News Releases
Feb. 19, 2003
Community Leaders to Address Role of Higher Education in Fostering Civic
Responsibility and Democracy
Seattle School Superintendent and Antioch Seattle President to Lead
Forum for State Plan
Seattle — Defining the most critical civic issues in Seattle
and King County, and how education can help to address them, is just
one topic community leaders will discuss from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday,
Feb. 26 at Antioch University Seattle (2326 Sixth Ave. in Belltown).
This forum, sponsored by Antioch as part of the national coalition
Campus Compact, will examine the ways higher education can increase
citizens' level of civic responsibility, including collaboration with
K-12 schools. Community leaders will provide critical information contributing
to a statewide strategic plan for an alliance on the civic and public
purpose of preschool through college education.
Joseph Olchefske, superintendent of the Seattle Public Schools, will
join Toni Murdock, president of Antioch University Seattle, to host
the discussion. Confirmed attendees include Jon Bridge, vice chairman/general
counsel for Ben Bridge Jeweler, Inc.; Rita Ryder, executive director
of YWCA of Seattle-King County; Mike Flynn, president/publisher of the
Puget Sound Business Journal; and Robin Pasquarella, president of the
Alliance for Education.
Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 860 college and
university presidents committed to the civic purposes of higher education.
Murdock is a member of the coalition's national and Washington state
boards.
Discussion during the event also will focus on:
- What role does/should education play in fostering democracy and
civic responsibility and engagement in our students?
- How can we best prepare our students to adopt democratic values,
engage in civic behavior and become responsible citizens?
- What does it mean for an educational institution to be a good citizen
in its community?
- What are the most critical issues facing education that the community
can help address?
The presidents of more than 400 colleges and universities, including
Murdock, have signed a Campus Compact declaration stating that higher
education has a critical role in teaching democratic values, civic behavior
and community responsibility to students. Washington State Campus Compact
will compile the information from this meeting and other community forums
around the state.
About Antioch
At Antioch University Seattle, adult learners find individualized, innovative
programs with a commitment to academic excellence, community service
and social justice. AUS is one of six campuses of Antioch University,
founded in 1852 in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
