensure that the system of democratic government continues to be resilient for future generations.”

Also participating in the event is the CSRA League of Women Voters, the Jaguar Battalion and the Augusta University Police Department.

“In the past we have held debates, lectures, panels and even more viewings. Three years ago, we held our first reading, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. It is exciting to see this diverse group of people gathering to accomplish a simple, but solemn goal,” said David Kearns, coordinator of the Federal Depository at Reese Library.