LangLab South Bend Hosts Pop-Up University Thursday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --  LangLab South Bend hosted its Pop-Up University event Thursday night, engaging the community in discussions about democracy and other topics.

The event aimed to bring the university experience to the public by hosting lectures in casual and welcoming spaces. Discussions focused on the expansion of presidential power and democracy’s role in everyday life.

Elizabeth Bennion, director of community engagement and a political science professor, emphasized the importance of understanding the constitutional power of the presidency.

“We want people to understand the political science context, to better grasp the presidency as they have conversations with their friends and neighbors and form their own opinions,” Bennion said.

While politics was a central theme, the Pop-Up University also covered a range of other topics, including women filmmakers in Hollywood, end-of-life decisions, and mental health care.

Organizers say the event is part of an ongoing effort to foster public engagement and make academic discussions more accessible to the community.