On September 29–30, 2026, Ithaca College hosted Congress to Campus, a nationally recognized program of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) that brought former Senators and Representatives to campus for conversations with students about public service, civic engagement, and democratic participation.
The College was especially pleased that its inaugural Congress to Campus program was recognized by the FMC as part of its America 250 (A250) initiative, commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary through civic learning, public engagement, and reflection on democratic institutions.
The program featured former Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Bob Inglis (R-SC) and centered on one of the defining issues of our time: how a divided democracy can still find common ground on climate change. During their visit, Bustos and Inglis met with classes, participated in panel discussions, and joined public conversations exploring what civil dialogue looks like when it is needed most.
