HUNTINGTON — Marshall University's Constitution Week began Sept. 10 and lasts until Sept. 24 with several events to emphasize the importance of the U.S. Constitution.
Constitution Week at Marshall is sponsored by The John Deaver Drink Academy, which is devoted to enhancing public understanding of civic responsibility.
Dr. Montserrat Miller, the executive director of the Academy, said Constitution Week is celebrated at Marshall for two reasons.
Montserrat Miller
| Marshall University
"The first being that we are named after John Marshall, who established judicial review," Miller told the West Virginia Record. "The second being that it's the law that all entities receiving federal funds have to commemorate the Constitution during the week of Sept. 17."
Miller said organizers stretch Constitution Week to last a bit longer to include many activities, including several quoits tournaments, which was a favorite game of Marshall's in his day. The event also features a presentation by Judge Stephanie Thacker of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
As part of the Robert C. Byrd Forum, Thacker, a Marshall graduate, will present "Civility Matters: The Lessons of Kindergarten Still Apply." The Sept. 13 event is free and open to the public.
Miller said she is looking forward to hearing Thacker speak.
"She hasn't shared with us what she's going to be saying, but we know the title of her presentation," Miller said. "Her reputation precedes her—she has an impressive history and achievements. I'm looking forward to meeting her."
Miller said they are also awarding Thacker an award for her public service.
"I'm really looking forward to her comments and what she'll discuss with us," Miller said.
William Michael Hall, the chief of staff for Gov. Jim Justice, will also receive an award.
Miller said there will be quoits tournaments on Sept. 14 and 24.
"There will also be several parties and celebrations," Miller said. "On the last day, which would be John Marshall's 263rd birthday, we will have a birthday cake, lemonade and a performance by the John Marshall Fife and Drum Corps.
The drum corps was the idea of Dr. Wendel Dobbs and his wife, who were professors in the music department at Marshall.
"It really warms my heart to hear the drum corps come out and play," Miller said.
