Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

Purdue students and faculty celebrate ‘Constitution Day’

September 17th, 2014

(From Paul Zink, WLFI.com)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – On Sept. 17, 1787 the United States Constitution was signed. On Sept. 17, 2014 Purdue students and faculty gathered to celebrate Constitution Day.

The event began at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning in Purdue Memorial Union’s room 118. Visitors were able to take the self-guided tour through a series of booths to watch videos and take quizzes testing their knowledge on the Constitution. There also were games with prizes including a football signed by head Purdue football coach Darrell Hazel.

Organizers said it’s important to remember what the celebration is really about.

“I think it’s important not just to celebrate the signing, but also to remember the importance of the Constitution,” said the Head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Phillip VanFossen Ph. D. “Our theme this year is ‘In a digital age is the Constitution still important?’ and of course our answer to that is ‘Yes.’”

VanFossen said he hopes the event will help students reflect on the law of the land.

“I think what we enjoy most is having people come in, learn a thing or two. Take a free pocket Constitution, maybe a T-shirt — Constitution Day T-shirt, wear it around, have people ask them about it and realize how important the document is,” said VanFossen.

There was also a celebrity quiz-off at 12:30 p.m. with the celebration wrapping up around 3 p.m.