As part of the annual Congress Week celebrations, the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies will host former U.S. Representative Steve Driehaus (D-OH) and former USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley. The speakers will discuss democracy building, international development, and the continuing importance of civic engagement and public service. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Special Collections Libraries’ auditorium and is free and open to students, faculty, and the community.
“We look forward to Congress Week every year. It's an opportunity to provide significant programming that promotes a better understanding of the branch of government closest to the people, said the director of the Russell Library Sheryl Vogt. “Our experienced speakers promise an engaging discussion on building and sustaining democratic institutions at home and abroad.”
Dr. Wrigley served as the 13th Chancellor of the University System of Georgia from 2017-2021. Before becoming chancellor, he served as Senior Vice President for External Affairs as well as Vice President for Government Relations at UGA. He also served as Director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Wrigley also enjoyed a lengthy career in state government, including five years as Chief of Staff to former Governor Zell B. Miller.
Steve Driehaus represented Ohio's 1st Congressional District from 2008 to 2010. While in the House of Representatives, he focused on issues related to regional development, financial reform, and government accountability. Before serving in the U.S. House, Driehaus spent eight years in the Ohio Statehouse, including time as House Minority whip. He is currently the Resident Senior Director in Iraq for the National Democratic Institute (NDI), a non-profit NGO that works around the world to safeguard democratic institutions. Driehaus is also a founding member of the Good Government Group, a full-service public policy and public relations consulting firm. Additional work experience includes time as the Executive Director of Cincinnati Compass and Country Director for the United States Peace Corps in Morocco and Swaziland.
Congress Week is an annual program sponsored by the Associations of Centers for the Study of Congress (ACSC). The Russell Library is a founding member of ACSC. The event is sponsored by the Richard B. Russell Library and the Washington Semester Program. Congress Week 2024 is part of the Richard B. Russell Library’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Parking is free for off-campus visitors. Guests should bring their license plate number to the front desk staff at the library’s main entrance to validate parking. For more information about events and exhibits at the UGA Special Collections Libraries, visit libs.uga.edu/scl. Please visit https://libs.uga.edu/russell/50 to learn more about the Russell Library’s anniversary celebration.