SUNY Fredonia’s American Democracy Project (ADP) Committee has been formally recognized for strong work fostering student democratic engagement.
The honor was announced at the 2025 Public Good U Conference held in Albany, NY, on Feb. 3.
Through innovative programs and initiatives, the ADP Committee demonstrated its commitment to promoting active civic participation and cultivating informed, engaged citizens among its students.
Department of Communication Associate Professor Angela McGowan-Kirsch, who is chair of the ADP Committee, represented Fredonia ADP at the conference. She participated in a panel discussion, “Engaging Students for Civic Impact,” focusing on higher education's role in cultivating democratic citizenship. Dr. McGowan-Kirsch shared ADP’s strategies for promoting democratic engagement on campus.
The event followed the release in 2004 of the Ithaka S+R and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) report, “The Civic Campus: Assessing the Link Between Higher Education and Democracy.”
Two of the panelists, who are the authors of this report, highlighted the role of higher education in strengthening democracy and the importance of fostering civic responsibility among students. The session was facilitated by a representative from ADP in Washington, D.C., and another panelist from SUNY Oswego.
McGowan-Kirsch discussed how Fredonia’s ADP initiatives, including partnerships with the League of Women Voters of Chautauqua County to register students to vote, align with the report's findings and emphasize the need for institutions to prioritize democratic engagement.
“Our ADP efforts at Fredonia are rooted in the belief that democracy is not just a concept to be taught – it’s a practice that must be actively engaged with,” McGowan-Kirsch said. “The recognition at the Public Good U Conference is a testament to our commitment to providing students with the opportunities and skills they need to participate meaningfully in democratic life. It’s an honor to see our work reflected in ongoing conversations about the role of higher education in democracy."
The panel also focused on how universities can implement curricular and co-curricular programs to encourage civic responsibility, from voter registration drives to public forums on critical social issues. McGowan-Kirsch showcased the Fredonia ADP Committee’s partnerships with local organizations and the university’s commitment to creating student hands-on democratic engagement opportunities.
Fredonia’s ongoing commitment to democratic engagement is reflected in its programs. The university continues to provide students with opportunities to engage in critical dialogue, participate in societal challenges, and actively contribute to democratic processes both locally and nationally.
