Student Testimonials
Recent alumni from the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice share their experiences in the program.
“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 wasting precious (donor) dollars in vain.”
—Darrel Johnson, Fall 2019
Course of Study
The Institute is comprised of 12 two-hour sessions held on Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. The 2024 session will be offered in a hybrid format with classes hosted in-person at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and virtually. In-person participation is encouraged for local participants.
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."
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.
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.
The Marsiglia Institute brings together participants of every age, race, political persuasion, and background. Click below to see members of previous classes.
- Patty Riddlebarger, Co-Chair
- Madalyn Schenk, Co-Chair
- Dean Madeleine Landrieu
- Michael Williamson
- Clancy DuBos
- Raphael Cassimere, Jr.
- Michael J. Marsiglia
- Charmaine Caccioppi
- 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
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.
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.
Support the Institute
The 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 504.827.8666.
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