If you want to see the stars among our youth, you’ll get a look at a Capstone event Thursday afternoon at the University of Bridgeport.

It’s the first Capstone Plenary of the year, and it’s a showcase of some of the very best and most talented students at UB. They are, in effect, the future leaders of America and the world.

The Capstone theme this year is civilization. Four students will present their research on matters that affect civilization, whether it’s biotechnology’s impact or that from history or events.

The presentations will take place in the art gallery of the Arnold Bernhard Center for Arts and Humanities, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. A reception will follow.

Capstone is the name of the seminar every UB student must take to complete requirements for an undergraduate degree. They usually take it as seniors. Everyone in Capstone focuses on the same general theme. This year it is “civilization.” The students research some aspect of, or influence on, the topic, and produce a 20-page research paper on their work.

The plenary presenters are selected on the basis of their scholarship in Capstone. The presenters on Thursday are among those who did the best work in the fall. There’ll be more chosen for a spring presentation. And in May, the end of the school year, the very best of the Capstone participants will be awarded the Capstone Writing Prize.

Stephen E. Healey, a professor of world religions, is chairman of chemistry, is chairman of the Plenary event.