On Tuesday, October 27, the Office of Civic Engagement invited mid-South Side residents, local leaders, and the campus community to reflect on the future of civic engagement at the University of Chicago.
The event, hosted at the new Gordon Parks Arts Hall at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, featured opening remarks by Derek Douglas, Vice President for Civic Engagement, who highlighted the University’s activities in four areas of impact and engagement: as an educator, innovator, researcher, and anchor. William W. Towns, Assistant Vice President, Neighborhood Initiatives, moderated a panel discussion with the following speakers:
- Shanye Evans, CEO, UChicago Charter School and Managing Director, Urban Education Institute;
- Nina Longino, Managing Director, Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community;
- Dr. Deborah Gorman Smith, Emily Klein Gidwitz Professor, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and Director, Chicago Center for Youth Violence Prevention; and
- Christopher T. Harris, Sr., Pastor, Bright Star Church of God in Christ.
Watch a video of Derek Douglas’ remarks.
Watch a full-length video of Douglas' presentation and the panel discussion.
After the panel, attendees broke into small groups to explore opportunities for ongoing engagement between the University and the mid-South Side community. They discussed a variety of topics that build upon the strength and values of both the
The Next 125 Years of Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago was part of the University’s 125th Anniversary celebration. Visit 125.uchicago.edu for information on upcoming events.
By Kim Grimshaw Bolton
Photos by Nancy Wong