Mayor of Helena, Montana to Visit Washburn University

Topeka, Kan. - Wilmot Collins, mayor of Helena, Montana will visit the Washburn University campus Oct. 16 - 18 to lead discussions with students, faculty, staff and the Northeast Kansas community focused on constructive conversations in a polarized culture, promoting belonging and strengthening communities. His time at Washburn will include a public talk, "From Refugee to Mayor: Overcoming Polarization and Building Community," 6 - 7 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Rita Blitt Gallery, adjacent to White Concert Hall. The public talk is free, and everyone is invited.

Collins knows a thing or two about political conflict. Born in Liberia, he fled civil war and resettled in Helena in 1994. There, he spent more than two decades serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve and working in public service before being elected as the first Black mayor in the state of Montana. He is now in his second term.

"Mayor Collins will share with the Washburn and Topeka communities what his experiences as a refugee, political candidate and civil servant have taught him about navigating political conflict and polarization, communicating across difference and working together to address challenges to strengthen our communities," said Dr. Kara Kendall-Morwick, director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning (CTEL), and professor of English, Washburn.

This event is sponsored by the following Washburn offices: the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs, CTEL, the Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, the Political Science & Public Administration Department, Communication Studies Department, Sociology & Anthropology Department and the Washburn Student Government Association.

Kendall-Morwick continued, "The Washburn community believes in the importance of respectfully exploring our differences and using those differences to strengthen our community here, as well as encouraging students to take those principles into their future personal, professional and civic lives."

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For further information, contact:
Joy Bailes
Director of Internal Communications and Brand Management
Telephone: (785) 670-2153
Cell: (785) 230-1648
Email: [email protected]

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