Throughout 2026, the University of Michigan will join the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that offers a vital opportunity to reflect on America’s evolving democracy and our collective future. Aligned with this national commemoration, Central Student Government (CSG) proposes a signature event dedicated to fostering introspection and dialogue about the role of student governance within our university community. This event will bring together UM student government members spanning several generations, including current students and distinguished alumni who have served in leadership roles.
The primary goals of this event are to foster intergenerational connections among University of Michigan student government members, enhance civic learning, encourage active student engagement, generate new ideas for governance, and contribute to the documentation of UM’s institutional memory. By bringing together current students and alumni from diverse eras of student government, we aim to deepen understanding of campus leadership history and inspire students to explore new opportunities in policy innovation and advocacy. Through interactive panels attendees will gain a greater appreciation for democratic principles on campus and the significance of the Declaration of Independence’s milestone.