Welcome to the Year of Civility!
The Year of Civility is a collaboration between Shepherd University and the Stubblefield Institute. It focuses on civil discussion and action, bringing together diverse ideas, and addressing complex issues.
One of the things we love about Shepherd University is the ongoing culture of civility here on campus and in the surrounding community. During the 2024-25 school year, we invite everyone to celebrate civility, to deepen their awareness of civil discourse, and to practice their civility and civil discourse skills.
Together, we can address polarizing issues, support one another as productive members of the community, and choose to speak up and take appropriate actions.
Year of Civility Events and Programs
The Year of Civility is proud to partner with the Shepherd University Common Reading Program. This year’s book is Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, by Heather Cox. Most Year of Civility events are a perfect fit for those participating in this campus and community reading program. A discussion of the book, with opportunity for expression of multiple perspectives, will be hosted during the spring semester.
If you have events or programs that you think could be part of the Year of Civility, we encourage you to contact Ashley Horst, Executive Director of the Stubblefield Institute, at ahorst@shepherd.edu.
| September 5, 2024, 7 p.m. | Beyond Pepperoni Rolls: Who are we as West Virginians? |
| September 14, 2024, 10 a.m. – noon | Civili-Tea (free iced tea and info on the Year of Civility) during Shepherd University Family Day |
| September 16, 2024, 3 p.m. | Stubblefield Institute Community Leadership & Civil Advocacy Certificate Kick Off |
| September 18, 2024, 7 p.m. | Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle for Honest and Accountable Government |
| September 24, 2024, 6:30 p.m. | Science Fact or Fiction? Artificial intelligence risk and what to do about it |
| September 24, 2024, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Voter Registration |
| September 24 – October 24, 2024 | Unify America College Bowl |
| September 30, 2024, 4 p.m. | Rams Rally for Respect Voter Registration |
| October 1, 2024, 7 p.m. | WV Senate Debate: Senator Patricia Rucker & John Doyle |
| October 3, 2024, 5 p.m. | For Students, By Students Town Hall: General Election |
| October 19, 2024, 9 a.m. | Info table at Homecoming Alumni Breakfast |
| October 24, 2024, 7 p.m. | Talk with Tom Barkin, President, Federal Reserve Bank |
| October 28, 2024, 6:30 p.m. | What does Political Rhetoric Owe Democracy |
| October 29, 2024, 7:00 p.m. | Community Over Politics |
| November 2, 2024, 7:30 p.m. | Radiance and Fire (musical performance with presentation prior to concert) |
| November 4, 2024, 4 p.m. | “Not Your Parents’ Debate” Debate – Civility Club |
| November 12, 2024, 7 p.m. | Affirmation of Community |
| November 14, 2024, | How is WV First putting WV first? |
| November 18, 2024, 6:30 p.m. | Where Do We Go From Here? |
| Spring 2025, Tuesdays except holidays, 8:30 a.m. | Cafe Society Discussion Group |
| Spring 2025, Wednesdays March 12, 19,26, April 2,9,16 | Nazi Germany, The Holocaust, What Lessons Learned? |
| Spring 2025, Thursdays March 13, 20,27, April 3, 10, 17 | Current International Issues Discussion Group |
| Spring 2025, Thursdays March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17 | Current International Issues Discussion Group |
| Spring 2025, Thursdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17 | Church and State: A History of Their Separation or Lack Thereof |
| January 28, 2025, 6:30 p.m. | A Deep Dive: Ocean Currents, Politics, and Possibilities |
| January 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m. | Write Your Representatives |
| February 8, 2025 | Student Leadership Conference with closing keynote Daniel Caron: Beyond Civility: How to Play with Difficult People |
| February 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. | Democracy Awakening in the Classroom and Beyond |
| March 3, 2025, 11:10 a.m. | Your Story Matters – Presentation by Michael Franklin, speechwriter |
| March 3, 2025, 12:15 p.m. | Lunch with Speechwriter Michael Franklin |
| March 3, 2025, 2:00 p.m. | Coffee Break with Speechwriter Michael Franklin |
| March 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Service on the Go: Let Your Representative Know |
| March 25, 2025, 6:30 p.m. | Engaged Learning in the Midst of Conflict |
| April 4, 2025 | Civility Ball and Awards |
| April 16, 2025, Noon | The Power of Walking and Listening -The PlanetWalker Journey |
Thank you to all of our participants and supporters
The Year of Civility is truly a collaborative project. Shepherd University and the Stubblefield Institute are grateful to all of our donors and supporters, to every organization hosting a Year of Civility program or event, and to all of the students, faculty, staff, and community members who are stepping up and practicing their skills in civility.
Event hosts include:
- Common Reading Program
- Department of English
- Division of Student Affairs
- Friends of Music
- Life Long Learning
- Global Leadership Team (formerly the Multicultual Leadership Team)
- Office of the President and President’s Lecture Series
- Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education
- The Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications
- Stubblefield Institute Civility Club
- Student Government Association
- Year of Civility Planning Committee