Engagement Scholarship Consortium International Conference Bridging Resources to Build Stronger Communities
October 8-9, 2025
Pre-Conference: October 6-7
Learn more
Hosted by Virginia Tech and the member institutions of the ESC East Region
Program
Our Keynote Speakers
Dr. Davarian L. Baldwin
10:15-11:15 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, Roanoke Ballroom
Dr. Davarian L. Baldwin is an internationally recognized historian, cultural critic, and public advocate. He is the Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of American Studies and Founding Director of the Smart Cities Research Lab at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. His academic and political commitments have focused on global cities and particularly the diverse and marginalized communities that struggle to maintain sustainable lives in urban locales. Baldwin is the award-winning author of several books, most recently, “In The Shadow of the Ivory Tower: How Universities Are Plundering Our Cities” and served as the consultant and text author for “The World of the Harlem Renaissance: A Jigsaw Puzzle” (2022). His commentaries and opinions have been featured in numerous outlets from NBC News, BBC, and HULU to USA Today, The Washington Post, and TIME magazine. Baldwin was named a 2022 Freedom Scholar by the Marguerite Casey Foundation for his work in racial and economic justice.
Featured book:
In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower: How Universities Are Plundering Our Cities
Buy on Hatchett Book Group | Buy on Bookshop
Dr. Baldwin will be conducting a book signing at the conclusion of the keynote presentation.
Photo by VisionMerge Productions
Mary Maker
9:15-10:15 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, Roanoke Ballroom
Ripples of Change: Scholarship That Reaches Beyond the Classroom
Mary Maker is a South Sudanese refugee, educator, and activist for refugee education, currently working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). After fleeing her war-torn country as a child, Maker found hope and security through education at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. She has since become a dedicated teacher to young refugees in her community, believing that education is a critical tool for rebuilding lives and empowering a generation often denied access to the classroom. In 2021, Mary co-founded Elimisha Kakuma, a Swahili word for Educate Kakuma. Within one year, Mary and her team were able to partner with Virginia Tech, UNHCR, and Duolingo, from where Elimisha was awarded Best of Student Advocacy. In 2023, she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR. In addition to her work in education, Mary is an actor, fashion lover, and writer, sharing her story on global platforms such as TEDx and United Nations summits to advocate for resilience, peacebuilding, and inclusion in education.
Learn more about Maker’s work.
Virginia Tech photo.
Schedule-at-a-glance (tentative)
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| Monday, October 6: Preconference Day 1 | |
| 12-6 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 12-8 p.m. | Emerging Engagement Scholars Workshop (EESW) |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Engagement Academy for University Leaders (EA) Workshop |
| 4-7 p.m. | Outreach and Engagement Practitioners Network (OEPN) Reception |
| 3-7:30 p.m. | TRES Train the Trainer |
| Tuesday, October 7: Preconference Day 2 | |
| 7 a.m.-7 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Outreach and Engagement Practitioners Network (OEPN) Workshop |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Emerging Engagement Scholars Workshop (EESW) (continued) |
| 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | TRES Preconference Session |
| 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Remembering Well Preconference Session |
| 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | ESC Board Member Representative Business Meeting (invitation only) |
| 5-5:30 p.m. | First Time ESC Conference Orientation |
| 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception |
| 6:30-8:30 p.m. | TRES Train the Trainer (continued) |
| Wednesday, October 8: Conference Day 1 | |
| 7 a.m.-6 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7-8 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8-8:45 a.m. | Welcome |
| 9-10 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Keynote Session |
| 11:30-12:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 12:45-2 p.m. | Lunch and ESC Awards |
| 2:15-4:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 5-6 p.m. | Poster Session |
| 6-8 p.m. | ESC Conference Reception |
| Thursday, October 9: Conference Day 2 | |
| 7 a.m.-4:45 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7-8 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8-9 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 9:15-10:15 a.m. | Keynote Session |
| 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 11:45-1 p.m. | Lunch and Kellogg Awards |
| 1:15-4:45 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |