Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice

 
ADVOCACY HOME | COURSE OF STUDY | APPLICATION PROCESS | STEERING COMMITTEE | ALUMNI | ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
ABOUT NANCY M. MARSIGLIA | SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE

 

Are you passionate about how public policy shapes our community and ready to step up as an advocate? Tired of today’s divisive political climate and ready to be part of the solution? 

Gain a deeper understanding of our system of government and help reclaim civil discourse by participating in the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice, a 12-week U.S. Constitution course presented by Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
 
Most Americans think of the Constitution as words on paper preserved under glass at the National Archives. In truth, the Constitution is an ongoing conversation among Americans about the meaning of freedom in their daily lives. Marsiglia Institute participants will explore founding principles of U.S. Government through the articles, Bill of Rights, and amendments of the Constitution; and understand the document’s relevance in modern-day America.
 

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS


  • Learn from notable subject-matter experts. Past guest lecturers include former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu; historian, journalist, and writer Walter Isaacson; journalist and political historian Bob Mann; United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Stephen Higginson; and more.
  • Join a diverse class of community champions eager to lift our community through civic engagement.
  • Gain a working knowledge of U.S. Government and the skills to engage in civil, yet passionate debate required for democracy to work.
  • Leave the program ready to join United Way’s network of advocates fighting for a better, brighter future for all.

 

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS


“The Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute is an exhilarating experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's thought-provoking and it challenges every individual to be the change you want to see in today's global society.” - Elizabeth Bridges, Spring 2021

“…At a time when there's so much inequality and civil unrest, this course and material was able to ground me and bring me to a better understanding. My logic is more sound, worldview broader, and perspective less biased due to this institute.” – Meghan McCormack, Spring 2021

“The Marsiglia Institute covers topics that are so important to both American history and current affairs, making knowledge of this subject matter essential for any person who wants to be engaged civically. The weekly guest speakers were remarkable, and the final group presentation was not just a wonderful learning experience, but a fun one too!” - Mithun Kamath, Spring 2019

“The Nancy Marsiglia course should be a professional development tool used by everyone working in the field of social services. It explains (plainly) how and why the law works the way it does and provides insight on how to work within it without simply spinning your wheels or waiting precious (donor) dollars in vain.”  - Darrel Johnson, Fall 2019
 

ALUMNI


The Marsiglia Institute brings together participants of every age, race, political persuasion, and background. Click below to see members of previous classes. 

Fall 2023

Spring 2023

Fall 2022

Spring 2022

Fall 2021

Spring 2021

Spring 2020

Fall 2019

Spring 2019 

Fall 2018

Founding Class

 

 COURSE OF STUDY


The Institute is comprised of 12 two-hour sessions at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and virtually. In-person participation is encouraged for local participants. In-person classes will follow all COVID-19 guidelines set by Loyola University New Orleans.

The course curriculum was designed and prepared by Martha Lemoine, Mentor Teacher and National Judge for the Center for Civic Education’s “We The People” program. Expert guest lecturers will be invited to weigh in on important topics.

Each participant will receive a copy of the text “We The People, The Citizen & The Constitution.” Students will also have access to the Interactive Constitution App provided by the National Constitution Center.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be recognized as a “Distinguished Fellow of the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice."

 

TUITION 


Tuition for each student accepted will be assessed at $750. 

Click here to make tuition payments.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS


Independent representatives of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and United Way of Southeast Louisiana will review applications. The process will guarantee full diversity and participation from the seven-parish region. Up to 24 participants will be selected per semester.

Please refer all inquiries to Pamela Allison at PamelaA@UnitedWaySELA.org.

 

MARSIGLIA INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION


The Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice Alumni Association was launched in July 2020 to build graduates’ collective capacity to improve our community through advocacy and public policy and further the Institute’s mission to “reclaim civil discourse.” Read more on the launch event, which featured a keynote by National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial here.

The Marsiglia Institute Alumni Association is currently in a membership joining period. Association dues can be paid online via this form. Partial dues scholarships are available. Please contact Martha Lemoine at marthallemoine@gmail.com for more information. 

 

MISSION STATEMENT


The Institute’s principal mission is to educate members of our community about the founding principles of our government and foster civil discourse regarding the American Experiment – the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

 

VISION STATEMENT


The Institute is designed to give our fellow citizens an understanding of the background, creation and subsequent history of the unique system of government brought into being by our Constitution and it perpetual interpretation.

 

STEERING COMMITTEE


Patty Riddlebarger, Co-Chair

Madalyn Schenk, Co-Chair

 

NANCY M. MARSIGLIA ADVISORY BOARD


Dean Madeleine Landrieu

Michael Williamson

Clancy Dubos

Raphael Cassimere, Jr.

Michael J. Marsiglia

Charmaine Caccioppi

 

NANCY M. MARSIGLIA SELECTION COMMITTEE


Patty Riddlebarger, Co-Chair

Madalyn Schenk, Co-Chair

Dean Madeleine Landrieu

Martha Lemoine

Charmaine Caccioppi

Clancy DuBos

Michael J. Marsiglia

Michael Williamson

 

CURRICULUM & COURSE STUDY INSTRUCTOR


Martha Lemoine

 

LEAD STAFF


Pamela Mosley-Allison

 

ABOUT NANCY M. MARSIGLIA


Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and United Way are proud to partner to present the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice - a 12-week course on the U.S. Constitution named in honor of the late Nancy Meyers Marsiglia.

“We are excited to partner with Loyola in this opportunity to engage and empower the people of Southeast Louisiana in memory of Nancy,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA President and CEO. “Nancy valued equity in all facets of life, and we look forward to advancing her belief for a better, brighter future for all among the next generation of advocates.”

The Institute consists of 12 two-hour sessions at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Each session explores the U.S. Constitution through its articles, Bill of Rights and amendments.

“Nancy Marsiglia understood that the current political climate was making it difficult for people of good will to engage in civil but passionate debate necessary to a democracy,” said Madeleine Landrieu, Dean of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. “She also had a great admiration for our constitution and our nation’s founding principles. Loyola is proud to partner with United Way to launch this Institute in her name.”

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Marsiglia came to New Orleans to attend Newcomb College in 1971. Born to parents who gave household items to people struggling to make ends meet, she learned from an early age the importance of volunteerism and giving back.

Marsiglia devoted her entire life to social and political justice. Whether advocating for better educational opportunities for children or equal rights for women, she passionately threw herself behind every effort to make equality under the law a reality.

Marsiglia was a founding member of United Way’s Women United, formerly the Women’s Leadership Initiative. She was an enthusiastic participant in the pilot program that led to the Institute at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.

Her countless civic endeavors included leadership roles at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Agenda for Children, the Audubon Nature Institute, Metairie Country Day School, Jewish Children’s Regional Service, the drive to build the Aquarium of the Americas and Women of the Storm.

Marsiglia’s son, Michael J. Marsiglia, a 2005 Loyola University New Orleans College of Law graduate, remembered his mother as a tireless community activist. “To her, uplifting the entire community was more than a vague societal goal it was a personal calling, a moral imperative incumbent on every individual.”

“Nancy’s friends and family can think of no better way to honor her legacy of service than for Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and United Way of Southeast Louisiana to promote a more respectful civil discourse, engage a more informed public in our community, and attempt to inspire civic engagement in the future,” said Madalyn Schenk, Marsiglia’s friend.

 

SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE


donateThe Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute’s principal mission is to educate members of our community about the founding principles of our government and foster civil discourse regarding the American Experiment – the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Marsiglia Institute organizers are seeking gifts to ensure long-term sustainability of the program. Just as the Constitutional Convention delegates and signers cemented the American Experiment, so too will your gift solidify the future of this important initiative. If you have any questions regarding donating to the Institute, please contact Pamela Allison at pamelaa@unitedwaysela.org or 504.827.6866

FRAMERS CIRCLE (39 Available) - One-time contribution of $3,000  Sustaining support for the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute
Recognition: Name prominently displayed on a plaque in the classroom • Name displayed at alumni events and graduations • Reserved seating at special events

FOUNDERS CIRCLE - Annual contribution of $1,787  Underwriting for continuing education and speakers bureau
Recognition: Name displayed at alumni events and graduations • Reserved seating at special events

DELEGATES CIRCLE - $750 per semester  Underwriting for student scholarship
Recognition: Name displayed at alumni events and graduations • Reserved seating at special events