Sept. 8, 2008

Contact Keith Knutson at 608-796-3496 or kaknutson@viterbo.edu

VITERBO UNIVERSITY TO HOST CONGRESS TO CAMPUS

LA CROSSE, Wis. – In celebration of Constitution Day, Viterbo University will host two former members of the United States Congress for a variety of activities as part of the national Congress to Campus program Monday, Sept. 15 and Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Hon. Sam Coppersmith (D-AZ) and Hon. Nick Smith (R-MI) will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16 in the Fine Arts Center Lobby. The event is free and open to the public.

The Congress to Campus program sends bipartisan pairs of former members of Congress, one Democrat and one Republican, to visit college, university, and community college campuses around the country. The former Congress members provide insights into the realities of American democracy and deliver the important message about bipartisan cooperation. The program was created by the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress in an effort to improve college students’ understanding of Congress and American government and to encourage them to consider careers in public service.

While on the Viterbo campus, Congressmen Coppersmith and Smith will also speak to students in several classes, be interviewed by local media, and take part in a number of other events.

“Viterbo University is proud to be able to share the insights of these two former members of the U.S. House of Representatives with the La Crosse community,” said Viterbo faculty member Keith Knutson. “Their presentation will be on the eve of our national recognition of Constitution Day and during our election season. The bipartisan presentation will remind us of the community effort required in governing ourselves.”