By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor
As part of a patriotic Constitution Day at Tusculum University, Mike Pence, the 48th Vice President of the United States, visited Northeast Tennessee.
The luncheon-style gathering at Pioneer Arena was a signature event of the ongoing America 250/Tusculum 232 Celebration, which the university is conducting to honor the nation’s milestone and recognize the higher education institution’s contributions since its 1794 founding. Nearly 400 people attended on a warm afternoon.
During a 25-minute keynote speech, Pence discussed the enduring importance of the U.S. Constitution, religious liberty, and the principles that shaped the American experience. The former vice president, governor and congressman claimed that “character is destiny” and also shared perspectives from his 20 years in public service, reflecting on the role higher education plays in developing engaged citizens.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” Pence advised. “It’s not passed along in the bloodstream; it must be taught and learned, just like Tusculum University is doing.”
He called the Constitution “the greatest charter in history” and warned against efforts on both sides of the political aisle to abandon it or its first principles.
“Each Constitution Day we are challenged to call ourselves back to first principles and remind ourselves that America was built not on a particular race of people, not on particular geography, but built on a set of ideas and principles,” Pence explained. “And it was built on the timeless and earthshaking assertion, first expressed in the Declaration of Independence, that we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights. The Constitution of the United States, since 1789, has preserved those God-given rights and liberties like no other charter in history.”
The former vice president reminded the audience that America’s Founders created a “brilliantly designed system” around the principle of checks, balances and three separate branches of government, and “powers not specifically afforded to the federal government be reserved for the states and people.”
Before the luncheon, Pence spoke with students from Tusculum, Walters State Community College and local high schools, as part of a symposium. Tusculum President Dr. Scott Hummel called the exchange “incredible and unbelievably valuable.” Pence said he believes the younger generation is “looking for truth” and concluded that his hope for young Americans today is to celebrate and honor the Constitution, as well as what’s true and right.
“I want to issue a challenge,” Pence said. “Don’t treat the Constitution as a fragile relic to be preserved behind glass; treat it as a prized possession.”
Pence’s Sept. 17 visit came to fruition via Dr. Scott Niswonger, a Tusculum trustee for 30 years and highly successful businessman. Longtime friends, Niswonger saw Pence as an ideal speaker for this event and introduced him. The event’s proceeds go to the Frontiers campaign, a four-year fundraising initiative underway at the university.
