FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
from Rowena White (203)576-7201, rowena.white@bridgeportct.gov
(Jun. 7, 2017) — Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim just finished his first year co-teaching American Government at the University of Bridgeport. The first semester of the undergraduate Political Science course started in Fall 2016, and the Mayor enjoyed his experience and time with the students so much that he continued teaching into the Spring 2017 semester. The American Government course covers the Constitution, branches of government, Civil Rights, political parties and elections, and other topics related to the structure of American Government.
Mayor Ganim was asked to speak at the University of Bridgeport in April 2016 to share his vision for the city’s future and discuss revitalizing the gateway to UB and the South End. This address to the students and faculty led to the interest and opportunity for the mayor to teach American Government the following semester.
“This has been a rewarding way to share my personal and professional knowledge of state and local government. Being a mayor and teacher is an amazing way to educate. Real actions and real challenges of our municipality as they happen in city hall are periodically brought to the students as part of the weekly discussion,” said Ganim. “This has also been a unique way to get to know these young residents of our city. There is such a positive energy and intellect on the UB campus.”
During the mayor’s class time, prominent speakers from the media, judges, city attorneys, and other elected officials participated in the discussion and offered their knowledge as part of the weekly lecture.
Ganim joins other mayors throughout the country who have also enjoyed the opportunity to bring their political knowledge of government and policy to the classroom, like the mayor of Cayce, S.C. and adjunct professor in the Arnold School of Public Health, as well as Mayor Walling, an instructor of Political Science at UM-Flint.
Mayor Ganim serves on the University of Bridgeport Board of Trustees and is an advocate of UB. The Mayor and his administration have been building stronger bonds between the university and the city since taking office in December 2015. The university has partnered with the city on a master plan of the South End to revitalize the gateway. While fostering relationships with UB, the mayor is also building stronger ties with HCC, as evident in the most recent MOU for manufacturing scholarships as part of the MIRA Second Chance Program.
“We appreciate Bridgeport’s universities and colleges as valued institutions for our city and its future,” stated Ganim.
Mayor Ganim will have the opportunity to teach American Government again next semester and is looking forward to the weekly conversations and engaging discussions in the classroom.
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Rowena White
Director of Communications
City of Bridgeport | Mayor’s Office
Margaret E Morton Government Center
999 Broad Street
Bridgeport, CT 06605
203-576-8439 O
203-726-0047 C