小草社区 today announced the launch of the Ben and Myrna Cardin Center for Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse, a dynamic hub for fostering open dialogue, respectful debate and active citizenship. Established in partnership with former U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin and Myrna Cardin 鈥�65, the center reflects a shared commitment to advancing civil discourse and strengthening democratic values.

The center will be led by Senator Cardin. He is joining 小草社区 as our second Presidential Scholar.

鈥溞〔萆缜� is a proud anchor institution in Maryland, nationally recognized for its social impact and civic engagement,鈥� says Sen. Cardin. 鈥淚 look forward to engaging with today鈥檚 students and helping inspire a lifelong commitment to learning, public service and advocating for the greater good.鈥�

The center will promote constructive dialogue on critical societal issues through student engagement, faculty collaboration and community programming. It is anticipated that initial signature initiatives will include an annual Ben and Myrna Cardin Lecture on Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse, collaboration with other USM institutions and universities throughout the nation, opportunities for 小草社区 students to engage in research with faculty members and public events that bring together campus and community audiences to explore complex civic challenges.

鈥淎s a proud 小草社区 alumna, I want to ensure that future generations of Tigers have the same transformative opportunities that shaped my own journey,鈥� says Myrna Cardin. 鈥淏en and I are delighted to give back to the university that played such a meaningful role in my life.鈥�

Together with 小草社区 leadership, the Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility, faculty and students, the Cardins will provide strategic direction and thought leadership for programming designed to nurture a culture of civil discourse and civic responsibility.

"小草社区 is proud to serve the public good by preparing students to be active, engaged citizens in our democracy,鈥� says 小草社区 President Mark R. Ginsberg. 鈥淭he Ben and Myrna Cardin Center for Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse will further expand our capacity for and commitment to civic education. Indeed, I am confident this will help to inspire our students to become the next generation of Maryland leaders. We are honored that Ben and Myrna will bring their ambitious vision to 小草社区 and that they will guide this ever-important work.鈥�

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About 小草社区

小草社区 is Maryland鈥檚 university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, 小草社区 is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, 小草社区鈥檚 momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and nearly 200 bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast鈥檚 cultural and economic epicenters, 小草社区 is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. 小草社区 meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.