GREENEVILLE – Tickets are now on sale for an enthusiastic and patriotic Constitution Day luncheon at Tusculum University that will feature Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States, as keynote speaker.
The luncheon will be held Thursday, Sept. 17, at noon in Pioneer Arena. It is a signature event of this year’s America 250/Tusculum 232 Celebration, which the university is conducting to honor this special milestone in the nation’s history and to recognize the higher education institution’s contributions since its founding in 1794.
“We are delighted to invite community members to commemorate the Constitution and Tusculum’s important place in the nation’s history as the oldest higher education institution in Tennessee,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president. “Vice President Pence’s presence will contribute significantly to Constitution Day because of his numerous very high-level roles in government, his keen understanding of America’s many strengths and core values, as well the essential role universities like Tusculum play in civic engagement. We will be honored by his presence and look forward to his inspiring remarks.”
In his speech, Pence will discuss the enduring importance of the U.S. Constitution, religious liberty, civic responsibility and the principles that have shaped the American experience. He will also share perspectives from his years in public service and reflect on the role Christian higher education plays in developing thoughtful, engaged citizens. Additionally, he will highlight how Tusculum’s mission aligns with these principles and ways Tusculum has played a key role in the nation’s success.
“Tusculum University has a tradition of devotion to faith and freedom, and I am honored to join students and faculty for Constitution Day this year. The Constitution of the United States has served as the foundation of our Republic since 1789 and remains the single greatest charter of freedom in human history,” Pence said. “Our Declaration of Independence laid out the ideals that have shaped the United States and inspired us to fulfill our calling as a country.”
Pence’s visit to Tusculum has been made possible through the generosity of Dr. Scott Niswonger, who is a highly successful businessman and philanthropist, who is a Tusculum alumnus and who has served on university’s Board of Trustees for three decades. Because Dr. Niswonger and Vice President Pence are longtime friends, Dr. Niswonger knew Pence would be an ideal speaker for this event.
The event’s proceeds will go to the Frontiers campaign, a four-year, $13.5 million fundraising initiative that is underway at the university.
“Vice President Pence has been a distinguished public servant, whose faith and commitment to the betterment of our nation are impressive,” Dr. Niswonger said. “His character is impeccable, and his love of America and his fellow man has always been on display. He is the perfect choice to help us mark this monumental birthday for America and one of the most cherished and significant documents in the nation’s history. I am thrilled to be part of this occasion and to have Vice President Pence with us.”
Dr. Hummel and Tiffany Greer, Tusculum’s vice president of institutional advancement, expressed their appreciation to Dr. Niswonger for facilitating Pence’s visit to the university.
Originally from Columbus, Indiana, Pence graduated from Hanover College and Indiana University School of Law. He then embarked on a multifaceted career, including practicing law, hosting a talk show, serving as a congressman for six terms and championing limited government and fiscal responsibility. Pence was elected the 50th Governor of Indiana, focusing on tax cuts, job creation, education reform and infrastructure investment while maintaining fiscal responsibility, before becoming Vice President.
Pence’s conservative philosophy, inspired by Ronald Reagan, the nation’s 40th president, led to his founding Advancing American Freedom, which continues to advocate for faith, family and liberty as foundational American values.
“Tusculum University has a history of transforming students’ lives in a caring Christian environment and preparing career-ready professionals who are civically engaged, and I am looking forward to spending time with rising leaders in Tennessee and America,” Pence said.
Additional activities for the luncheon will take place in the Pioneer Arena lobby. Guests will enjoy history exhibits, artwork and interactive displays from local organizations before the program begins.
“Whether you’re an alum, community member, student or history enthusiast, you’ll experience meaningful conversations, inspiring stories and a celebration of the freedoms and values that shape our nation by attending the luncheon,” said Greer, who is leading the planning for the luncheon. “We are extraordinarily grateful to Vice President Pence for helping us recognize our nation’s gifts and continuing development. We are also excited to celebrate Tusculum’s heritage and the university’s ongoing growth as a regional community partner.”
Individual tickets are $100, and the university is offering a number of table sponsorships. People who are interested in tickets and table sponsorships can learn more and purchase them at <https://iasite.tusculum.edu/patriotic-luncheon/>. Anyone with questions can email Greer at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.
The reservation deadline is Friday, Aug. 28.
The America 250/Tusculum 232 Celebration will consist of a number of events through the end of the year. Besides Constitution Day, they include Charter Day Thursday, Sept. 3, to recognize the 232nd anniversary of Tusculum, and a 9/11 remembrance Friday, Sept. 11. Tusculum will have other events as well – a lecture series and a student-led night of worship. Annual events such as Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day, Homecoming and the Cicero Lecture will incorporate the America 250/Tusculum 232 theme.
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu <http://www.tusculum.edu>.
