Constitution Day at UW-Oshkosh focuses on American government, civic engagement

UW-Oshkosh students were invited to answer Constitution-related trivia questions for a chance at prizes as part of Constitution Day on Sept. 17.

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh brought students, faculty, staff and community members together Thursday for a campus-wide celebration of Constitution Day, launching a semester filled with conversations, lectures and events focused on civic engagement, democracy, history, public policy and the future of society.

Held in Reeve Union and across campus, the Constitution Day celebration commemorated the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, while encouraging participants to explore the principles, debates and responsibilities that continue to shape American life.

Throughout the day, Constitution Cash Cabs traveled campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., challenging students with constitutional trivia questions and rewarding participants with prizes. The interactive activity created opportunities for students to test their knowledge of American government and learn more about the nation's founding document in a fun and engaging format.

Students were asked questions that were derived from or inspired by the 2020 version of the civics test. Questions ranged from asking which amendment provides the freedom of free speech, to naming the branches of government, naming the chambers of Congress, to asking what the Electoral College does.

"What's been great is students have done really well on answering the questions," said Mike Lueder, director of the Center for Civic and Community Engagement.

Ping Pongs for prizes

The celebration continued in the afternoon with the Great American Ping Pong Ball Drop outside Polk Library and Dempsey Hall, drawing students together for a spirited campus tradition. The balls could be redeemed for raffle tickets that qualified students for a drawing for four basket prizes and a pair of Apple air pods.

The day culminated with an evening lecture and discussion featuring authors and commentators Sami Sage and David Harsanyi.

Their presentation, Republic or Democracy: What is the U.S. and Why Does it Matter? invited attendees to examine the foundations of American government and consider how the nation's constitutional framework influences contemporary political and civic life.

Constitution Day serves as the opening event for UW-Oshkosh's broader series of programs recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States and encouraging meaningful dialogue around issues that affect communities locally and nationally. The day was made possible by the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership.

Upcoming events

The series continues Sept. 23 at the Oshkosh Public Museum with The Men Who Lost America, featuring noted historian Dr. Andrew O'Shaughnessy. The program will explore the British leaders who opposed American independence and examine how King George III, his prime ministers and military commanders struggled to respond to the challenges of the Revolutionary era. O'Shaughnessy, a former UW-Oshkosh professor and current Director of Education at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, will be joined in conversation by UW-Oshkosh historian Dr. Mick Rutz.

O'Shaughnessy will return to campus Sept. 24 for a second presentation, Thomas Jefferson's Vision for American Public Universities. The lecture will examine Jefferson's influence on higher education and his belief in the role public universities play in preparing informed citizens and strengthening democracy.

In October, the university will expand the conversation beyond history and government into higher education, civic participation and emerging technologies.

On Oct. 5, higher education scholar Dr. Kevin McClure will lead The Caring University: Dinner and Conversation, exploring how institutional culture, employee well-being and organizational structures impact student success. The event is intended to spark broader discussions about creating supportive environments for both students and employees.

Oct. 6 and 7, students will also have opportunities to participate directly in the democratic process during the Voter Registration Fest. The event will provide voter registration assistance, nonpartisan election information and opportunities to engage with a variety of political and civic organizations.

Additional programs later this fall will tackle timely and complex issues. On Oct. 22, Loving Thy Neighbor: Civic Engagement During Minnesota's Metro Surge will feature an exhibit and panel discussion examining community responses to recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and the role individuals played in supporting neighbors and friends during a period of uncertainty.

On Oct. 27, UW-Oshkosh will host Should Wisconsin Build More AI Data Centers?, a public forum bringing together elected officials, planners, environmental advocates and policy experts to discuss the economic, environmental and community impacts of artificial intelligence infrastructure development.

The series concludes Dec. 2 with Questions of Faith: Is AI a Threat to Human Uniqueness? The event will bring together perspectives from philosophy, theology and computer science to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping conversations about identity, ethics and what it means to be human.

Together, these events reflect UW-Oshkosh's commitment to fostering informed dialogue, intellectual curiosity and civic engagement. As Constitution Day demonstrated, meaningful conversations about history, democracy, technology and community remain central to the university's mission of preparing students to engage thoughtfully with an increasingly complex world.

Learn more:

UW-Oshkosh Center for Civic and Community Engagement

See Constitution Day photos