UF Marks America’s 250th Anniversary With Panel, 250 Bash and Fanfares & Fireworks

The University of Florida invites the campus and community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through three special events.

The panel will be hosted by the Office of Public Policy Events and sponsored by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education, and the Levin College of Law. 

As the United States commemorates 250 years of democracy, the panel will explore the nation’s ongoing experiment in self-government and the principles that have shaped its development. The 60-minute moderated discussion will examine the successes and shortcomings of American democracy, the responsibilities of citizenship in a rapidly changing society and the future of democratic engagement. 

The discussion will be moderated by Chuck Clemons, vice president of UF Government and Community Relations, and panelists include Gary S. Lawson, from the Levin College of Law; Teresa Cornacchione, from the Bob Graham Center for Public Service; and Adam Lebovitz, from the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education.

Immediately following the panel, join us for activities and refreshments to celebrate the United States of America’s 250th Anniversary! The first 100 UF students in attendance will receive a commemorative eagle plushie at the panel’s conclusion.

The panel will be followed by the 250 Bash from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom. Activities will include a patriotic photo booth, temporary tattoos and themed crafts.

The celebration for America will continue on July 3 with WUFT’s Fanfares & Fireworks from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Flavet Field. The event will feature live music, food trucks and fireworks. The firework show will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.