St. Joseph, Mo. —Two former members of Congress will visit Missouri Western State University to participate in the university’s celebration of Constitution Day 2015. Former Representatives Bill Sarpalius, D-Texas, and Steven Kuykendall, R-California, will participate in two events on Thursday, Sept. 17. Both events are free and open to the public, and both will include time for questions from the audience.

“Congress and the Constitution,” 9:30-11:30 a.m., Kemper Recital Hall, Spratt Hall room 101

Join the two former congressmen for a discussion of how they see Congress fitting into the constitutional order created by James Madison and the Founding Fathers in 1787. Drawing upon their personal experiences, Sarpalius and Kuykendall will examine how the role of Congress has evolved and changed, especially in the context of rising presidential power, and the dire need for increased civic engagement.

“Harsh Voices: The Decline of Civility in American Politics,” 7-9:30 p.m., Hoff Conference Room, Blum Student Union room 218

Kuykendall and Sarpalius are coming to Missouri Western through the Congress to Campus program, which seeks to bring together former members of Congress and students to increase civic participation and literacy. The aim of Congress to Campus is to engage students and provide inspiration that will lead to greater democratic participation, whether it is in the arena of public service or something as simple as voting. Congress to Campus is run by the United States Association of Former Members of Congress in partnership with the Stennis Center for Public Service.