McConnell Center celebrates 35 years of advancing civic education with book release

The McConnell Center celebrated 35 years of advancing civic education with a special anniversary event that brought together teachers, alumni and community members for an evening of reflection and recommitment.

Held on the day the McConnell Center was founded in 1991, the program began with a reception, giving attendees a chance to reconnect and celebrate the center's past 35 years.

During the event, the center unveiled, "America's Autobiography: Key Documents that Tell Our Story." This initiative pairs a new book of key documents with a companion podcast and video series, featuring commentary from scholars and experts.

McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg's remarks focused on the hundreds of teachers and thousands of students the center has been able to serve over the decades.

"Tonight we celebrate the McConnell Center's work in civic education - in nurturing, teaching and inspiring generations of young citizens and their teachers," Gregg said. "It all began with the very foundations of the center in the political science department and those early faculty…who taught our first generation of McConnell Scholars to be good citizens and leaders."

During the program, Justin Mitchell, a social studies teacher at Franklin-Simpson Middle School and former participant in the center's Teachers Scholars Program, was presented the Henry Clay Cup for Exemplary Service in Civic Education, recognizing his contributions to civic learning in Kentucky. He is only the third recipient in the history of the award.

The celebration concluded with a keynote address by the Honorable Chris Gibson, former U.S. Congressman and retired U.S. Army Colonel, who reflected on the importance of civic responsibility and leadership.

"America's Autobiography: Key Documents that Tell Our Story" will be released in May and can be purchased at butlerbooks.com. All proceeds from the book will benefit the McConnell Center's Civic Education Fund.

Watch the full event presentation on Youtube and view photos of the event on Flickr.

Article by Natalie Tracy