NEWS

Newberry, S.C. - Dr. Dennis Lambries, associate professor of political science at Newberry College, and Scythe Shephard, a junior Summerland Honors student, have been selected to participate in the 2026 Model Constitutional Convention (MCC), a prestigious national forum on democratic reform. The convention will be held May 21–24, 2026, at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Mo., where more than 100 students from colleges and universities nationwide will gather to propose, debate, and vote on reforms to U.S. democracy.

Lambries will serve as a mentor and advisor, guiding student delegates through the challenges of constitutional design and democratic deliberation. Shephard, a native of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., was chosen from a pool of 400 applicants representing colleges, universities, and law schools across the country. She brings an interdisciplinary perspective as a chemistry major with a concentration in biochemistry and forensics, along with minors in prelaw, business administration, criminal justice, and political science. Together, Lambries and Shephard will represent Newberry College at this national forum focused on strengthening democratic practice.

“I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded individuals in an environment that mirrors the legal and governmental process,” said Shephard. “Participating in this event means gaining a deeper understanding of how our government system works while developing the skills of leadership, discussion, and advocacy that are essential to my future goals in law.”

A biennial program, the MCC has quickly emerged as a promising experiment in civic education. It was founded by Stefanie Lindquist, dean of Washington University School of Law, who convened the first convention in 2024 while leading the Center for Constitutional Design at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. “To sustain our constitutional order, we need citizen engagement with our founding document,” said Lindquist. “We hope the MCC will help train the next generation to lead serious conversations about constitutional law and reform.”

The inaugural convention brought together outstanding undergraduates and mentors at a time when foundational questions about American democracy are increasingly urgent. Its return in 2026 reflects both its success and a continued commitment to preparing future leaders to address democratic challenges with rigor, creativity, and collaboration.

This year’s convention will be directed by Neta Borshansky, who also worked on the inaugural MCC. Reflecting on that experience, she noted the delegates’ professionalism and engagement: “We witnessed many students finding their voice, learning to respect differing viewpoints, and considering the contributions they want to make within our democratic system.”