USM Forum on American Democracy: Inaugural Keynote with Eboo Patel

The USM Forum on American Democracy is a year-long public series designed to engage the University of Southern Maine and the broader community in thoughtful conversations on the foundations and future of democratic society. Hosted by President Jacqueline Edmondson, the Forum invites multiple perspectives on timely civic topics through keynote speakers, panel discussions, and campus-wide engagement.

A thank you to the Pond Family Foundation, this year’s sponsors of the USM Forum on American Democracy.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

Strengthening Democracy Through Pluralism, Inaugural Keynote with Eboo Patel

• Date: September 3, 2025
• Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM
• Location: Hannaford Hall, Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME 04101

Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith America and a national leader in civic cooperation, will launch the Forum series with a keynote on the role of pluralism in American democracy. Drawing on his decades of work in interfaith and public life, Patel will explore how engaging across lines of difference can strengthen communities, enrich civic life, and empower campuses like USM to lead in building a more inclusive and resilient society.

The event will be followed by a book signing from 6:30 to 7:00 PM with Patel for his book We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy.

SAVE THE DATE

• November 5, 2025 - Pluralism in Practice, A Conversation with Raj Vinnakota & President Edmondson
• February 4, 2026 - A Perspective on Pluralism in Southern Maine, A Discussion Led by USM Faculty & Staff
• March 25, 2026 - The Voices of Future Leaders, Student Perspectives on Pluralism and Democracy in America

Please contact Laura Anderson (Director of Administration & Planning, Office of the President, University of Southern Maine) at bGF1cmEgISBhbmRlcnNvbiB8IG1haW5lICEgZWR1 with any questions.

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