Speaking at the Levin Center 10th anniversary event were (l-r) former Michigan State Representative Paul Hillegonds, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, Levin Center Director Jim Townsend, Wayne Law Dean Richard Bierschbach, and former U.S. Representative John Katko.
On September 13, the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University Law School marked its 10th anniversary with an evening that blended reflection, inspiration, and celebration.
The program brought together lawmakers, students, scholars, alumni, and civic leaders from across Michigan to recognize the Center’s impact over the past decade and its mission to strengthen democracy through fact-based, bipartisan oversight. The theme of the evening, “Congress’ Role in Renewing and Strengthening Democracy” guided the conversations and reflections throughout the night.
Provost Laurie Clabo opened by tracing the Center’s founding back to Senator Carl Levin’s vision and the leaders who helped bring it to life. Wayne Law Dean Richard Bierschbach highlighted how the Center has grown into a national hub for research, training, and education on oversight and civic integrity.
Levin Center Director Jim Townsend showed videos showcasing the Center’s achievements and reminded the audience: “In just a decade, the Levin Center has become the country’s foremost authority on oversight. We think Carl Levin would be proud — but we’re only just getting started.”
The evening’s keynote was delivered by U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, who spoke to her understanding of oversight as a patriotic duty and a cornerstone of democracy. “Questioning power is not some sort of deficit. It is actually patriotism. It makes our policies stronger and more durable,” she said. Slotkin called on leaders to carry forward Carl Levin’s legacy by reasserting Congress’ Article I powers and defending democratic institutions.
Following the keynote, Slotkin and former U.S. Representative John Katko joined together for a panel discussion on Congress’ role in restoring public trust. Katko emphasized integrity in public service: “Public service is doing the right thing when it’s really tough and especially when no one’s looking.”
Together, they reflected on the challenges of bipartisanship, the dangers of hyper-partisanship, and the urgent need to engage the next generation in civic life.
The program brought together lawmakers, students, scholars, alumni, and civic leaders from across Michigan to recognize the Center’s impact over the past decade and its mission to strengthen democracy through fact-based, bipartisan oversight. The theme of the evening, “Congress’ Role in Renewing and Strengthening Democracy” guided the conversations and reflections throughout the night.
Provost Laurie Clabo opened by tracing the Center’s founding back to Senator Carl Levin’s vision and the leaders who helped bring it to life. Wayne Law Dean Richard Bierschbach highlighted how the Center has grown into a national hub for research, training, and education on oversight and civic integrity.
Levin Center Director Jim Townsend showed videos showcasing the Center’s achievements and reminded the audience: “In just a decade, the Levin Center has become the country’s foremost authority on oversight. We think Carl Levin would be proud — but we’re only just getting started.”
The evening’s keynote was delivered by U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, who spoke to her understanding of oversight as a patriotic duty and a cornerstone of democracy. “Questioning power is not some sort of deficit. It is actually patriotism. It makes our policies stronger and more durable,” she said. Slotkin called on leaders to carry forward Carl Levin’s legacy by reasserting Congress’ Article I powers and defending democratic institutions.
Following the keynote, Slotkin and former U.S. Representative John Katko joined together for a panel discussion on Congress’ role in restoring public trust. Katko emphasized integrity in public service: “Public service is doing the right thing when it’s really tough and especially when no one’s looking.”
Together, they reflected on the challenges of bipartisanship, the dangers of hyper-partisanship, and the urgent need to engage the next generation in civic life.
