BGSU fosters civic engagement and leadership through back-to-back events with Ohio leaders

Students connected with current and former state leaders to explore democracy, civil discourse and public service

Bowling Green State University recently provided students with opportunities to engage with current and former Ohio elected officials in back-to-back events designed to promote civil discourse, leadership and public service.

The events – Constitution Week in September and the Propel Ohio conference in October – underscore the University’s commitment to supporting a healthy democracy through public dialogue and providing unique educational opportunities that enhance classroom learning.

“Providing students with the chance to hear directly from Ohio’s public leaders helps them see how their voices and actions matter,” said Dr. Jacob Clemens, director of the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement. “Opportunities like Propel Ohio and Constitution Week bring learning to life, connecting classroom lessons with real-world dialogue about leadership, democracy and public service. These experiences help our students understand the impact they can have as active citizens and future leaders.”

On Oct. 16, the University hosted Propel Ohio, a statewide student leadership conference launched in 2015 by former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and now led by Community Campus Coalition, a nonprofit organization that supports higher education in preparing students to be compassionate, community-minded leaders.

More than 120 students from 25 colleges and universities across the state, including nearly two dozen student leaders at BGSU, attended the event.

Brown, who founded Propel Ohio to empower young Ohioans to shape their communities and the state’s future, delivered opening remarks. 

Students also participated in a roundtable discussion on civic issues and attended a lunchtime dialogue featuring BGSU alumna and former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery ‘70 and former U.S. Rep. Zack Space, gaining inspiration and tools to make an impact in their communities.

“I am so proud that BGSU hosted Propel this year,” said BGSU senior Hannah Super, who played a pivotal role in planning and organizing this year’s event. “It’s not only a chance to welcome students from other institutions, but also allows our own students an opportunity to grow their leadership skills and expand their networks. As a student, I’m incredibly thankful for the chance to be part of the planning process. It’s been such a valuable learning experience. From developing content to managing logistics, I’ve gained so much insight into what goes into planning an event of this scale.” 

In September, the University celebrated Constitution Week with five days of programming to highlight the importance of civic engagement and democratic values outlined in one of the nation’s founding documents. The week’s signature event – a luncheon, featuring current Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former Ohio Attorney General Lee Fisher – drew about 400 attendees from the learning and greater community.

The attorneys general shared insights on law, leadership, democracy and how constitutional principles help shape decision-making in public service.