Pennsylvania Provincial Conference: Erie Town Hall
Panel discussion moderated by JES Scholar-in-Residence Andrew Roth, Ph.D.
In 2026 Carpenters' Hall and a coalition of partners will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference. The commemoration will not only educate and inform Pennsylvanians about this significant but overlooked historical event; it will also engage them in a dialogue about current issues related to the Pennsylvania constitution and the importance of state constitutions and state supreme courts in our democracy today.
One key part of our commemorative activities is a series of four town halls with panel discussions held in Philadelphia (April 2 at WHYY), Harrisburg (April 15 at the State Museum), Pittsburgh (April 29 at Heinz History Center), and Erie (April 30 at the Jefferson Educational Society). At these town halls, attendees will be invited via mobile phone polling to submit their input on proposed reforms to the state constitution.
The commemoration will culminate in September with the release of recommendations to state officials and the media for ways that the current Pennsylvania constitution could be improved and that more Pennsylvanians can understand and appreciate the importance of their state constitution today.
One attendee at each town hall will be entered into a drawing to receive a pair of tickets to a FIFA World Cup game in Philadelphia in June, an overnight stay at the Study in University City, and a private tour of Carpenters' Hall. Winners must be present to win (prize package courtesy of the PA State Tourism Office and Visit Philadelphia).
This event is part of the JES's USA 250 Event Series.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Thursday, April 30 7-8:30PM
Admission: FREE
If you do NOT receive a letter from info@jeserie.org within 24-48 hours regarding your registration, please check your spam or junk folder. Thank you!
As a Scholar-in-Residence at the Jefferson Educational Society (JES), Roth is working with his colleagues to enhance the Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy by including an academically oriented research component to the program. At the JES, Roth is also doing research on and preparing presentations about “1968: The Far Side of the Moon and the Birth of the Culture Wars”, which is a component of a larger research project on “The American Story: What Binds Us Together as Americans.” Previous work at the JES has included presentations on “Xander Hamilton: From St. Kitts to Weehawken to Hip-Hop Hit: The Life of Alexander Hamilton”; “George Washington: Primus Inter Pares”; “On Leadership: Towards a Practical Theory of Leadership”; “An Unlikely Trio: Washington, Lincoln and The Jesuits”. Roth also teaches graduate level leadership courses on “Leadership: Theory and Practice” and “Leading Change: The Leadership Challenge.” Lastly, he works with independent colleges on strategic visioning, strategic planning and enrollment management.
In 2016-17, Roth served as the Interim-President of St. Bonaventure University leading the transition from Sr. Margaret Carney to Dr. Dennis DePerro. During his brief tenure, he helped the University implement its strategic plan, created an Operational Efficiency Task Force to address systemic budget issues, fostered significant conversations on campus about the University’s identity, oversaw an increase in enrollment, approved the consolidation of student support services, initiated two campus beautification projects, and instituted Martin Luther King day as an observed holiday.
Previously, he served as president of Notre Dame College, from 2003 until his retirement in June 2014, upon which he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his leadership and was named President-Emeritus. During his presidency, Notre Dame College experienced a transformational growth that became the subject of three separate doctoral dissertations. At Notre Dame, in addition to establishing a number of intercollegiate athletic programs, Roth established a Nursing program, an Academic Support Center for students with learning differences, an Abrahamic Center to foster inter-faith dialog, a “Books That Changed the World” discussion forum, and other academic programs.
Prior to Notre Dame College, Roth served for almost thirty years at Mercyhurst University (nee College), where he was a tenured faculty member; a coach – he founded the women’s soccer team; and for over twenty years a senior administrator: Director of Admissions, VP for Enrollment, Vice-President of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the College. Roth holds degrees from John Carroll University, Case Western Reserve University, Gannon University and the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is also engaged with various civic organizations in Cleveland and Erie. When not working on his various projects, he enjoys reading, working out, and cycling on Presque Isle. He is married to retired banker Judy Owens Roth; they have three children and seven grandchildren.
