Illinois State University’s annual Civic Engagement Celebration will take place on April 13, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The event will be virtual this year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“This is an important, annual event for the University,” said Harriett Steinbach, assistant director at the Center for Civic Engagement. “Each year we take time to uplift the University’s core value of civic engagement by celebrating the amazing work taking place across our campus and in our community.”
“And when we publicly acknowledge this work,” Steinbach continued, “we also increase awareness of the ways that other individuals could also become involved.”
The Civic Engagement Celebration will feature the announcement of the University’s Civic Engagement Award recipients and recognition of the award nominees. Recipients of several civic engagement grants will also be acknowledged.
“A highlight of this year’s celebration is definitely going to be a presentation by the McLean County Museum of History on the history of activism at Illinois State University,” said Steinbach. “We’re excited to share and learn about the many ways that the University has its roots in civic engagement.”
Hannah Johnson, director of youth and family education at the McLean County Museum of History, will present “Ever Engaged: The History & Future of Civic Engagement at Illinois State University” during the Civic Engagement Celebration.
“Civic engagement is inherent within the practice of Illinois State University staff and students,” said Johnson. “Founded in 1857 as a co-ed institution that accepted Black students after 1870, Illinois State University’s student body has long been positioned to be at the forefront of conversations and movements around diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.”
“The presentation will highlight past examples of campus civic engagement,” Johnson continued, “and will pose the question of what the legacy of civic engagement at Illinois State will look like.”
The Civic Engagement Celebration is a free event, but registration is required to receive the link to attend. Register online today!
