Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University featured in the USF World newsletter "Bulls Run the World"

What an honor to see an article about the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University featured in the January 2026 edition of the USF World newsletter "Bulls Run the World."

Here is a link to the USF World Newsletter: https://www.usf.edu/world/about/news/brtw-home.aspx

and a link to the USF World website: https://www.usf.edu/world/

And a link to the USF College of Arts & Sciences article about my Fulbright position and my work with the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States:

https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2025/political-science-professor-leverages-fulbright-appointment-to-build-bridges-through-civic-education.aspx

Scourfield McLauchlan presents her book donation to the Center for the Study of the United States with Center director Edward Kaweesi. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

Political science professor leverages Fulbright appointment to build bridges through civic education

By Anna Mayor, College of Arts and Sciences

During her month-long Fulbright appointment in October, Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, an associate professor of political science in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, helped launch the new Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

Scourfield McLauchlan meeting with one of the Center’s researchers, George Okiror, whose work focuses on strengthening constitutionalism and the rule of law. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

The Center hosted a farewell dinner for Scourfield McLauchlan to celebrate the USF–Makerere partnership and the ongoing research and teaching collaborations. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

The project focused on strengthening institutions and communities in both the U.S. and abroad through political science education and training.

One of more than 400 experts chosen annually for the Fulbright Specialist Program, Scourfield McLauchlan was selected for her academic achievement, professional leadership and potential to build lasting partnerships between U.S. and international institutions. 

Working closely with her host, Senior Lecturer Edward Kaweesi, Scourfield McLauchlan supported the new center through the development of its research agenda, creating an action plan to build partnerships with U.S. universities by reviewing curriculum and connecting Makerere scholars with their counterparts in the U.S.

“It was a privilege to help launch the center,” Scourfield McLauchlan said. “I am confident it will make a meaningful impact for many years.”

The collaboration has already extended beyond the Fulbright project launch goals.

Scourfield McLauchlan with attendees after her “America@250” lecture, alongside handouts featuring the U.S. Constitution and Democracy Reignited, a publication created with the Florida Humanities Council and Newspapers in Education. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

Scourfield McLauchlan presenting a certificate to a participant in her Faculty Development Workshop on Virtual Global Exchange (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

Scourfield McLaughlan and Kaweesi are now preparing a book proposal on civic renewal, planning to present joint research on U.S.–Uganda relations at the upcoming FPSA Conference and organizing a 2026 Constitution Day event to connect USF and Makerere students.

Review Scourfield McLauchlan’s Fulbright experience, including photos, on her blog African Academic Adventures. 

Certificate of Completion - the Fulbright Specialist Program

Look what came in my e-mail in box today --

An electronic copy of my Certificate of Completion for the Fulbright Specialist Program!

THANK YOU SO MUCH again to the US Department of State and the US Embassy in Uganda for facilitating this partnership with the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University in Kampala.  

We are looking forward to many years of fruitful collaboration.

The Citizen Service featured the "America@250: Opportunity for Civic Renewal in the US" workshop at Makerere University in their latest newsletter

Thank you to the Citizen Service for highlighting our America@250 workshop in their newsletter!

For more about the workshop, see 

https://drjsmafricanacademicadventures.blogspot.com/2025/11/public-lecture-america250-opportunity.html

For more about the Citizen Service, see https://thecitizenservice.org/

A Global Leap from the U.S. to Uganda Citizen Service Leader Shares Solutions-Focused Leadership

Dr. Judithanne Scourfield works with Ugandan education leaders at Makerere University This month, The Citizen Service proudly celebrated a milestone in the global reach of Power Civics! Dr. Judithanne Scourfield, Associate Professor at the University of South Florida, Fulbright Scholar, and longtime Citizen Service partner, delivered a public lecture at Makerere University in Uganda—the oldest and most prestigious university in the country. Dr. Scourfield’s lecture, America@250: Opportunity for Civic Renewal in the U.S., was part of the U.S. Embassy’s America@250 programming, supported by the U.S. Department of State. More than 65 faculty, administrators, and students attended the event, reflecting significant interest in strengthening civic engagement and leadership development. This wasn’t Dr. Scourfield’s first time bringing Power Civics abroad—last year, she presented our No-Blame, Problem-Solving training to citizens, students, and teachers in Zimbabwe. Uganda now joins a growing list of countries where The Citizen Service’s No-Blame, solution-focused leadership training is resonating with citizens and educators. In her own words, Dr. Scourfield shared: “I have had great success incorporating the Power Civics/10 Steps of No Blame Problem Solving curriculum into my courses at the University of South Florida. I wanted to share this Citizen Service resource with the faculty and students at Makerere University—and to brainstorm the ways in which this method could be adapted in the Ugandan context.” Dr. Scourfield emphasized a key insight that bridges cultures and continents: “Keeping the focus on problem-solving—and encouraging every single person to take responsibility for making improvements for the greater good in their communities—is always an effective and productive and positive approach.” Dr. Scourfield’s initiatives represent the global reach of The Citizen Service when we “Share the Power”. You, too, can Share the Power. Learn more about Dr. Scourfield’s Experience! Successful Solutions Improving YOUR Community with Pragmatism Citizen Leader, Steven Brown, with USF St. Petersburg students and faculty, Pinellas County Commissioner, and PSTA employees. Photo by Todd Post. Dr. Scourfield’s global work sharing Power Civics—from the USA to Africa—continues to demonstrate a powerful truth: when citizens are equipped with the right tools and training, real solutions follow.  One of the best success stories began right in her own classroom—when her student, U.S. Navy Veteran Steven Brown, turned a course project into a policy that improves the lives of thousands of veterans. Steven and his classmates tackled the issue of veteran access to public transportation. After seeing veterans at the Bay Pines Veteran Affairs bus stop struggle to get around, he proposed a bold solution: free bus rides for veterans. Steven and his team presented their policy proposal to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board—and won an overwhelming vote to adopt his solution.  Thanks to their work, since November 10, 2023, all veterans in Pinellas County now ride PSTA buses for free. When reflecting on his journey, Steven said, “It’s the least we can do… giving back to the veteran community … should be at the forefront of this country's conversation.” And we know his advocacy wasn’t just about transportation—it was about dignity, service, and giving back. Today, Steven is focused on scaling his success: he’s working with policymakers, veterans’ organizations, and community leaders to expand the free-transit model beyond Pinellas County. His story is a powerful reminder that real civic change begins with having the courage, practical problem-solving know-how, and skills to gain adoption of pragmatic solutions. At The Citizen Service, we believe that everyone can be a problem-solver with the power to lead like Steven. 👉 Want to follow in Steven’s footsteps? Take the Citizen Service Pledge

TAP HERE TO TAKE THE CITIZEN SERVICE PLEDGE! CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CITIZEN SERVICE!

University of South Florida College of Arts & Sciences CAS Chronicles article by Anna Mayor: "Political science professor leverages Fulbright appointment to build bridges through civic education

See this USF website line: https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2025/political-science-professor-leverages-fulbright-appointment-to-build-bridges-through-civic-education

CAS Chronicles

Scourfield McLauchlan presents her book donation to the Center for the Study of the United States with Center director Edward Kaweesi. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

Political science professor leverages Fulbright appointment to build bridges through civic education

• November 21, 2025

By Anna Mayor, College of Arts and Sciences

During her month-long Fulbright appointment in October, Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, an associate professor of political science in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, helped launch the new Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

Scourfield McLauchlan meeting with one of the Center’s researchers, George Okiror, whose work focuses on strengthening constitutionalism and the rule of law. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

The Center hosted a farewell dinner for Scourfield McLauchlan to celebrate the USF–Makerere partnership and the ongoing research and teaching collaborations. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

The project focused on strengthening institutions and communities in both the U.S. and abroad through political science education and training.

One of more than 400 experts chosen annually for the Fulbright Specialist Program, Scourfield McLauchlan was selected for her academic achievement, professional leadership and potential to build lasting partnerships between U.S. and international institutions. 

Working closely with her host, Senior Lecturer Edward Kaweesi, Scourfield McLauchlan supported the new center through the development of its research agenda, creating an action plan to build partnerships with U.S. universities by reviewing curriculum and connecting Makerere scholars with their counterparts in the U.S.

“It was a privilege to help launch the center,” Scourfield McLauchlan said. “I am confident it will make a meaningful impact for many years.”

The collaboration has already extended beyond the Fulbright project launch goals.

Scourfield McLauchlan with attendees after her “America@250” lecture, alongside handouts featuring the U.S. Constitution and Democracy Reignited, a publication created with the Florida Humanities Council and Newspapers in Education. (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

Scourfield McLauchlan presenting a certificate to a participant in her Faculty Development Workshop on Virtual Global Exchange (Photo courtesy of Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan)

Scourfield McLaughlan and Kaweesi are now preparing a book proposal on civic renewal, planning to present joint research on U.S.–Uganda relations at the upcoming FPSA Conference and organizing a 2026 Constitution Day event to connect USF and Makerere students.

Review Scourfield McLauchlan’s Fulbright experience, including photos, on her blog African Academic Adventures. 

Treasure Children's Charity - Nansana, Uganda

 Previously I blogged about Makerere University undergraduate student Amon Byarugaba who helped to start the Treasure Children's Charity

See

https://drjsmafricanacademicadventures.blogspot.com/2025/10/dr-jsm-office-hours-meeting-with.html

https://drjsmafricanacademicadventures.blogspot.com/2025/10/follow-up-meeting-and-donations-for.html

I was delighted to receive this certificate for supporting the mission. We are looking forward to finding additional ways to collaborate to help the children in need in Nansana.

For more about the Treasure Children's Charity and how you can support the mission, see

https://www.treasurechild.org/

US Embassy in Uganda - facebook post - Fulbright Specialist at the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University

Thanks to the US Embassy in Kampala for announcing the productive Fulbright Specialist project with the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University!

Many thanks again to my host Dr. Edward Kaweesi!

From the Treasure Children's Charity website - about the meeting with Fulbright Specialist Dr JSM

From the Treasure Children Charity website

https://treasurechild.org/article/follow-up-meeting-and-donations-for-treasure-childrens-charity

 

Follow-Up Meeting and Donations for Treasure Children's Charity

Treasure Children’s Charity was honored to receive a special follow-up visit and donation from one of our key supporters following an inspiring encounter earlier this month.

During a lecture titled “America@250: Opportunity for Civic Renewal in the US,” our founder, Amon Byarugaba, a Political Science student at Makerere University, met with a distinguished guest who was deeply impressed by his passion for youth empowerment and community engagement. Their discussion centered around the transformative work of Treasure Children’s Charity — an NGO based in Nansana dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children through education, health, and mentorship programs.

Motivated by Amon’s vision and commitment, our guest decided to make a meaningful contrib

ution before returning to the United States. As she packed for her trip home, she gathered school supplies and essential toiletries from her luggage to donate to the children served by Treasure Children’s Charity. These thoughtful gifts will go a long way in supporting children’s education and daily well-being.

In her words, “I wanted to do something to help the children served by the Treasure Children’s Charity in Nansana. I was glad that Amon could come back and see me again before I flew back to the US.”

Beyond the donation, this meeting sparked new ideas for collaboration. Plans are underway to invite Amon to speak to the USFSP YMCA Civic Fellows at the Civics Institute in the United States — to share his insights on youth empowerment and community leadership. This opportunity marks another step toward expanding the charity’s global partnerships and influence.

Adding a personal touch to the exchange, Amon presented her with a pair of beautifully crafted sandals — made from recycled tires — as a symbol of sustainability and friendship. She expressed her appreciation, noting that she looked forward to wearing them in sunny Florida, where sandals are perfect all year round.

At Treasure Children’s Charity, we deeply appreciate this act of kindness and the growing network of individuals who believe in our mission. Together, we continue to build bridges of compassion and hope — empowering children and inspiring the next generation of leaders.https://treasurechild.org/article/follow-up-meeting-and-donations-for-treasure-childrens-charity