Civic friendship is the friendship of citizens – members of a community whose disagreements occur within the context of common purpose. The Center for Civic Friendship embodies the belief that ideas should be exchanged openly and disagreements should be voiced respectfully. Among other efforts, the initiative will convene scholars who explore the concept of civic friendship, its possibilities and boundaries, and what makes it harder or easier to achieve. It will cultivate the virtue of civic friendship in students and teachers at Assumption and across the nation. The Center for Civic Friendship reflects Assumption’s Augustinian-inspired belief in the importance of friendship among citizens. Providing a national voice that explores how a sense of common purpose can help make disagreement productive rather than polarizing, the Center will be located in the Office of Academic Affairs and will engage the campus community and beyond. For more information, contact the Center’s director, Dr. Mary Jane Rein at mj.reinkates@assumption.edu.