James Madison University has a special responsibility,
in my mind, to shine a light on the principles
on which James Madison stood. In a note celebrating
the idea of public education James Madison
wrote to a friend in 1822: "A popular government
without popular information or the means of
acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce
or a tragedy or perhaps both."
As Madison steadfastly believed, cultivating
an informed and educated citizenry is essential
to the health of our republican democracy.
To honor the legacy of James Madison, today
I'm very excited to announce a new lecture
series for the University called the 'Madison
Vision Series, Contemporary issues in an engaged
society."
The 'Madison Vision Series' will bring 
scholars, thinkers and leaders 
to our campus to help
us engage with contemporary issues and to
help us to explore the continuing relevance
and importance of liberal arts and sciences
in education.
At my inauguration in March, I announced the
creation of a new Vision Fund to support initiatives
related to the future vision for the University,
including exciting events like this new lecture
series. I want to thank all of you for your
support of the Vision Fund and for making
these new initiatives possible.
