Colorado State University’s thematic year, centering around democracy and civic engagement, will kick off 2024 with five guest speakers — including actress Jane Fonda. 

CSU began its Year of Democracy at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. The dive into democracy and civic engagement is the next set in the rotating annual theme that works to “highlight the incredible research, programs, academic initiatives, students, faculty and staff who are accomplishing extraordinary things at CSU,” according to the school’s website.

During the spring semester, CSU will present five speakers to help push the theme’s idea of getting campus community members to engage in conversations and panel discussions about democracy and how students can engage in their community, according to a news release.

The speakers include Republican Congressman Ken Buck — who recently announced his retirement — on Jan. 26, actress Jane Fonda on Feb. 2, Harvard University Research Professor of Public Policy Robert Putnam on April 12, former John Hopkins University President Ron Daniels on April 18 and political strategist Donna Brazile on April 30.

“CSU is ideally positioned — and as a public land-grant university, has a unique responsibility — to be a leader in readying citizens to participate in all facets of civil society,” CSU President Amy Parsons said in the press release. “Intentionally welcoming leaders with diverse perspectives and backgrounds to our campus for productive dialogue is a perfect example of our efforts to increase conversation and understanding.”

CSU’s previous thematic year in 2022-2023 was centered around health. Next year’s theme has yet to be announced. 

The events are free to those in the CSU community. Space is limited, though. Those interested can visit thematicyear.colostate.edu for details and registration.