Past Events
Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs
Colby’s hub for politics, policy, and the press.
2025-2026
Free Speech in America: Trump, Surveillance, and AI
Wednesday, April 28 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Jameel Jaffer is the inaugural director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, which defends the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, and public education. He previously served in various leadership positions at the American Civil Liberties Union, ultimately overseeing the organization’s work on democracy, free speech, privacy, technology, national security, and international human rights. He has argued human rights and civil liberties cases in multiple appeals courts as well as the U.S. Supreme Court, and he has testified many times before the U.S. Congress.
Go to Church, Start a Family, Put Down Your Phone. A Conservative View of Modern Life.
Wednesday, April 22 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Ross Douthat joined The New York Times as an Opinion columnist in April 2009. His column appears every Wednesday and Sunday. He is also the host of the Opinion podcast “Interesting Times.” He is the author of seven books, most recently “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious” (2025) and “The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery” (2021). He is the film critic for National Review.
Democracy Under Pressure: Law, Elections, and the Fight for 2026
Wednesday, April 15 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Bob Bauer is Professor of Practice and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at NYU School of Law, where he co-directs the Democracy Project. He served as White House Counsel to President Obama from 2009 to 2011 and has been appointed to two presidential commissions on election administration and the Supreme Court. He is the author of The Unraveling: Politics without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis (2024) and co-author with Jack Goldsmith of After Trump: Reconstructing the Presidency (2020).
Anita Dunn most recently served as Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden in the White House, advising on messaging, communications, and overall strategy. She previously served as White House Communications Director under President Obama and as a senior advisor to both the Obama and Biden presidential campaigns. Anita also helped found SKDK, one of the nation’s top public affairs and political consulting firms. She has served in a variety of senior roles for other key Democrats throughout her career, including Tom Daschle, Bill Bradley, and Evan Bayh.
Can Comedy Change Politics? Zohran Mamdani’s First Influencer on How Humor Shapes the Left
Wednesday, April 8 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Cassie Willson is a comedian and content creator based in New York City. She wrote a couple musicals before realizing she loves attention, so she pivoted to comedy. In December 2024, she was the first influencer to platform Zohran Mamdani, when he was still polling at 1%. With over 600k followers across platforms, her videos reach millions of people every week. Her content focuses on leftist politics and cultural commentary, all through a comedic lens.
Are Democrats Listening to the Wrong People?
Wednesday, April 1 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Matthew Yglesias writes the Slow Boring newsletter, co-hosts the Politix podcast, and is a contributing opinion writer at The New York Times. He’s the author of several books, including most recently One Billion Americans.
Who Guards Maine’s Health? Navigating the New Politics of Public Health
Wednesday, March 18 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Dr. Puthiery Va is the Department of Health and Human Services’ Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, where she oversees the state’s public health programs, policies, and initiatives, and leads a team of dedicated professionals who work to protect and improve the health of Maine residents. Her career spans medicine, public health, epidemiology, and program development and she is board certified in Internal Medicine.
A graduate of the University of Rochester, Dr. Va attended medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the Jacobi Medical Center in New York, NY. Before joining the Maine CDC, she served as a physician and public health director with the Indian Health Service, serving the Navajo communities of Chinle, Arizona.
9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero Film Screening
Monday, March 16 | 6:00 PM | Maine Film Center, 93 Main St., Waterville
9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero revisits the 2002 AmericaSpeaks town hall that brought thousands of New Yorkers together to deliberate the future of Ground Zero following 9/11. Gathering over 5,000 representative New Yorkers into the largest town in United States history, the risky move became a prime example of the benefits of how structured public input, expert facilitation, and deliberation and feedback loops can result in the most positive outcome for all, especially during moments of crisis and long-term urban planning.
After the film, please join for a moderated discussion with Carolyn Lukensmeyer, a nationally recognized leader in democratic innovation and public engagement and the founder of AmericaSpeaks, a nationwide nonprofit focused on championing citizens’ voices.
Co-sponsored by the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College. Free and open to all, ticket reservations required.
The Last Branch Standing: Can the Court Survive Our Polarized Moment?
Wednesday, March 11 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Page Commons
Sarah Isgur is the Editor of SCOTUSblog, host of the “Advisory Opinions” podcast, and a legal analyst for ABC News. She has worked on multiple presidential campaigns and worked in all three branches of government. She is the author of the forthcoming Supreme Court book Last Branch Standing.
Sovereignty and Shared Humanity
Wednesday, March 4 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Page Commons
Maulian Bryant is Executive Director of the Wabanaki Alliance and a citizen of the Penobscot Nation. From 2017–2024, she served as the Penobscot Nation’s first Tribal Ambassador, representing the Nation and working with local, state, and federal leaders. Her work centers on Penobscot sovereignty, culture, natural resources, and the welfare of the Penobscot people. In 2022, Colby College awarded her an honorary doctorate for her leadership in equity and public policy.
The Military and the Presidency: War, Peace, and U.S. Power
WILLIAM S. COHEN
U.S. Secretary of Defense (1997-2001); U.S. Senator from Maine (1979-1997)
Wednesday, February 25 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
William S. Cohen served as U.S. Secretary of Defense (1997–2001), U.S. Senator from Maine (1979–1997), and U.S. Congressman (1973–1979). Over 31 years in public service, Cohen earned a reputation for integrity, results, and steady leadership at home and abroad. Early in his career, the House Judiciary Committee asked him to help build the public case during the Nixon impeachment proceedings, and he cast a pivotal vote to impeach. In 1997, President Bill Clinton tapped Cohen to lead the Department of Defense—making history by bringing a Republican elected official into a Democratic cabinet.
Lessons in Leadership from Maine to Washington
Senator Angus King
Senator I-ME
Wednesday, February 18 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
In January 2013, Angus King was sworn in as Maine’s first Independent United States Senator. A strong believer in greater bipartisan dialogue and relationship building, Senator King works to bring Republicans and Democrats together to find common-sense solutions for Maine and America. King serves on multiple Senate Committees including Armed Services, Intelligence, Energy and Natural Resources, and Veteran’s Affairs Committees. His priorities include expanding rural broadband, national security, opioids, veterans, and cleaner energy. Senator King also served as the 72nd Governor of Maine where he achieved significant reforms in education, mental health services, land conservation, environmental protection, and the delivery of state services.
What Happens When Science Gets Political?
ELISABETH MARNIK
Director of Science Education & Outreach, MDI Biological Laboratory
Wednesday, November 19 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
Funding for scientific research is being cut across the country. What does that mean for innovation, education, and public trust? For many STEM students, politics feels far away — but policy decisions impact our health and determine what gets funded, researched, and taught. Dr. Elisabeth Marnik joins In the News to explore what’s at stake for the next generation of scientists — and the risks, rewards, and responsibilities of science advocacy in a polarized world.
What Comes Next for Maine Politics: A Possible Right Turn for Our State?
MATT GAGNON
CEO, Maine Policy Institute & Host, WGAN Morning News
Wednesday, November 5 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
Six years of Democratic leadership have set the state’s agenda. Matthew Gagnon—Chief Executive of the free market Maine Policy Institute and host of the WGAN Morning News host—joins to assess the recent progressive era in Maine, and outline a right-of-center alternative across economic policy, aging demographics, education policy, and energy. Plus, we will talk about what it means to be “on the right” in modern politics, and how the political parties, and the voters, have shifted over time.
How Do You Process the News When the News Is Unimaginable?
Hala Alyan
Clinical Psychologist, NYU Professor & Award-Winning Novelist & Poet
Wednesday, October 29 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
We now see tragedy faster—and closer—than ever before. Every day brings a constant stream of headlines, videos, and images: war, disaster, displacement, grief. How do we process the unimaginable without becoming numb? How do we make space for joy and empathy in a world this heavy? Hala Alyan, clinical psychologist and award-winning Palestinian-American writer, joins us to talk about staying human when the world feels like too much. This is about grief, empathy, and what comes after you finish scrolling.
Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism
Honoring Bill Owens, Former Executive Producer, 60 Minutes
Friday, October 24 | 4:00 PM – 5:00PM | Gordon Center for the Creative and Performing Arts
Bill Owens, former executive producer of 60 Minutes and winner of multiple Emmy Awards, will receive the 2025 Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism from Colby College on October 24. The event includes the presentation of the award and a conversation with Amna Nawaz, co-anchor of PBS Newshour and a member of the selection committee. President Greene will offer remarks and present the award.
Why Universities Are the New Frontline in American Politics
Doug Belkin
Reporter, Wall Street Journal
Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
You’re in college at an unprecedented moment. From the fight over research dollars to clashes over campus speech, American universities are under pressure like never before. Doug Belkin, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal and Colby alum, has spent years reporting on these shifts—he’ll unpack what’s happening, why it matters, and how students like you are on the front lines of these changes.
Can Conservatives Win Gen Z?
HART LECTURE:
Kristen Soltis Anderson
Founding Partner, Echelon Insights & Contributing Opinion Writer, New York Times
Wednesday, October 15 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
Gen Z isn’t just “moving left” or “moving right”—they’re questioning the whole system. Pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson unpacks how Republicans can actually compete for young voters—and what both parties keep missing about this generation’s priorities.
Politics, Censorship, and AI: Who’s Making the Rules Online?
Sam Cole
Journalist & Co-founder, 404 Media
Wednesday, October 8 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
The internet isn’t neutral—it’s political. From porn bans to shadow bans, someone is deciding what we get to see, say, and share. That someone might be a Silicon Valley executive—or a state legislator. Sam Cole, co-founder of 404 Media, joins us to talk about power, censorship, and what it all means for speech and public life online.
Manufacturing, War & AI: These Global Shifts Will Define Your Future (and your job)
Farah Stockman
Editorial Board, New York Times
Wednesday, October 1 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
You’ve grown up watching factories close, America’s wars drag on, and our foreign policy drifts. What’s next? Farah Stockman, Pulitzer-winning New York Times journalist, has reported from factories across the country and frontlines across the globe. From AI to foreign policy, she’ll explain how war, work, and technology are converging to define your future.
Why you should talk politics with someone who thinks you’re wrong about everything
Mónica Guzmán
CEO and Founder, Reclaim Curiosity
Wednesday, September 24 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
Mónica Guzmán doesn’t vote the same way as her parents—but they still talk. She’s built a career on asking better questions and finding common ground with people who see the world completely differently. This isn’t about changing minds. It’s about being curious, being brave, and rethinking what we assume about “the other side.” Mónica joins us to talk about how curiosity can unlock the hardest conversations—in the dining hall, in the classroom, and with your parents.
Who’s running Washington — Congress or the White House?
Philip Wallach
Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
Wednesday, September 17 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
Congress was meant to check the presidency — so why does it look like lawmakers are handing their power to the White House? In an era of hyperpartisanship, too many members seem more focused on getting headlines than governing. Philip Wallach, conservative constitutional scholar and senior fellow at AEI, has spent his career studying the separation of powers. He’ll join us to examine how Congress lost its footing as a coequal branch — and what it would take to get back on track.
Democrats Are Losing. Bernie’s 2020 Campaign Manager Has a Plan to Win.
Faiz Shakir
Senior Advisor, Bernie Sanders & CEO, More Perfect Union
Wednesday, September 10 | 6:00 PM – 7:00PM | Page Commons
Faiz Shakir wants to win. Democrats keep losing. What new ideas are Democrats putting on the table to turn things around? As Bernie Sanders’s 2020 campaign manager, Faiz is focused on winning back working people. He joins us to talk about affordability, unions, and the bold ideas he thinks Democrats need now.
Linda Cotter Speaker Series
Invisible Workers: Global Food Systems and Human Migration
Kourtney Collum, Ph.D.
Provost and Partridge Chair in Food and Sustainable Agriculture Systems, College of the Atlantic
Wednesday, August 13 | 5:00 PM – 8:00PM | Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center
Global food systems are dependent on migrant labor. Over the last century, nation states have created a set of push and pull factors that have resulted in a system of global agricultural migration. War, famine, poverty, trade relations, and natural disasters are a few of the conditions that drive agricultural workers from their home countries. These workers then migrate to other nations, taking dangerous jobs with few legal protections. From lowbush blueberry fields in Maine to strawberries fields in Spain, we see this pattern repeated around the globe. In this talk I will illuminate the factors that have resulted in this system of global agricultural migration, discuss the labor conditions invisible workers experience, and highlight case studies of collective action that are leading to better policies and working conditions for the folks who feed us.
This talk is co-sponsored by the Goldfarb Center and the Mid-Maine Global Forum, and will be moderated by Ben Scharadin, Assistant Professor of Economics, whose research focuses on the intersection of public policy, poverty, and inequality, with an emphasis on food security.
2024-2025
High-Stakes Diplomacy: The Art and Craft of Negotiating with Foreign Adversaries
A Conversation with Fletcher Schoen ’10, U.S. Foreign Affairs Officer
Friday, June 6 | 2:00-3:00 PM | Ostrove Auditorium
What happens when Americans are incarcerated by foreign governments? What levers can the U.S. Government pull to advocate for their release and who steps in to negotiate for their release? As regional affairs director for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Fletcher Schoen ’10 has led the U.S. team that brought home American citizens and political prisoners detained in the People’s Republic of China, Afghanistan, Belarus, and Russia, including Evan Gershkovich and Brittney Griner. He will share stories of his global adventures and discuss how his experiences on Mayflower Hill prepared him for the world of international diplomacy.
Free and open to all; no RSVP required.
The Long Trek to Care: The State of Healthcare Access in Maine
Wednesday, May 14 | 5:30-6:45 PM | Greene & Block Studios, Downtown Waterville
The first few months of 2025 have brought turmoil for health care programs and services in Maine at both the federal and state level. The Trump administration’s efforts to reduce spending have led to thousands of layoffs and slashed funding, while state budget fights have halted payments to providers. Meanwhile, hospitals are closing birth units or closing altogether, while nursing homes are struggling to stay afloat. This largely impacts the 61% of Mainers who live in rural areas.
The Maine Monitor and The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs invite you to participate in a free panel discussion: “The Long Trek to Care: The state of health care access in Maine” on Wednesday, May 14 at 5:30 at the Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main St, Waterville.
Rose Lundy, Senior Healthcare Reporter for The Maine Monitor, will moderate a discussion with health care experts on the state of health care in Maine and the impacts on Mainers, young and old. The panelists include Katherine Simmonds, Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing within the Bouvé College of Health Sciences at the Roux Institute; Sue Mackey Andrews, Public Health Advocate; Steven Michaud, President of Maine Hospital Association; and Michael Tyler, Managing Partner, Sandy River Company & Chair of the Board of the Maine Health Care Association.
‘Just Chat GPT It, Bro’: How to Win an Online Argument
Dexter Thomas
Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker
Wednesday, April 30 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
It’s 2025 and everyone is selling something – even ideas. How do politicians and influencers get their message across in the era of TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube? Can you just use ChatGPT to scam people into voting for you? (spoiler alert: yes, probably, for a while)
Join In The News fan-favorite guest, ex-VICE documentary filmmaker Dexter Thomas, for a look at what works—and what doesn’t—when trying to change minds. And we’ll brainstorm on how not to get scammed yourself.
As a bonus: we will watch the Freedom of Expression Symposium finalists’ YouTube-style essays arguing for or against a Trump Executive Order—then you will get to vote for your favorite and help crown the winner.
Inside Washington: Colby Alums on Politics, Power, and the Media
A Special ‘In the News’ Honoring Goldfarb Center Founding Director Sandy Maisel (Goldfarb Family Distinguished Professor of Government, Emeritus)
Amy Walter ’91 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Cook Political Report
David Leavy ’92 Chief Operating Officer, CNN Worldwide
Chip Smith ’91 Founder, Braddock Cove Ventures
Wednesday, April 23 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
100 days into a new administration—where does American politics go from here? Three powerhouse Colby alums—David Leavy ‘92 (Chief Operating Officer, CNN Worldwide), Chip Smith ‘91 (Founder, Braddock Cove Ventures), and Amy Walter ‘91 (Editor-in-Chief, Cook Political Report)—return to campus to reflect on the dramatic shifts in the political order, what it means for future elections and the role of legacy media in covering this unprecedented time.
Politics of Care: Power and Priorities in Public Service
Sara Gagné-Holmes, Commissioner, Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Wednesday, April 9 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
From healthcare and food assistance to child welfare, public health, and long term care and supports, Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) stands at the heart of a comprehensive system addressing some of our biggest societal challenges. Maine’s top health and human services official, Commissioner Sara Gagné-Holmes, offers a candid look at guiding this multifaceted agency through political turbulence and shifting federal policies. How does she see the future of government services, the social safety net, and Maine’s role in the national debate?
What Should Republicans Do with Their Power? Immigration, Taxes, Abortion and Everything Else …
Ramesh Ponnuru, Editor, National Review
Wednesday, April 2 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Republicans have all the power — what will they do with it? And what should they do? Join Ramesh Ponnuru, editor of National Review and a leading American conservative thinker, for his analysis of the Trump administration’s attempt to remake the government. . . . and the country.
The New Age of Economic Competition: How Trump Is Remaking the Rules of Economic and Geopolitical Relations
Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator, The Wall Street Journal
Wednesday, March 19 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
President Trump is pursuing an “America first” international policy which includes higher tariffs, less commitment to traditional alliances and trade agreements, and a more transactional approach to foreign policy. What’s behind Trump’s strategy? What will he end up implementing? Is globalization over? How will Americans be affected? How will other countries respond? Greg Ip, The Wall Street Journal’s Chief Economic Commentator, breaks down what’s ahead for the U.S. economy and the impact of Trump’s policies in 2025 and beyond.
Is Fascism Rising in the United States?
Ejeris Dixon, Founding Director, Ejerie Labs & Host, The Fascism Barometer Podcast
Wednesday, March 12 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
We hear the word “fascism” a lot these days—but what does it really mean? Is the U.S. on that path?
Ejeris Dixon is an organizer and political strategist with 20 years of experience in racial justice, LGBTQ rights, anti-violence, and economic justice movements. As the founding director of Ejerie Labs and host of The Fascism Barometer, they work to educate communities on the rise of authoritarianism and how to respond.
Join Ejeris for a discussion on political violence, democracy, and what history can teach us about the present moment.
The Novel & Democracy: A Conservative Perspective on the Liberal Arts in America
Chris Scalia, Senior Fellow American Enterprise Institute
Wednesday, March 5 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Why is it still worth reading fiction in the digital age?” Chris Scalia—a conservative scholar with the American Enterprise Institute— joins us for a conversation on literature, cultural values, and the role of conservatism in academia. He’ll explore why your syllabus is light on conservative fiction, how students of any political persuasion stand to benefit from reading conservative novels, and why he thinks we need to get cellphones out of the classroom.
Are Billionaires the Real Existential Risk? A Wide-Ranging Conversation about the Rich, the Working Class, and Populism
Tyler Austin Harper, Contributing Writer The Atlantic
Wednesday, February 26 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Climate collapse. Artificial Intelligence Panic. Unrelenting inequality. Political polarization and democratic backsliding. A collapsing education system. We’re told these are the biggest threats to our future—but what if they all have the same root cause? Scholar and journalist Tyler Austin Harper considers whether billionaires aren’t just reacting to global and domestic crises—they’re creating them. Both the Republican and Democratic parties are in the grips of billionaires who exert an outsized influence on American politics, leaving the working and middle classes feeling increasingly alienated, powerless, and voiceless. Harper unpacks how extreme wealth shapes our politics and our culture.
Republican Rule: Can They Deliver and What Can Democrats Do?
Jacqueline Alemany, Congressional Investigations Reporter The Washington Post
Wednesday, February 19 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Republicans control Congress and the White House — can they stay united? From funding the government to passing tax cuts and immigration reform, Trump’s agenda depends on GOP unity. Jacqueline Alemany, White House Reporter for The Washington Post, unpacks the Republican coalition, the battles ahead, and how Democrats plan to fight back.
First 100 Days: Trump’s Second Act & His First Moves
Eugene Daniels, Politico White House Correspondent & Chief Playbook Correspondent
Wednesday, February 12 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
What’s happening inside the White House? Eugene Daniels, Politico White House Correspondent and Chief Playbook Correspondent, gives us an insider’s look at the administration’s early days. From policy moves to power struggles, he’ll break down what’s already happened and what to expect from Trump’s “second” first 100 days — and beyond.
Staying Grounded While the World Is on Fire
Dan Harris, Murrow & Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, Host of 10% Happier Podcast’, and #1 NYT Bestselling Author of 10% Happier
Wednesday, December 4 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
How do you stay grounded when the world’s on fire, you’re addicted to TikTok, and you’ve got 36 pages to write in 24 hours? In our final ‘In the News’ of the semester, Dan Harris, founder of 10% Happier and host of 10% Happier Podcast, joins us for a timely conversation on managing stress, surviving relentless news cycles, and keeping your cool when everything feels out of control.
What If We Get It Right? Reimagining Climate Change
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Co-Founder of Urban Ocean Lab
Wednesday, November 20 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
What if we could not only solve the climate crisis but thrive while doing it? Join Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson as she paints a picture of a transformed, revitalized world. Blending science, policy, culture, and justice, she shows how bold ideas can become reality. Inspiring solutions, bold actions, and the roles we all can play in building a thriving future. Don’t miss this chance to explore how we can get it right—and shape a better world together.
Resilience in the Judiciary: Judge Salas’ Path from Tragedy to Purpose
The Honorable Esther Salas
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Thursday, November 14 | 4:00 PM | Parker-Reed Room, Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center
Resilience and purpose—how do they intersect in the life of a judge? On July 19, 2020, a lawyer who was upset with Judge Salas came to her home with a plan to assassinate her. Sadly, Judge Esther Salas’s only child, Daniel, died trying to protect his family and her husband, Mark, was shot, and nearly killed in the vicious attack. Since the murder of her 20-year-old son, Judge Salas has become a leading advocate for judicial security, pushing for real change that led to the passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021. What drives her mission, and how has this tragedy shaped her role on the bench? Judge Salas, the 2024 Judge Morton A. Brody Distinguished Judicial Service Award Recipient, will reflect on her path, the law, and the fight to protect others from the dangers she and her family faced.
Election Outcomes: How Political Power Actually Works
Justin J. Pearson, TN State Representative (D-86)
Wednesday, November 13 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
In an election season dominated by the presidential race, it’s easy to overlook the significant impact of state-level governance. Representative Justin J. Pearson, a community organizer, rising star in the Tennessee General Assembly, and member of the Bowdoin College Class of 2017, will discuss the crucial intersection of state policy making, local community organizing, and the national political landscape. How do state governments influence the broader political landscape, and why do decisions made at the state level often have more immediate effects on people’s everyday lives? Learn how Representative Justin J. Pearson has reshaped politics in Tennessee and how he did it before he was 30.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED? A post-election special of ‘In The News’
Featuring Colby Alums, Political Reporters, Legal Experts & More!
Wednesday, November 6 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Join experts, members of the press, and Colby alums to break down the latest election developments and get on-the-ground reporting. We’ll tackle your questions and explore what just happened—and what comes next. Expect sharp, non-partisan insights and practical takeaways. Moderated by Goldfarb Center Executive Director Alison Beyea and Goldfarb Faculty Director Professor Nick Jacobs.
Student Trivia Night with Colby Votes and the Goldfarb Student Advisory Board
Monday, November 4 | 7:00 PM | Cotter Union Pub
Get ready for election day with election-related trivia night, hosted by Colby Votes and the Goldfarb Center’s Student Advisory Board. Trivia questions will be about elections and the voting process. Snacks and soft drinks provided. Grab some friends and form a team to compete for generous prizes!
Church and State: Understanding Religion in the Trump Era
Tim Alberta, Staff Writer, The Atlantic
Wednesday, October 30 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Evangelical Christians have long played a significant role in American politics, and during Trump’s presidency, their influence within the GOP has grown. But how has this relationship evolved? Has Trump’s leadership shifted the evangelical movement, and what impact has it had on the rise of Christian nationalism? Tim Alberta, a leading expert on the intersection of Christianity and the Republican Party, will discuss how Trump’s presidency has shaped this dynamic and what it means for the future of American politics.
Foreign Policy and The Election
Alliance Relationships, Trade, and What A Second Trust Term Could Look Like
Wednesday, October 30 | 6:00 PM | Page Friday, October 25 | 12:30 PM | Bobby Silberman Lounge
Join the Goldfarb Center’s Student Advisory Board and Professor Ken Rodman, William R. Cotter Distinguished Teaching Professor of Government, for good food and a discussion about how a new administration could shape U.S. foreign policy on key issues. How could the results of this election impact America’s global role? Come find out and bring your thoughts!
Governor Janet Mills: Governing through Difficult Times
Moderated by Colby College President David Greene & Colby College Student Body Co-President Niamh Lacey ’25
Wednesday, October 23 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Governor Janet Mills has tackled the challenge of leading a vast, politically divided state head-on – all while facing some of the most hot-button issues of our era. When do you push the envelope, and when do you cut a deal across party lines? In a political landscape dominated by soundbites, Mills will share how she makes the hard calls in an era of deep division. This is your chance to hear firsthand from one of the most influential female leaders in Maine’s history. Q&A session will be moderated by Colby College President David Greene, and Niamh Lacey, Student Body Co-President and Class of 2025.
Inside the Senate: Patrick Leahy’s Journey Through Political Change
Inaugural Peter Hart Lecture on Politics and Policy
Senator Patrick Leahy, Vermont (Ret.)
Wednesday, October 16 | 6:00 PM | Studio One, Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts
What really happens behind closed doors in Washington? Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont’s longest-serving senator, has seen it all. From enacting his signature Leahy Law to presiding over Trump’s second impeachment trial, Leahy has been at the center of American politics for nearly five decades. With all that experience, how does he make sense of today’s political chaos? Get his insights on the current state of politics and the lessons he’s learned as one of the nation’s most respected and enduring legislators.
Immigration: How the Border Became the Flashpoint of US Politics
Caitlin Dickerson, Staff Writer, The Atlantic
Wednesday, October 9 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Immigration is at the heart of American politics right now—why? Caitlin Dickerson, a leading immigration reporter for The Atlantic, has covered everything from the border to family separation. What’s driving the intense political debate, and what’s being missed on the ground? Explore the dynamics shaping immigration politics and the real-world impacts that often get overlooked.
Get Out The Vote: What’s at Stake in Maine?
Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State
Mike Shepherd, Politics Editor, Bangor Daily News
Wednesday, October 2 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
With the battle for Maine’s electoral votes, congressional races, control of the state legislature, and ballot measures on the horizon – Maine’s 2024 elections could have major consequences. Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State, and Mike Shepherd, Political Editor at the Bangor Daily News, will break down what’s at stake, from candidate races to critical issues that could shape the state’s future. Want to know how to make your voice heard? They’ll also cover how to easily register and cast your vote. Don’t miss this chance to understand the power of your vote and how it can shape Maine’s political future.
Politics of the Past and Politics of the Future: Threats of Autocracy at Home and Abroad
Masha Gessen, Author & Opinion Columnist, New York Times
Wednesday, September 25 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
How do autocratic threats impact both domestic and international politics? Masha Gessen, a sharp analyst of modern democracy, will delve into the rising tide of autocracy at home and abroad and its implications for the 2024 election. Discover how these global and local trends are reshaping our political landscape and what they mean for the future.
The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code
Tuesday, September 24 | 7:00 PM | Main Film Center
Dakota filmmaker Sheldon Wolfchild’s compelling documentary is premised on Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery, a book based on two decades of research by Shawnee, Lenape scholar Steven T. Newcomb. The film tells the story of how little known Vatican documents of the fifteenth century resulted in a tragic global momentum of domination and dehumanization. This led to law systems in the United States and Canada and elsewhere in the world that are still being used against Original Nations and Peoples to this day. The film concludes with traditional teachings developed over thousands of years that provide a much needed alternative for humans and the ecological systems of Mother Earth at this time.
The screening will be followed by a conversation with Steven T. Newcomb and Dwayne Tomah. Tomah, a Passamaquoddy language teacher and keeper of culture, is the recipient of a year-long Lunder Institute for American Art fellowship to support his community-based practice. To learn about other events related to the residency, please visit arts.colby.edu.
Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism Ceremony
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 4:00 PM | Gordon Center for the Creative and Performing Arts
Jacqueline Charles, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Emmy Award-winning Caribbean correspondent for the Miami Herald, will receive the 2024 Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism. Charles – whom former U.S. President Bill Clinton referred to as “Haiti’s ambassador to the world” – is heralded for her decades of extensive reporting on Haiti, covering the nation’s natural disasters, political turmoil, and healthcare crises, often from the front lines.
Join us for the award ceremony beginning at 4 p.m., including a Q&A session with Ms. Charles moderated by New York Times investigative correspondent Matt Apuzzo ’00. A reception will follow at 5 p.m. No RSVP required.
The screening will be followed by a conversation with Steven T. Newcomb and Dwayne Tomah. Tomah, a Passamaquoddy language teacher and keeper of culture, is the recipient of a year-long Lunder Institute for American Art fellowship to support his community-based practice. To learn about other events related to the residency, please visit arts.colby.edu.
Who Says Business and Politics Don’t Mix?
Mike Federle, CEO Forbes Media
Daniel Kleban, Co-Founder & Owner, Maine Beer Company
Wednesday, September 18 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Everyday it seems like politics and business are on a collision course. From Bud Light to Facebook, Starbucks to X, companies and their leaders are increasingly at the center of political debates. Mike Federle, CEO of Forbes Media & Colby Class of ‘81, and Dan Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, will break down the trends shaping the corporate landscape, from local impact to global influence.
“Resource Back”: Wabanaki Strategies for Sustaining Natural and Cultural Resources in Tribal Territories
Friday, September 13, 2024 | 11:30 AM | Parker-Reed Room | Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center
Wabanaki tribal leaders and citizens are working throughout Wabanaki territory to advance an application of the concept of “ land back” that encompasses indigenous-led efforts to restore indigenous people’s inherent rights and ability to care for and be in relationship with all of the natural and cultural resources in traditional tribal territories, including the land. In this panel discussion, Wabanaki environmental leaders and governmental representatives will speak about projects they are working on and strategies they are using – including land back efforts, food sovereignty, river and fish restoration, and advocating for environmental policy and regulatory changes – to promote sustenance harvesting for Wabanaki people as well as ensuring that there are abundant resources for everyone.
Crisis and Consequence: Reflections on January 6th and the Future of the Republican Party
Marc Short, Former Director of Legislative Affairs for President Donald Trump & Former Chief of Staff for Vice President Mike Pence
Wednesday, September 11 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
Marc Short served as Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and as Director of Legislative Affairs under President Trump, where he helped to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and to confirm Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. He was present during the events of January 6th, 2021, providing him with unique insights into that pivotal day. Marc also has extensive experience on Capitol Hill, previously serving as Chief of Staff for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Chief of Staff for House Republican Conference. He is a contributor for Meet the Press, CNBC, and serves on the Board of Visitors for George Mason University.
Facebook Fried Your Parents’ Brains. Are You Next? How to navigate social media and the ‘24 election
Dexter Thomas, Journalist/Documentary Filmmaker
Wednesday, September 4 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
You – yes, you reading this right now. Statistics say you get more of your news from TikTok than any other demographic. Is this a good thing, or are we totally cooked? Dexter Thomas, a journalist who has reported on drugs, video games, and cops, talks us through how we can stop doomscrolling, stop being scared to argue with friends, and finally figure out what’s actually happening around us.
Linda Cotter Speaker Series: The Threat of Authoritarianism – A Conversation with David J. Kramer
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 | 6:00 PM | Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center
David J. Kramer serves as the Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute and is a leading expert on Russia and Ukraine. Prior to joining the Bush Institute, he taught at Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, where he also was Senior Fellow in the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy and Director for European and Eurasian Affairs. Nazli Konya, Assistant Professor of Government at Colby College, will moderate the conversation.
Co-hosted by the Mid-Maine Global Forum and the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, the Linda Cotter Speaker Series honors Linda Cotter, founder of the Mid-Maine Global Forum and late wife of former Colby College president William Cotter. This is a ticketed event with limited seating. To reserve your $50 ticket – which includes generous appetizers, wine, and beer – please email your RSVP to [email protected].