The University of Southern Maine’s inaugural Forum on Democracy series concludes on March 25 with a final session led by students. The event will feature the Forum Scholars, a group of students nominated by USM’s three college deans for their interest in civic leadership. Over the course of the year, they have met in seminar with President Jacqueline Edmondson, engaging with the speakers and ideas that have shaped the yearlong series.
The Forum launched in September with a keynote by civic leader Eboo Patel and continued through sessions with national scholars and USM faculty. Throughout, the seven student scholars have engaged with the ideas presented in the Forum as they consider what pluralism and democracy demand of their generation.
“One idea has stuck with me throughout the year: the need to respect others in conversation, understand them and be curious,” said Justin Gibbons, a senior economics major. “I find all of those things lacking in our current political environment — and we need to apply them as the next generation of leaders.”
At the final event, the Forum Scholars will reflect on pluralism, share what they’ve learned and look ahead. Mia Noon, a senior political science major and chair of USM’s undergraduate student senate, said she hopes the format itself sends a message to the students in the audience.
“I want them to feel empowered to engage, seek change, and step into leadership,” Noon said. “I’m hoping that seeing students speak on a panel will do that.”
For some scholars, the seminar has done more than just introduce new concepts — it has also helped clarify thoughts that might have already taken root. First-year student Djino Kavula Nzau, who is studying political science and philosophy, said the experience has offered a newfound structure to his idea of democracy and what it requires of its participants.
“I want others to have the same opportunity — to take the ideas they already have and give them shape,” Kavula Nzau said. “Without pluralism, we can’t have a good sense of democracy.”
All of the Forum Scholars emphasize the importance of being part of the conversation. For President Edmondson, the seminar has been as much about listening as leading.
“These students have consistently demonstrated curiosity, respect, and a commitment to civic engagement,” said Edmondson. “Our audience will leave with a deeper understanding of how our students envision the future of our democracy.”
Join these scholars on March 25 as they reflect on a year of conversation and look toward the future of civic leadership in America.
Future Leaders’ Voices: Student Perspectives on Pluralism and Democracy in America
WHEN: March 25, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
WHERE: Hannaford Hall at the Abromson Community Education Center on the Portland campus
ADMISSION: This event is free and open to the public.
The Forum on American Democracy is made possible by the generous support of the Pond Family Foundation.