Colorado Mountain College President Matt Gianneschi and Colorado Mesa University John Marshall will discuss civic literacy and education during We the Future, a Western Slope Civic Symposium, on April 28 at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs.
Encouraging civic dialogue during an important anniversary year
Colorado Mountain College and Colorado Mesa University team up for a symposium on civic literacy and education on the Western Slope
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — What does the future hold for Colorado — and America itself — with a pair of major anniversaries this summer?
Colorado Mountain College’s Center for Civics Education & Engagement, in conjunction with Grand Junction’s Colorado Mesa University, will present “We the Future, a Western Slope Civic Symposium” on Tuesday evening, April 28 at CMC’s Morgridge Commons in downtown Glenwood Springs. The free, community event will focus on 2026’s celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Colorado’s own 150th anniversary of statehood.
At the symposium, CMC President Matt Gianneschi and CMU President John Marshall will discuss civic literacy in rural Colorado, the empowering impact of concurrent enrollment and the importance of protecting freedom of expression and open dialogue on their campuses.
The evening will begin with a drop-in student showcase from 5:30 to 6 p.m. at the gallery in Morgridge Commons, located on the second floor, adjacent to CMC’s downtown Glenwood Springs administrative offices at 815 Cooper Ave. Students will display ongoing historical research, multimedia work and civic engagement projects.
“We the Future,” which will run from 6-7:30 p.m. in Room Garfield One at Morgridge Commons, has been designed as an entertaining and engaging way to address strengthening civic and historical education across Western Colorado, and to illustrate the role that educational institutions can play in fostering civic discourse and involvement.
Gianneschi and Marshall will participate in a moderated dialogue, entitled “Patriotism, Pluralism and Free Speech: Why Civics Matters Now More Than Ever,” modeling the value of civil disagreement and exploring how civic literacy helps prepare students for their studies, their careers and public life. Their dialogue will be followed by a Q-and-A session.
Registration and more agenda details are available online at We the Future.
For additional information on the event, media can contact Kari Brown, CMC’s executive communications and special projects coordinator, 970-384-8519.