SUNY Old Westbury is proud to celebrate Constitution Day each year. Constitution Day is an American federal observance recognizing the adoption of the United States Constitution.
In Recognition of Constitution Day 2026, "The Changing Powers of the U.S. Supreme Court" will be presented by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Lanoue.
When: Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Duane L. Jones Recital Hall, Campus Center
About the Speaker
A political scientist by training with nearly 40 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Lanoue is an experienced higher education administrator having held a number of leadership roles at various universities since 1990.
He is the author of “From Camelot to the Teflon President: Economics and Presidential Popularity. Since 1960,” published in 1988, and co-authored “The Joint Press Conference: The History, Impact, and Prospects of Televised Presidential Debates” in 1991. He has also written two book chapters, some 30 refereed articles, and been a part of more than 30 conference papers and panel discussions.
Dr. Lanoue's knowledge and insight of the field of political science has been sought after by media outlets, and he has been quoted in many publications including The New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, U.S. News and World Report, Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and Washington Times.
Past Constitution Day Activities on Campus
- 2025: "Civil Rights and the Constitution," Elliot Dawes, vice president for institutional excellence, SUNY Old Westbury.
- 2024: "Congress Shall Make No Law: The Constitution and Freedom of Speech," Dr. Thomas Lilly, associate professor, Politics, Economics and Law.
- 2023: "Your Rights and Freedoms at Stake! The Supreme Court and the Constitution in the 2020s," Carolyn Cocca, professor, Politics, Economics and Law.
- 2022: Movie Screenings - "What the Constitution Means to Me," conducted and moderated by faculty of the Politics, Economics and Law Department.