The American Democracy Project at Weber State University hosted a small celebration and gave out cake in honor of the 226th birthday of the United States Constitution. The event took place yesterday in the Shepherd Union Atrium beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting until all the cake was given to students, ending shortly after noon.
The U.S. Constitution was adopted Sept. 17, 1787, and to commemorate the American Democracy Project, WSU is hosting Constitution Week, a weeklong celebration of the adoption. Constitution Week is intended to celebrate, commemorate and promote awareness and study of the document.
The American Democracy Project at WSU runs through Student Involvement and Leadership and works with faculty advisers and a leadership team. The group focuses on the role of higher education in improving citizenship and is intended to promote civic engagement and involvement on campus, especially through students.
Matthew Glover, WSU student and marketing director for the American Democracy Project, said it’s important to acknowledge the anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption.
“The Constitution is the document that governs our country,” Glover said. “Everything that happens, every dollar that goes where it does, who’s in office for as long as they are, every aspect of American life is affected by that document. Unlike other countries who have gone through several constitutions, ours has stayed the same — granted with amendments — for the last 226 years.”
Glover said having a birthday cake for the Constitution has been popular in the past, and the group wanted to do it again this year.
“I mean, everybody likes cake,” he said.
Having a cake allowed for an easy way to celebrate and promote awareness of the document’s beginnings.
“How many people today knew that it was the 226th birthday of the Constitution?” Glover said. “How many of them know it now? I don’t know, but more so than when we started this morning.”
Nathan Richard, a sophomore studying technical sales at WSU, stopped by and grabbed a slice of the Constitution’s birthday cake. Richard said he thought celebrating the adoption of the Constitution was important, and he’s glad WSU did something to commemorate the event.
“I think it’s something that doesn’t get recognized as much as it should,” he said. “I mean, the Constitution is what keeps this country together. The cake is just a plus.”
Ashlee Cawley, WSU political science student and director of the American Democracy Project at WSU, helped plan the event.
“All the cake was gone and people know that it’s the 226th birthday of the Constitution; I would say mission accomplished,” she said.
Other events featured for Constitution Week include a video presentation of student knowledge of the Constitution, New York Times reporter Brian Stelter speaking on social media and its impact on government, and U.S. Senator Mike Lee discussing freedom and civil society. More information on Constitution Week and the American Democracy Project can be found at www.weber.edu/leadership/adp.html.
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