Constitution Day - WVU Parkersburg

WVU Parkersburg to observe Constitution Day.

CONTACT: Dr. Joseph Badgley, executive dean of academic affairs, 304-424-8242.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A debate, Reader's Theatre presentation, lecture discussion and an essay contest are among activities planned as part of West Virginia University at Parkersburg's observance of Constitution Day on Thursday (Sept. 15).

All activities are free and open to the public and will be held in the college multi-purpose room.

At 11 a.m., Theatre instructor Carson Soelberg will direct a Reader's Theatre presentation of the Preamble to the Constitution. Following it, a debate regarding the Patriot Act will be coordinated by speech instructor Barbara Harris.

History professor Ron Atkinson will give a presentation entitled "The Uniqueness of the Constitution," following the debate.

Greeter and master of ceremonies for the program will be Tim Dillinger, an adjunct faculty member and experienced storyteller, who will be in costume for the occasion as a sea captain of the post-Revolutionary era, and tell a tale appropriate to the day's theme.

In addition, WVU Parkersburg students are participating in an essay writing contest entitled "My Life and the U.S. Constitution." The contest is being coordinated by Rob Anderson of the History Department. The winning essays will be on display. Also, several videos regarding the Constitution will be shown on the college's in-house television system.

At the college's Jackson County Center, State Auditor Glen B. Gainer III will speak on the 17th Amendment to the US Constitution and related issues in the JCC lobby Thursday, from 6-6:45 p.m. A reception will be held from 5:30 - 6 p.m. to meet Auditor Gainer. The event is free and open to the public. Adjunct professor of political science and criminal justice David Kurtz arranged for Auditor Gainer's presentation.

Sept. 17 was established in 2004 federal legislation as Constitution Day in commemoration of the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution and stipulates that all educational institutions receiving federal funds are to hold an educational program for their students. Since Sept. 17 falls on a Saturday this year, WVU Parkersburg is observing the day on Thursday (Sept. 15).

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)