Events and Public Engagement
The Academy of American Civic Republicanism brings civic republicanism into the public square through accessible events open to UWF students, educators, and the Northwest Florida community.
Upcoming Events
James Baldwin vs. William F. Buckley: Reimagining the Historic 1965 Cambridge Union Debate
Experience a theatrical reenactment of one of the most memorable public debates of the twentieth century. American Vicarious brings the historic 1965 Cambridge Union debate between writer and civil rights icon James Baldwin and conservative author and commentator William F. Buckley Jr. back to the stage.
The debate centers on the provocative resolution:
“The American Dream is at the expense of the American Negro.”
Through this dramatic reenactment, audiences will encounter the competing visions of America articulated by Baldwin and Buckley at a defining moment in the nation’s history and consider enduring questions about race, equality, citizenship, and the American promise.
Performance Schedule
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Pensacola State College Ashmore Auditorium
Reserved for school groups. To request an invitation or inquire about availability, please contact Janet Kester at jkester2@uwf.edu.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Pensacola State College Ashmore Auditorium
Reserved for school groups — SOLD OUT.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
UWF Besser Studio
Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
UWF Besser Studio
Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Old Christ Church
Presented by American Vicarious.
America at 250: Civic Republicanism, Economic Freedom, and Dynamic Citizenship
Evening program: Friday, August 21, 2026 at the Museum of Commerce
Morning and afternoon sessions: Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the UWF Conference Center
The America at 250 symposium will explore how the traditions of civic republicanism and economic freedom have interacted and together shaped the United States and can sustain its dynamism into the future. Bringing together scholars, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs, the two-day event will examine the relationship between constitutional government, free enterprise, and active citizenship while considering the principles necessary for the American experiment to flourish in its next 250 years.
Featured Speakers and Panelists:
Manny Diaz Jr.
President, University of West Florida
Monica Colucci
Academic Support and Curriculum Administrator, Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
Dr. Cory Way
Professor of Practice and Associate Director for Degree Programs, Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
Dr. Doug Norton
Director of the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program, Department of Economics at Florida State University
Dr. Douglas Stevens
James E. and Patricia W. Copeland Deloitte Chair, School of Accountancy at Georgia State University
Dr. Max Skjönsberg
Associate Professor of Humanities, Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida
Dr. Clifford Humphrey
Executive Director, Academy of American Civic Republicanism at the University of West Florida
Robert Luddy
Founder and President of CaptiveAire Systems; Founder and Chairman of Franklin Academy, St. Thomas More Academy, and Thales Academy
Dr. William Mattox
Senior Director of the J. Stanley Marshall Center for Education Freedom at the James Madison Institute
Dr. Jason Jewell
Florida Board of Governors, Chief Academic Officer & Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives
Emmett McGroarty
Belmont Abbey College, Faculty Fellow, Honors College; Executive Director, Belmont House
Frank White
Owner and Founder of Tag Tech LLC
The cost of attendance is covered by the University of West Florida and Florida International University’s Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom. The symposium is free to attend, and meals and refreshments will be provided; however, seating is limited, so advance registration is required.
Please register here.
America’s 250 FL Event Series: Bernardo de Gálvez and Spain's Role in the American Revolution
Information to be announced soon!
America’s 250 FL Event Series: On Turning 250: How Americans Should Remember Their Founding
Information to be announced soon!
Past Events
America’s 250 FL Event Series: Rome in Philadelphia: Polybius and the Roman Republic at the American Founding
March 5, 2026 at 12:00 pm
UWF Auditorium in the University Commons
Dr. Carl E. “Tripp” Young III will explore how the political thought of Ancient Rome— particularly the historian Polybius and his account of the Roman Republic—influenced the ideas and institutions of the American Founding. By tracing the founders’ engagement with classical history, the talk sheds light on how ancient models of republican government shaped the constitutional order of the United States.
Watch the Rome in Philadelphia: Polybius and the Roman Republic at the American Founding video on YouTube.
America’s 250 FL Event Series: The First Amendment and its Enduring Role in the American Pursuit of Happiness
March 3, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Museum of Commerce, UWF Historic Trust
In conjunction with the 2026 Seligman Lecture Series, UWF will welcome noted political theorist and historian Dr. Jay Cost for an evening lecture on the First Amendment and its enduring role in the American pursuit of happiness.
Dr. Cost is the Gerald R. Ford nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he focuses on political theory, Congress, and elections. He is also a visiting scholar at Grove City College and a contributing editor at the Washington Examiner. His books include Democracy or Republic: The People and the Constitution (2023), James Madison: America’s First Politician (2021), and The Price of Greatness: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and the Creation of American Oligarchy.
His research and writing examine civic republicanism in the United States with an emphasis on the political theory of James Madison, the problem of corruption, the role of political parties, the development of civic institutions over time, and the power and responsibility of Congress. He writes and speaks frequently on American elections, placing contemporary political trends in historical context. Dr. Cost holds a PhD and MA in political science from the University of Chicago and a BA in government and history from the University of Virginia.
America’s 250 FL Event Series: Did America Have a Christian Founding?
January 23, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Voices of Pensacola, UWF Historic Trust
Join UWF and the Historic Trust for a lecture by historian Mark David Hall as he explores a hotly debated question about America’s founding. Hall will examine historical evidence, the intentions of the Founding Fathers, and the ongoing impact of religion on American political and cultural life. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a lively discussion at the intersection of history, faith, and civic identity.
America’s 250 FL Event Series: The President, the Bureaucracy, and the Fate of Government by Consent of the Governed after 250 Years
October 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
UKCOH Multipurpose Room, Building 234
Join us for an America’s 250 FL event featuring guest speaker Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto, the Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship at Hillsdale College. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
