ESU wins American Democracy Project recognition

Students attended a congratulatory reception at the home of President Michael and Dr. Peggy Lane in September. (Back row, left to right) Andrew Dorpinghaus, Wichita; Jordan Heins, Americus; Dr. Michael R. Lane; Dr. Rob Catlett; Justin Miser, Emporia; Kathryn Davison, Topeka. (Front row) Jane Welch, Emporia; Amber Vanderhofe, Mound Valley; Huibing Lu, China; Katie McClain, Lawrence; Miranda Renfro, Williamsburg; Mallory Livingston, Topeka; and Shannon Kloiber, Spring Hill.

A wide-ranging series of activities engaging Emporia State University students in discussions about issues affecting the United States has earned honors from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. ESU has been chosen as the outstanding America’s Future Award-winning campus.

“It’s certainly an honor to be recognized for our work on the America’s Future Project, especially with the incredible accomplishments at other universities,” said Dr. Rob Catlett, assistant professor of economics.

Catlett led students through 14 exercises during the 2008-09 school year that included surveys of student attitudes toward deficits, debt and other public sector concerns. The students also focused on voter registration efforts, participated in essay contests, assisted with a count of homeless citizens in Lyon County, advised state programs on ways to use federal stimulus funds on a summer youth employment program.

“It’s been an amazing experience to be part of the project,” said Catlett. “The students learned and applied their intellectual and creative ideas in the true spirit of the American Democracy Project.”

The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy. The project began in 2003 as an initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), in partnership with The New York Times.

The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce graduates who are committed to being active, involved citizens in their communities.  Emporia State is one of 231 universities and colleges participating in the program.

Last Updated September 23, 2009>