Celebrating Democracy Conference Has Varied Lineup

A display of banned and challenged books, one devil of a film, and a keynote speaker all the way from Minnesota will be just some of the highlights of the Celebrating Democracy Conference 2005 Nov. 14-17 at Sam Houston State University.

The event sponsored by the university's American Democracy Project committee is scheduled primarily in the Lowman Student Center, with the books display from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Gresham Library.

Keynote speaker Dennis Donovan, a research fellow at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, has written that democracy is neither a spectator sport nor an activity exclusive to politicians.

In his 3 p.m. presentation on Wednesday (Nov. 16) in the Lowman Student Center Theater, Donovan will discuss the international efforts of the Public Achievement movement. His presentation is titled “Public Achievement: A Vehicle for Repairing the Roots of Democracy.”

Also scheduled for the theater, at 2 p. m. Thursday (Nov. 17), is a showing of “The Devil and Daniel Webster.” English Professor Ralph Pease will provide comments to enhance audience appreciation for the Oscar-winning classic, which includes Daniel Webster’s flowery rhetoric about democracy, patriotism and the goodness of mankind.

All other sessions are scheduled for room 304 of the Lowman Student Center.

Joyce McCauley, who chairs the American Democracy Project at SHSU, will open the conference at 10 a.m. Monday (Nov. 14). McCauley will cover the purposes of the Project and why it has spread to 183 colleges and universities.

“This movement grew from a collective concern about decreasing rates of participation in the civic life of America, in volunteerism, in voting, in advocacy, and in other forms of community involvement that are necessary for the vitality of our democracy,” said McCauley.

“A core belief of the American Democracy Project is service to others. Our university motto, ‘The measure of a life is its service,’ reflects that belief.”

Other speakers, their topics, and the scheduled times of their presentations include:

Paul Loeffler, professor of chemistry--“Our Democratic Campus Culture: A Vision of the American Democracy Project”—11 a.m. Nov. 14;

Tamara Waggener, assistant professor of political science—“SHSU Student Organizations and Voting”—1 p.m. Nov. 14;

Carol Parker, associate professor in educational leadership and counseling—“Critical Friends Groups: Protocols to Advance Learning on Campus”—2 p. m. Nov. 14;

John Newbold, assistant professor of management and marketing—“A Community-Based Learning Experience”—3 p. m. Nov. 14;

Ann Holder, director of library services and Linda Meyer, head of access services—“Freedom of Expression”—10 a. m. Nov. 15;

Jennifer T. Roberts, coordinator of multicultural and international student services—“Democracy, Diversity, and Higher Education”—3:30 p. m. Nov. 15;

Thomas H. Cox, assistant professor of history—“Commerce, the Constitution, and Civil Liberties”—11 a.m. Nov. 16;

Jeffrey L. Littlejohn, assistant professor of history—“James Madison Meets the Modern Era: The Constitutional Revolution of the Mid-Twentieth Century”—2 p. m. Nov. 16;

Frank Blazek, partner in the Huntsville law firm of Smither, Martin, Henderson & Blazek—“Juries and the Importance of Jury Duty”—11 a.m. Nov. 17.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Nov. 8, 2005
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