Constitution Days 2025: Intern Panel Anchors Week of Civic Engagement at SFU

Saint Francis University celebrated Constitution Days 2025 from September 15–19, with a series of programs sponsored by the Center for the Study of Government & Law, the Department of History and Political Science, and the Pre-Law and History Clubs. The week honored the  1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution and encouraged the campus community to reflect on its ongoing importance. 

Over the course of the week, 538 pocket copies of the U.S. Constitution were distributed to  SFU students, as well as local junior and high school students. Activities included voter registration efforts, campus quizzes, guest speakers, and interactive events designed to connect history with today’s civic responsibilities. 

One of the week’s highlights was the Intern Panel, “To Run a Constitution 2025: Interns’  Stories from the Field,” held on Thursday, September 18. Moderated by Professor Joseph  Melusky, the panel featured SFU students who shared firsthand accounts from their government  and legislative internships:

• Riley Knox – E.F.G. “Bud” Shuster Scholar, Government Intern for U.S. Rep. John  Joyce (R-PA, 13th)   
• Parker Lutz – Intern for PA State Rep. Frank Burns (D-PA, 72nd)
• Reace Myers – Former Ann Eppard Scholar, Congressional Intern for U.S. Rep. John  Joyce (R-PA, 13th)
• Laryssa Webster – SFU Representative, Women in Politics New Leadership PA,  Chatham University

Panelists discussed the practical aspects of public service, from supporting constituents with state programs to navigating the fast-paced environment of congressional offices. Their reflections underscored how internships serve as powerful bridges between classroom study and civic engagement. 

Other Constitution Days highlights included remarks by U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Pesto on  Supreme Court decision-making, on-the-go Constitution quizzes and surveys in the Scotus/Padua  Lobby, and a recorded program from the National Constitution Center exploring recent Supreme  Court rulings. Interactive surveys drew strong participation, with 268 students testing their knowledge of the U.S. naturalization exam, earning an average score of 7.22 out of 10—an improvement over last year. 

From voter registration to engaging student panels, Constitution Days 2025 invited the SFU  community to reflect, learn, and participate in the democratic process.