Truman State will participate in the nation’s largest group reading of the U.S. Constitution. The event will take place 5 p.m. today, Sept. 17, on the north end of The Quad by the flagpole to mark the 228th anniversary of the document’s signing.
Communication professor James Cianciola said he first had the idea to host this event. He said history professor Mark Hanley, political science professor Randy Hagerty, art professor Danielle Yakle, business administration professor Steven Smith and Janet Gooch, dean of the school of health sciences and education assisted him.
Cianciola said the event will feature University President Troy Paino as a speaker. English professor James D’Agostino will serve as master of ceremonies, and Hanley invited history students to participate as well.
“We want it to be meaningful to students and have some sort of historical substance,” Cianciola said. “On the other hand, I want it to be accessible. I want it to be accessible and fun.”
Cianciola said he hopes the event will gain popularity during the future and reach world-record attendance levels. Cianciola said no such record currently exists, but the deadline has passed to record this year’s reading. He said he hopes future readings could include poetry readings and music on The Quad.
“The idea is that we could make this a tradition and hopefully grow the event,” Cianciola said. “We really want to make this a community event.”