Event explores pluralism in America with national civic leader and Mainer Raj Vinnakota
On Wednesday, November 5, the University of Southern Maine’s Forum on American Democracy series continues in a conversation with Raj Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars.
USM President Jacqueline Edmondson will host a public dialogue with Vinnakota to explore the challenges and opportunities of pluralism in contemporary American society. Building on themes introduced by Eboo Patel at the inaugural event in September, this event will examine pluralism through a different lens.
“Eboo Patel provided an important historic perspective, and his understandings of pluralism are grounded in his interfaith and religious commitments,” said President Edmondson. “Raj Vinnakota, a national thought leader about pluralism who is also a Mainer, starts our conversation with a civic perspective. He will engage us in a conversation about what pluralism means today — including its limitations.”
Drawing from his extensive work in civic learning, youth engagement, and public scholarship, Vinnakota will reflect on how pluralism can be practiced at scale — across institutions, communities, and generations — and what it will take to prepare citizens for a thriving, inclusive democracy.
“As a Mainer, I see every day how deeply our communities depend on people who know how to work together across differences. That lesson extends far beyond our campuses — it’s what our country needs right now. Education at its best doesn’t just prepare people for careers; it prepares them for lives of purpose, connection, and civic contribution. When we build those habits of understanding and shared responsibility, whether in classrooms, workplaces, or neighborhoods, we strengthen not only our democracy but our sense of belonging to one another,” said Vinnakota.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required in advance.
WHAT: USM Forum on American Democracy
WHEN: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 5-6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hannaford Hall – Abromson Community Education Center, 88 Bedford St. Portland
WHO: Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson, University President, and Raj Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars
About Raj Vinnakota
Raj Vinnakota is the President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, where he leads a national effort to cultivate lifelong, effective citizens through civic learning, scholarship, and cross-sector partnerships. A pioneering social entrepreneur, Vinnakota co-founded the SEED Foundation, the first U.S. network of public, college-prep boarding schools for underserved students — work that earned recognition from Oprah Winfrey, Harvard University, and Fast Company.
Before his current role, Raj served as Executive Vice President at the Aspen Institute, where he launched the Youth & Engagement Programs division focused on youth leadership and civic opportunity. He currently co-chairs civic task forces for both the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and the Partnership for American Democracy, and is a frequent commentator in national media on Gen Z, civic education, and democratic renewal.
A graduate of Princeton University and recipient of its highest alumni honor — the Woodrow Wilson Award — Vinnakota’s career has been dedicated to ensuring that all Americans, regardless of background, are empowered to participate fully in civic life.
About the Forum
The USM Forum on American Democracy is a year-long public series designed to engage the University of Southern Maine (USM) and the broader community in thoughtful conversations on the foundations and future of a democratic society. Hosted by President Edmondson, the Forum invites multiple perspectives on timely civic topics through keynote speakers, panel discussions, and campus-wide engagement.