Article by Elise Berrocal | Photos by Evan Krape | May 11, 2022
University of Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration hosted nearly 20 academic institutions nationwide for its inaugural Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Ithaca National Student Dialogue in Delaware this April.
Nearly 100 student ambassadors and administrators from 16 universities, colleges, and schools across the United States, including Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership; Saint Anslem and Simpson Colleges; American, Colorado State, Delaware State, Florida International, Georgetown, James Madison, Johns Hopkins, and Tufts Universities; and the Universities of Chicago, Michigan, New Hampshire, San Francisco, and Virginia joined Biden School students, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests for an invigorating three-day dialogue on civil discourse. The weekend kicked off April 22 with a welcome reception hosted on campus by Biden Institute Chair Valerie Biden Owens, followed by two days of programming at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.
“On behalf of the school and the SNF Ithaca Initiative, I was so pleased to help welcome students and scholars to this inaugural event,” Biden School Dean and Charles P. Messick Chair of Public Administration Maria Aristigueta said. “At the Biden School, we recognize and prioritize the promotion of civility and discourse across political and philosophical divides. It was heartening to see such a diverse group come together from across the country to work on these important issues.”
The dialogue provided participants an introduction on civil discourse and civic engagement, as well as a unique opportunity to engage with their peers from throughout the United States about the challenges they face on their campuses, and then workshop solutions through UD expert presentations and facilitated exercises. Highlights of the weekend also included a night of Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball and an appearance by actor Chris Evans, known for his role as Captain America in the popular Marvel Avengers movie series as well as his work with A Starting Point — a video-based civic engagement platform that helps create a bipartisan channel of communication and connection between Americans and their elected officials. Thanks to the generous support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), attendees participated in the event completely free of charge.