Shepherd University Dedicates the Stubblefield Institute

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.V., Oct. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On Oct. 1, The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University hosted its dedication event at Shepherd University. Local and state politicians from both parties attended the event to celebrate political civility.

Noteworthy speakers included U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito R-W.Va., Gayle Manchin, Former West Virginia Secretary of Education and the Arts and wife of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin D-W.Va., and President Mary J.C. Hendrix, Shepherd University.

"An informed electorate is essential for democracy to thrive, and civic-minded neighbors are essential for communities to thrive," Sen. Capito said. "The Stubblefield Institute will be a great asset not only to Shepherd and West Virginia schools, but to the entire nation. I'm so proud to see West Virginia leading on this."

From his office, Sen. Joe Manchin expressed support for the Institute and its mission. "It is great to see Shepherd University leading the way in civil discourse and compromise through the new Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications," he said. "I wholeheartedly believe that civility and bipartisanship are essential to our democracy succeeding, and that's why I have lived by these principals day in and day out throughout my career in West Virginia and in the Senate. I look forward to visiting soon and seeing the great work that comes from the Institute in the future."

The Stubblefield Institute will host national and state debates across partisan and ideological divides, which will teach undergraduate students the principles of civil political discussion.

The Stubblefield Institute, made possible by a generous gift from Drs. Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield, seeks to engage both students and the public in bridging our nation's ever-growing political and cultural divide.

"This transformational gift from the Stubblefields will allow us to train the next generation of model citizens who will lead by example in choosing civility to guide their rhetoric and actions," said Shepherd University President Mary J.C. Hendrix.

For more information about the Stubblefield Institute, contact David Welch, Institute director, through email at dwelch@shepherd.edu or by phone at 304-876-5005.

About the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University

The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications officially opened its doors on July 1, 2019, with offices in the beautiful Frank Center on the campus of Shepherd University. Drs. Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield funded the Institute through the Shepherd University Foundation. Its mission is to offer students and the public an advanced platform for the study of political discourse by addressing the role communications plays in our divided national culture and contribute to a more positive dialogue and exchange of political differences.

SOURCE Stubblefield Institute