Bellevue University Participates as Host Site for Nationwide TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures Event

Key Facts

• Event: TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures
• Host: Bellevue University Freeman/Lozier Library
• Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Time: Doors open at 9 a.m. (Central Time). A livestream of the 10–11:30 a.m. session is tentatively planned, with a panel discussion to follow from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Format: In-person livestream featuring an original TED Talk session, followed by a faculty panel
• Campus Location: Bellevue University, John B. Muller Administrative Services Building, 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska 68005.
• Cost: FREE and open to the public
• RSVP: https://bellevue.libcal.com/event/16791232
• The scheduled session time is subject to change at the discretion of the event organizer. Registrants will be notified in advance of any updates.

Bellevue University Participates as a National Host Site

Bellevue University’s Freeman/Lozier campus will serve as one of 65 host sites nationwide for TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures, a coordinated national livestream event connecting communities across the country—and the only host site in Nebraska. Libraries and institutions nationwide will stream TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures, creating local access points for shared civic engagement.

The livestream features more than 15 new TED Talks presented from Philadelphia focused on the evolution of democracy and its future. The symposium takes place as part of activities leading up to America’s 250th anniversary and includes speakers addressing civic participation, leadership, governance, and public life.

Bellevue’s Kirkpatrick Signature Series Challenges Students to Engage With American Values

“What makes Bellevue University distinctive is the way it connects learning to purpose and civic responsibility,” said University President Dr. Mary Hawkins.

Robin Bernstein, Senior Director of Library Services, added “Hosting TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures allows us to support meaningful conversations about civic life. We’re proud to support this kind of national dialogue, especially during America’s 250th year, and help create an environment where ideas can be explored and shared.”

Faculty Panel Highlights Civic Leadership and Education

Following the livestream, Bellevue University will host a faculty panel discussion on civic leadership and education as part of the University’s Kirkpatrick Signature Series (KSS). The KSS, considered the intellectual linchpin of a Bellevue University education, is a required undergraduate capstone consisting of nine credit hours across three courses: The Making of the Engaged Citizen, The Engaged Citizen in Action I and The Engaged Citizen in Action II (formerly titled American Vision and Values, Tradition and Change, and Freedom and Responsibility.)

The panel will explore how our country’s founding principles guide active citizenship and community stewardship, the goals of the Kirkpatrick Signature Series. Faculty members will further reflect on how our country’s founding principles, together with education, undergird students’ civic identity, promote engaged citizenship, and reinforce the responsibilities of informed citizens in a strong republic.