Constitution Day Events

About Constitution Day 

On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution. Stockton University began celebrating this important occasion in 2006 as a result of a new federal law designating September 17th of each year as Constitution Day. The law—championed by Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia--requires public schools, universities and governmental entities to offer educational programs to promote a better understanding of our Constitution. 

Constitution Day at Stockton University

The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy is proud to sponsor this annual event, along with the American Democracy Project (ADP) at Stockton, the Stockton University Foundation, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and the Office of the Provost. From 2006 - 2022 Professor Emerita of Political Science Linda J. Wharton chaired the inaugural Constitution Day Planning Committee, which includes a dedicated group of faculty and staff. Current members include: 

• Dr. Claire Abernathy (POLS), Co-Chair
• Dr. Tina Zappile (POLS), Co-Chair
• Dr. Lauren DelRossi (DPT)
• Sara Faurot (Director of Alumni Relations)
• Dr. Maya Lewis (SOWK)
• Dr. Sharon Musher (HIST)
• Professor Kerrin Wolf (BUSN)

Previous Constitution Day Speakers:

• Richard Hasen "A Real Right to Vote" (2024)
• Melissa Murray "Dobbs, Democract, and Distrust" (2023)
• Mary Ziegler "Reproductive Autonomy in the aftermath of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization" (2022)
• Lorraine K. Bannai "Anti-Asian Hate: History, Law, Culture, and Coalition-Building" (2021)
• Julie Chi-hye Suk "We the Women: Discovering the ‘Founding Mothers’ of Our Constitution" (2020)
• Joan Biskupic "The Chief: The Life and Power of Chief Justice John Roberts" (2019)
• Adam Winkler "The Strange & Surprising History of the Second Amendment" (2018)
• Julian E. Zelizer "Constitution Democracy in the Era of Donald Trump" (2017)
• Akhil Reed Amar "The Supreme Court & the Constitution: What's at Stake in the 2016 Election" (2016)
• Bryan Stevenson (2015)
• Nina Totenberg (2014)
• Jeffrey Rosen (2013)
• Anita Hill (2012)
• Nadine Strossen (2011)
• Debrorah T. Poritz (2010)
• Eugene Robinson (2009)
• James J. Florio (2008)
• Burton Caine (2007)

• Linda Greenhouse; Kevin Cathcart & James Dale (2006)