Terry McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic Party, will be the headline speaker for the fifth annual West Virginia University Student Engagement Conference at Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa in Morgantown.
The annual event, hosted by WVU’s Center for Civic Engagement, joins students with top leaders from service-learning and political organizations from around the state for two days of presentations, forums, hands-on service and workshops on topics ranging from political involvement to how to plan a successful service event.
Activities will get under way at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 5 with McAuliffe’s remarks. The speaker line-up also includes State Treasurer John Perdue and WVU Provost Michele Wheatly.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Focus on the Future.”
“The whole idea is to share ideas and service projects,” said Kimberly Colebank, director of the Center for Civic Engagement, “with the ultimate goal being to energize young people and make a difference.”
Throughout the two day event, participants will be able to network with University and state civic leaders, learn ways to become civically engaged and participate in professional development activities.
Workshop topics cross a wide range of subjects, including: bridging the intergenerational divide, engaging young people in politics, service learning, planning successful events, fundraising and managing the maze of college.
“We’re especially pleased to welcome Terry McAuliffe, a national advocate for youth participation,” Colebank said. “His record of service is very distinguished and I know the conference attendees will gain valuable lessons from hearing him.”
A highlight of the conference always proves to be the hands on service projects, coordinated for Friday evening. All participants are taken by bus out into the community to complete three hours of service at local agencies.
Participants of the conference are also eligible to register for a one-hour service learning course offered through the Center for Civic Engagement. To complete the course, participants keep a discovery journal while attending all conference events, participate in guided reflection activities and complete a one-page service paper. The credit is included with the registration fee for the event.
The conference is supported by West Virginia Campus Compact and the West Virginia University Environmental Conservation Awareness Now (WE CAN) program.
For a complete rundown of events, speaker bios and workshop descriptions, go to http://cce.wvu.edu/conference.
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CONTACT: Brett White, Center for Civic Engagement
304-293-8761