The 2017 Public Affairs Conference is packed with fun opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the public. We are going to tell you why this conference matters, and why you should take some time to join us on campus April 4-7. Let’s go!

It’s a public affair!

Missouri State offers a unique opportunity to experience diversity from a clear lens. Thousands of miles have separated students, but the Springfield campus is a temporary home to approximately 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and 83 different countries.

You do not have to travel the world to tap into the culture, experiences, and perspectives from around the world. This unique opportunity to be together allows us to bring our backgrounds and cultural struggles to the forefront.

For example, look for yourself at the international programs happening here right now. This campus is an international melting pot!

Let’s jump to the hot topics

Let’s get to the point and talk about what matters. Human rights, the presidential election and the pursuit of happiness are three on the menu this April.

The 2017 Public Affairs Conference theme is “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Perspectives on Self-Government.”

This popular phrase from the Declaration of Independence is the cornerstone for all topics that will be explored. Come out and learn about real, important ideas from the experts on these issues.

Starting at 7:30 p.m. April 4 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Doris Kearns Goodwin will entertain and educate in her session on the historical perspective on our wild 2016 election and how we got here.

Want to get happy?

“The pursuit of happiness” is more than lyrics by Kid Cudi or a movie with Will Smith. It is a goal, destination and hope for us all. We know what it means to be happy, but how do we get there? What does it look like for each of us?

Missouri State is bringing in Sonja Lyubomirsky, the expert on happiness, to unveil the secrets to the pursuit that is far from a secret. You will not want to miss this session because it may change your life.

Campus is alive

The Missouri State campus is beautiful. Come walk around and enjoy the John Q. Hammons Fountain, new facilities such as the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center and O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center and the renovated Plaster Stadium.

We also have tweeting bear statues, a cool new statue of Jackie Stiles and several food options in the Plaster Student Union.

Share your experience

While you’re participating in the conference, don’t forget about the Twitterverse! Use the #CitizenBear hashtag on your social media channels to join the digital discussion. Posts that include the #CitizenBear hashtag are pulled into a Tagboard.