UW–Oshkosh civic engagement series invites public dialogue on Constitution, immigration response and AI data centers

The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh Center for Civic and Community Engagement will host three public events this fall designed to encourage informed discussion about government, civic responsibility and issues affecting communities in Wisconsin and beyond.

"Civic engagement comes in a variety forms. Our series this fall offers students and the community the chance to connect with topics they are passionate about and become involved locally. Strong communities require people coming together to take action and make positive change. These events showcase people's ability to engage in that type of positive change," said Mike Lueder, Director of the Center for Civic and Community Engagement at UW–Oshkosh.

All three events are free and open to the public and will include opportunities for audience questions and discussion.

Constitution Day Celebration

Thursday, Sept. 17 | Reeve Memorial Union Ballroom

UW–Oshkosh will commemorate Constitution Day with educational activities throughout the day:

• 9 a.m.–3 p.m.: Constitution Cash Cabs featuring trivia questions and prizes
• 3:30 p.m.: Great American Ping-Pong Ball Drop outside Polk Library and Dempsey Hall
• 6 p.m.: “Republic or Democracy: What Is the U.S. and Why Does It Matter?” featuring Sami Sage and David Harsanyi. Food will be provided.

The celebration will give students and community members several ways to explore the U.S. Constitution and consider how the nation’s system of government shapes civic life.

Loving Thy Neighbor: Civic Engagement During Minnesota’s Metro Surge

Thursday, Oct. 22 | Reeve Memorial Union Ballroom
Exhibit: 3–5 p.m. | Panel discussion: 5–6:30 p.m.

This exhibit and panel discussion will examine the experiences of Minnesota residents and community members during Operation Metro Surge and the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year.

Panelists who assisted neighbors and friends during that period will share what they witnessed, how communities responded and why they chose to help others. The accompanying exhibit will provide context and highlight the experiences of people involved in and affected by the operation.

Should Wisconsin Build More AI Data Centers?

Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 5–7 p.m. | Reeve Memorial Union Ballroom

Part of UW–Oshkosh’s Freedom of Expression programming, this event will bring together public officials and policy experts to discuss whether additional artificial intelligence data centers should be built in Wisconsin.

Panelists will address multiple perspectives, including potential economic opportunities, community considerations and environmental impacts.

Featured participants include:

• Ted Neitzke, mayor of Port Washington
• Joe Stephenson, Oshkosh Common Council member and principal planner/planning services manager for the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
• Amy Barrilleaux, communications director, Clean Wisconsin
• Ross Milton, assistant professor of public affairs, UW–Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs
• Stewart Cole, associate professor of English and environmental studies at UW–Oshkosh, moderator

The Center for Civic and Community Engagement plans to livestream and record the events when possible. Recordings and additional information will be available following each event.

View the center’s complete fall schedule of events and activities at uwosh.edu/community-engagement/

For questions about the events, classroom participation or partnership opportunities, contact Lueder at luederm@uwosh.edu