The Gephardt Institute celebrated three classes of Civic Scholars last month during the annual “All Civic Celebration” event.
Held on Sunday, April 21 in Umrath Lounge, the annual program brings together graduating seniors, juniors who are about to begin their Civic Summers, and sophomores who are new to the Civic Scholars Program to celebrate their commitment to becoming lifelong engaged citizens.
“It’s my honor, and the honor of our entire team, to work alongside our Civic Scholars,” Stephanie Kurtzman, Executive Director of the Gephardt Institute, told the crowd, “who are so passionate, compassionate, talented, dedicated, and civic-minded, who have made a commitment here at Washington University to lead all of us into a better future.”
Alannah Glickman, Associate Director for Civic Engagement, remarked on her experience watching the Civic Scholars grow in their civic knowledge and skills through classes, discussions, networking events, and community immersion tours, all while forming strong bonds with each other.
“The Civic Scholars form a tight-knit community of civically minded peers that support each other and learn together as they turn their civic passions into action,” Glickman said. She explained that the Class of 2024 Civic Scholars entered the program as she was entering her role with the Gephardt Institute.
“I’m really proud to have gone through that with all of you,” said Glickman. “It’s really hard to believe that this is already two years later; I feel like I’ve really been on this journey learning with you the whole time.”
Members of the Class of 2024 Civic Scholars, who graduated in May, addressed the crowd to talk about their experiences in the program, their post-graduation plans, and offer advice to the new Civic Scholars in the Class of 2026.
“Communities are ever changing; the needs, wants, and the conversations will always change,” said Mariah Davis ‘24. “And the blueprint to a successful [Civic Summer] involves listening and adapting.”
“Civic Scholars is really good at choosing people who genuinely care and want to be active members of a community,” Pat Wang ‘24 said. “No one can change our drive to better the community around us. And no matter how hard it gets, we as a program, and as people, hold that value really close to our hearts.”
The Class of 2025 Civic Scholars juniors also addressed the room to share their plans for their Civic Summers, in which they’ll work at least 35 hours each week on a substantial civic project or internship in locations across the country.
“Working with this group has been a wonderful experience,” said Civic Scholars Co-Instructor Dwayne T. James. “I’ve been able to witness firsthand their journey from idea to plan for their Civic Summer, and they’re trying to figure out how they’re going to engage and work together.”
The Civic Scholars Program is offered annually to select WashU undergraduates and are made possible by generous donations to the Gephardt Institute. Learn more here. If you are interested in applying or nominating a student for Civic Scholars, applications will be available online starting in early November. If you would like to make a gift to support this program, please contact Colleen Watermon at cwatermon@wustl.edu.