Events
Upcoming Events
Past Events
2024 - 2025
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
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.
Inaugural Peter Hart Lecture on Politics and Policy
Inside the Senate: Patrick Leahy's Journey Through Political Change
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.
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].
2023-2024
Election 2024: Is The U.S. Media Up To The Task Of Covering Domestic Authoritarianism? A Conversation with Colin Woodard
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Colin Woodard joined the Goldfarb Center for a conversation about the rise of authoritarianism, the role of the press, and the high-stakes 2024 election. Alison Beyea, Executive Director of the Goldfarb Center, and Grace Hillis, Class of ’24 moderated the Q&A session.
Deciding Factors: What Issues Will Swing the 2024 Election? A Conversation with Amy Walter
Friday, April 19, 2024 | 12:15 PM | Page Commons
From immigration to climate change to foreign policy, what issues will emerge as decisive in the 2024 election? Renowned political analyst and Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report, Amy Walter, discussed what will be the deciding factors in the upcoming election. Alison Beyea, Executive Director of the Goldfarb Center, and Shane Baldwin, Class of ’25 moderated the Q&A session.
From Kabul to Portland: A Tale of Resilience and Hope in Afghanistan and Beyond
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 6:30 PM | Page Commons
The Student Executive Board of the Goldfarb Center and the Mid-Maine Global Forum are partnering to bring Masooda Habibzai to give a talk about her journey emigrating to the United States during the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 1996 to becoming a Family and Community Specialist within the Portland, Maine, public school system.
Ms. Masooda currently serves as an interpreter at the Multilingual and Multicultural Center for the Portland Public Schools. She has also recently returned from visiting her family in Afghanistan.
Join us as we bring Mid-Maine Global Forum’s Global Forum series to Colby College for this event. A pre-lecture reception will take place at 6pm. No registration is required to attend.
Ukrainian Music and Poetry: Transcending the Anguish of War
Thursday, April 11, 2024 | 7:00 PM| Lorimer Chapel
Dr. Taras Filenko, a Ukrainian pianist and ethnomusicologist will give a lecture and recital incorporating eyewitness experiences of current life in Ukraine and historical Ukrainian culture. Colby students will join Dr. Filenko in this event, performing musical pieces and reciting poetry in Ukrainian and English.
Co-sponsored by the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, the Center for the Arts and Humanities, the Cultural Events Committee, and the Departments of Global Studies, Music, and German and Russian.
Abortion, Guns, & The 1st Amendment: How Far Will the Supreme Court Go? A Conversation with Dahlia Lithwick
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | 6:00 PM| Page Commons
The Supreme Court has a number of blockbuster cases on the docket – what can we expect? Dahlia Lithwick, one of the nation’s foremost legal commentators and author of The New York Times best-selling Lady Justice, joined the Goldfarb Center to discuss what’s ahead and the state of the Supreme Court. Alison Beyea, Executive Director of the Goldfarb Center, and Dev Purohit, Class of ’25 moderated the Q&A.
American Homeboy Film Screening and Q&A with Director Brandon Loran Maxwell
Thursday, April 4, 2024 | 6:00 PM| Given Auditorium, Bixler Building
The film draws from rare interviews shot on 5k with leading Mexican American historians, academics, artists, activists, cholos, and former law enforcement officers against a backdrop of 50 hours of restored archival footage.
Watch the trailer here.
Co-sponsored by the Departments of Latin American Studies, Spanish, and Government, along with the Goldfarb Center and the Center for Arts and Humanities.
Will the Government Ban TikTok? A Conversation with Dexter Thomas
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 | 6:00 PM | Page Commons
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill targeting the social media company — but what’s next? Dexter Thomas, former on-camera correspondent for VICE News Tonight, joined the Goldfarb Center to discuss TikTok, technology, pop culture, and public policy. Q&A moderated by Alison Beyea, Executive Director of the Goldfarb Center, and Koto Yamada, Class of ’25.
Careers in Public Health and Policy Panel and Networking Event
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 | 6:30 PM | Grossman 209/210
Along with the Maine Public Health Association, Health Reach, DavisConnects, and Student Health on Campus, the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs invites any and all Colby students interested in learning more about career opportunities in the fields of public and environmental health to attend this career development and networking event. Panelists will cover a variety of topics, including the policy advocacy work they do in the fields of public and environmental health.
Panelists will include Angela Cole Westhoff, President and CEO of the Maine Health Care Association; Sergio Cahueque, Organizer with Defend Our Health; Megan Scott, Substance Use Prevention Manager with the Maine Center for Disease Prevention; and Colby alum Nikki Williams, Program Director for 211 Maine | United Way of Maine.
Please RSVP to attend via Handshake. Refreshments Provided
Panel Discussion: Rethinking Rural: Celebrating Place, Bridging Divides
Thursday, March 7, 2024 | 7:00 PM| Ostrove Auditorium, Diamond Building
Join Colby Assistant Professor of Government, and Goldfarb Center Faculty Advisor, Nick Jacobs as he moderates a panel discussion with three of the country’s foremost experts on the needs and challenges of rural America. Gigi Georges is the Author of Downeast: Five Maine Girls and the Unseen Story of Rural America. Dee Davis is the President of the Center for Rural Strategies and the Publisher of The Daily Yonder. And Tony Pipa is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution where he leads the Reimagining Rural Policy Initiative. Co-sponsored by the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, the Government Department, and the Center for the Arts and Humanities.
Panel Discussion: Misinformation and AI in the Upcoming Election
Monday, March 4, 2024 | 7:00 PM| Ostrove Auditorium, Diamond Building
The 2024 election cycle is reshaping our political landscape. Please join the Goldfarb Center and Davis Center for AI for an extraordinary panel discussion moderated by Professor Sonya Donaldson and hear from leading experts on how misinformation and AI are impacting the upcoming election.
If you are planning on attending, we ask that you please register. The event will also be live-streamed and recorded.
2024 Freedom of Expression Symposium
Sunday, March 3, 2024 | 4:00 PM | Ostrove Auditorium, Diamond Building
Join us for the 2024 Freedom of Expression Symposium to hear student policy proposals aimed at combatting misinformation in politics. At this event, students who have advanced to the semi-final round of the Goldfarb Center’s annual policy competition will give oral presentations to a panel of distinguished judges for a chance to win a first place cash prize of $2,000. An appetizer reception will follow, and all are welcome to attend.
The Second Amendment & Supreme Court: Where are we today?
Friday, February 23, 2024 | 12:30 PM | Bobby Silberman Lounge, Cotter Union
The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs welcomes you to join us to discuss the history of Supreme Court decisions related to the Second Amendment and where it leaves us today for gun safety policies. The discussion will also focus on the connection between the role of gun safety policies and prevention of domestic violence. We are joined by two amazing experts: Margaret Groban and Bill Harwood.
Margaret Groban is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, National Domestic Violence Organizer, and Adjunct Faculty at the UMaine School of Law. Bill Harwood is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the UMaine School of Law.
Please RSVP here. Pizza provided!
Student Trivia Night with the Goldfarb Center
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 7:30 PM| Cotter Union Colby Pub
Join the Goldfarb Student Executive Board for a fun night of trivia and camaraderie celebrating the end of the semester. Trivia topics will include Goldfarb events, policy, politics, and some random questions, too! We are offering BIG prizes (gift cards of up to $50 to all of your favorite Waterville restaurants!) and there will be plenty of food to go around! Bring your friends and your brains! *You do not need to be 21*
Conversation with the Colby Justice Think Tank Fellows
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 | 4:15 PM| Ostrove Auditorium, Diamond Building
Join us to hear from twelve incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Fellows from Colby’s Justice Think Tank as they share their collaborative research and lived experience on how to build a more restorative response to harm than punitive incarceration. A reception will follow.
Co-sponsored by the Goldfarb Center, Colby College Libraries, the Government Department, the Classics Department, and the Anthropology Department. The Think Tank is funded by the National Alliance for Higher Education and supported by Colby Across the Walls.
Understanding Question 3: Maine's Pine Tree Power Referendum
Friday, October 27, 2023 | 1PM | Diamond Building Room 122
Have you been driving around Waterville and seeing signs asking you to vote YES or vote NO on Question 3/Pine Tree Power? Are you not really sure what that means but want to figure it out? Then please join us for a lunch event all about Maine’s Ballot Referendum Question 3. We will be joined by Maine’s Public Advocate, William Harwood, who will walk us through this ballot referendum question and answer any and all questions you might have. the Public Advocate’s office is responsible for representing consumer interests in regards to Maine utilities and has, notably, not taken a stance on Question 3. This means that Harwood is a valuable resource for understanding and explaining this referendum question and will lead us in an engaging conversation.
Your RSVP is appreciated to ensure enough pizza is ordered for everyone.
Co-sponsored by the Goldfarb Center and the Government Department. Contact Willa Spalter or Zane Schiffman with any questions.
Lovejoy Award Ceremony
Friday, October 20, 2023
The Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award of Colby, established in 1952, is awarded to a journalist who continues the Lovejoy heritage of fearlessness and commitment to American freedom of the press. The award is granted annually to a member of the press, regardless of title, who, in the opinion of selection committee members, has contributed to the country’s journalistic achievement. This year’s award winner is Evan Gershkovich, an American Journalist currently detained in Russia.
The presentation of the Lovejoy Award will take place at 4pm on Friday, October 20 at Colby’s Gordon Center for the Performing Arts and will include a discussion of the winners’ work with the Wall Street Journal’s World Coverage Chief Gordon Fairclough and Lovejoy Selection Committee Member Mindy Marqués Gonzales, vice president and executive editor at Simon and Schuster and former editor of the Miami Herald. President Greene will offer remarks and present the award. Evan’s parents, Ella Milman and Mikhail Gershkovich, will accept the Lovejoy Award on his behalf. The public is invited to attend the free event.
William R. and Linda K. Cotter Discourse and Deliberation Series
Working to Recognize Wabanaki Tribal Sovereignty: A conversation with tribal and Maine legislative leaders
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
For more than 40 years, legislation in the state of Maine has prevented the Wabanaki Nations — the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, and Penobscot Nation — from exercising their inherent tribal sovereignty.
Please join Maulian Bryant LL.D ’22, Penobscot Nation Ambassador; Aaron Dana, Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative to the Maine House of Representatives; Rachel Talbot Ross, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives (D-Portland); and Rick Bennett, Maine State Senator (R-Oxford) as they discuss how this has resulted in decades of social and economic impacts to the Wabanaki people and how they are building a movement for tribal sovereignty in Maine.
Learn more about this issue, the history of Wabanaki sovereignty in Maine, and the unique and precedent-setting approaches the Maine legislature and Wabanaki tribal leaders are using to address both by visiting the website for the Wabanaki Alliance.
The Creator's Game: The indigenous roots of the game called "Lacrosse"
Monday, October 2, 2023
The game of Lacrosse is one of the Haudenosaunee’s most revered traditions, a celebration of health, strength, courage, leadership, and fair play, and spirituality as a “medicine” game.
Join Michael-Corey Francis Hinton, citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe (Sipayik), and partner with the law firm of Drummond Woodsum as he discusses the history of the Creator’s Game and how its traditions and values impact indigenous and non-indigenous communities today.
This event is sponsored by Colby Athletics, the Center for the Arts and Humanities, and the Goldfarb Center and is part of the Play Seminar Series, which is co-sponsored by the Departments of Cinema Studies, English and Creative Writing, Government, Sociology, Spanish, the Latin American Studies Program, and the Oak Institute for Human Rights.
Reception and Panel Discussion with Ghetto Gastro
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Ghetto Gastro, a globally-recognized collective of chefs, is made up of curators and cultural practitioners who use food as a tool to tell stories about the Bronx, where they come from, and the cultures that inspire them. Their work reflects the ethos and spirit of working across disciplines, geographies, and cultures for the sake of community empowerment, community building, and social justice.
Ghetto Gastro’s visit to Colby’s campus represents a campus-wide co-sponsorship of this momentous event, including the Colby Arts Office, Campus Dining, Campus Life, SGA, the Center for the Arts and Humanities, the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, the Department of African American Studies, and the Lunder Institute for American Art as partners.
A pre-panel reception starts at 6PM with appetizers, cocktails, and mocktails inspired by the Black Power Kitchen. The panel discussion begins at 7PM and will be moderated by Erica Wall, Director of the Lunder Institute for American Art. The reception resumes following the panel with a celebratory battle of the DJs.
The International War Against Democracy: Current Threats and Building a Stronger Future
September 12, 2023
Democracies worldwide are under sustained attack. At the heart of all democracies are their institutions, with the justice sector at its core, buttressed by media, civil society and others which reflect the voice of those nations’ peoples. These institutions are the focus of anti-democratic forces’ efforts, in all parts of the world, including the US. To defeat these dictators, autocrats and other anti-democratic leaders and movements requires urgent action at all levels: locally, nationally and through multilateral coordination. Drawing on his decades-long career as a diplomat and public servant, Ambassador (retired) Robert Gelbard ’64, LL.D ’02 shares his call to action and offer insights into preserving a future for global democracy.
Robert S. Gelbard is a former U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, East Timor and Bolivia. In addition to his ambassadorial postings, Mr. Gelbard has served in several senior Foreign Service positions under Presidents Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Obama, including as President Clinton’s Special Representative for the Balkans. A decorated public servant, and Peace Corps volunteer, the Ambassador has had a long and distinguished career in diplomacy and democracy-building. He is also a former Colby Trustee
Linda Cotter Speaker Series
Unlivable: How a changing climate will force a global migration
August 9, 2023
Climate change is making the same parts of the world that are the most populated hotter and drier, leading to growing food scarcity and widespread economic impact that is together expected to drive large-scale migration over the coming decades. In this talk, we’ll look at the climate-driven migration already underway, consider how it affects the U.S. border and security, and also what a hotter climate means for where people live inside the U.S. Abrahm Lustgarten shares his perceptions on this critical issue.
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.
2022 - 2023
Policy and Practice Solutions for Addressing Childcare Shortages
May 31, 2023
On May 31, 2023, the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs partnered with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to host “Policy and Practice Solutions for Addressing Childcare Shortages,” a half-day event bringing together stakeholders on the leading edge of identifying solutions to Maine’s childcare crisis, one of the more vexing public policy issues of the day. The convening highlighted the relationship between childcare access challenges and the workforce, private sector opportunities to shift the current policy landscape on this issue, and practices being utilized by several Maine-based companies to support working parents. In addition, the event also sparked an original student-faculty research project led by Professor Nick Jacobs in collaboration with Claudia Miner ‘23; Gabriel Rivas Orellana ‘23; and Zoe Onyango ‘25. Read more about the event in Colby News.
2023 Freedom of Expression Symposium
April 18, 2023
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Freedom of Expression Symposium!
An annual policy competition sponsored by the Goldfarb Center, the Freedom of Expression Symposium is an opportunity for any student on campus to pitch their brilliant idea for making the world a better place through policy change. The theme of the 2023 Symposium was healthcare. Read all of the inspiring policy ideas presented at this year’s competition here.
Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights: Protecting People and Innovation
April 13, 2023
AI is transforming our lives. As tech companies, researchers, and users advance the technology, what policies should govern its use? How should we think about our rights and responsibilities in this changing landscape? In what ways can computer scientists and policy experts work together to create effective guidelines and regulatory practices to create a responsible AI future?
Sorelle Friedler Ph.D., the Shibulal Family Associate Professor of Computer Science at Haverford College and co-author of the Biden Administration’s AI Bill of Rights, took part in a conversation co-hosted by the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, and the Departments of Computer Science, Science, Technology, and Society (STS), and Anthropology about the policy challenges presented by this technology and how lawmakers, practitioners and advocates are responding.
Sick in the System: Addressing Healthcare Inequalities in Prisons
April 7, 2023
A lunch with Joseph Jackson, Executive Director of the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition
Join us for a conversation with Joseph Jackson, a leading advocate for prison healthcare reform in Maine. With 19 years of personal experience inside the Maine Department of Corrections, Jackson brings a unique perspective to the topic. As the Advocacy Director of the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition, he has overseen the proposing, pushing, and enacting of many pieces of legislation related to prison healthcare. Jackson’s insights and experiences will challenge and inspire us to think critically about the role of healthcare in the criminal justice system.
In addition to his role at MPAC, Mr. Jackson is the Founder of Maine State Prison charter of the NAACP and served on its Executive Committee in several capacities. While incarcerated, earned his Associate and Bachelor’s degrees with summa cum laude honors from University of Southern Maine. He was the first prisoner in Maine to be selected to University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast MFA in the Creating Writing graduate program and he is the Advocacy Director with Maine Inside Out.
Addressing the Challenges of Gun Violence in America with Data Informed Solutions
February 9, 2023
Featuring Daniel W. Webster, ScD, MPH, from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, joined by Darcie N. McElwee, United States Attorney for the District of Maine
Dr. Webster, one of the nation’s leading experts on the prevention of gun violence, has published widely on the impacts of gun policies on homicides, suicides, and gun trafficking and has led studies of community violence intervention programs, youth violence prevention, and intimate partner violence. He is the lead editor and contributor to Reducing Gun Violence in America: Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis.
Unrest in Iran: Recent Protests and the Future of Women's Rights
February 8, 2023
A conversation with award-winning journalist Azadeh Moaveni
Azadeh Moaveni is a journalist, writer, and associate professor at NYU, where she directs the Global Journalism Program. Her books and articles explore the interaction between gender and armed conflict, and how women’s rights, security, and political participation are impacted by war and authoritarianism. As a correspondent for the Los Angeles Times and Time Magazine, she covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has reported from Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Tunisia.
2022 William R. and Linda K. Cotter Debate Series
Is the Era of Big Government Over, or is it Just Beginning?
Thursday, November 17, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. | Diamond Building-Ostrove Auditorium
Over the past three years, Americans have witnessed a profound change in the size and scope of government not seen in decades: public-health mandates, direct cash payments to individuals, growing divisions between “red” and “blue” states, and trillions of dollars in new spending. While not perfect, many look back and see evidence that government works, that it can be made to work better, and that the time has finally come to redefine Americans’
relationship with public authority in a country long skeptical of “big” government. Others have taken the opposite lesson: experts got more wrong than they did right, because they are apt to usually get it wrong; massive spending continues to create moral hazard in the marketplace; big government is a root cause of the country’s deepening political divisions. What does “good
government” look like in an era of growing inequality and social division? What lessons should we take from the last few years in redesigning government programs? Can we fix government, or is it doomed to repeat its mistakes?
The fall Cotter Debate will bring to campus two leading thinkers to discuss both sides of this issue, to reflect on Americans changing relationship with government, and to consider what should be done to make it work better. Megan McArdle is a Washington Post columnist who writes regularly on issues related to government policy, finance, and the economy. The author of The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well Is the Key to Success, she has also written for The Atlantic, Newsweek, The Daily Beast, and Bloomberg View. Donald Moynihan is the McCourt Chair at the McCourt School of Public Policy, where he co-directs the “Better Government Lab.” His research has informed key policymakers from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to the United Nations, and was cited in both President Obama’s and President Biden’s budget
proposals.
The debate will be moderated by Nicholas Jacobs, assistant professor of government at Colby.
A dessert bar and Goldfarb branded swag will be available.
Ukrainian Photojournalists to Receive Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism Their coverage of the atrocities in Mariupol “defines courage”
Friday, October 14 | 4 p.m. | Lorimer Chapel, Colby College
In its continuing efforts to recognize individuals who put themselves at personal risk for the sake of truth-telling, Colby College will honor two Ukrainians with the 2022 Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism.
Mstyslav Chernov, a visual journalist and writer, and photojournalist Evgeniy Maloletka are being recognized for exceptional bravery in covering the Russian invasion of Ukraine, specifically in Mariupol, for the Associated Press. They will receive the award Friday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. The annual event will take place in Lorimer Chapel on Colby’s campus.
“Just as Elijah Lovejoy risked his life to expose atrocities, Mstyslav Chernov and Evgeniy Maloletka knew that showing the world what was happening in Mariupol was a cause worthy of the ultimate sacrifice,” said President David A. Greene. “Their selflessness in the face of extreme danger comes through in every photograph, video, and personal account of the Russian invasion and will forever be part of the history of this war. We are honored to have their names and their work associated with the Lovejoy Award.”
Havel and Our Crisis
An International Conference of Scholars and Leaders
September 28-30, 2022
The Goldfarb Center is proud to be one of the supporting partners for this conference at Colby, which will include lectures, talks, discussions, film screenings, and theater performances honoring Václav Havel. Havel (1936-2011) was one of the 20th century’s greatest champions of freedom, democracy, human rights, European integration, and transatlantic cooperation. The conference organizer is Visiting Assistant Professor of Government Milan Babik.
Ukraine War: The Holiday from History is Over
Linda Cotter Speaker Series
August 4, 2022
2021 - 2022
A Conversation with Musician, Entrepreneur, and Podcast Host, Eric Nam: Rising Violence Against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders
April 28, 2022
In March 2021, Colby faculty led a community conversation about the ongoing and increasing violence directed at Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. The conversation ranged from the role of immigration policies, historical events, stereotypes, and other factors that relate to the uptick in violence.
The Goldfarb Center continued the dialogue with Korean-American pop superstar Eric Nam. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Eric is a multi-faceted singer, songwriter, entertainer, and host. He is one of the most popular and recognizable celebrities in Asia and has been named GQ Korea’s Man of the Year, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, and YouTube’s Artist Trending On The Rise. As a student at Boston College, Nam focused on international studies and social justice issues and was a very active member on campus. He has used his voice to speak out about hate crimes and inspires students to be changemakers.
The conversation was moderated by Colby Assistant Professor of Psychology Jin X. Goh, who is also a member of the Goldfarb Faculty Advisory Committee. This was an in-person only event.
2022 Symposium Winners
April 26, 2022
The annual theme for 2021-22 was Freedom of Speech. In April 2022, eight student semi-finalists presented their policy proposals on Freedom of Speech. Topics ranged from Free Speech at Colby: Problems and Recommendations, to Enhancing Freedom of the Press in the United States.
The winners were decided by a faculty panel, which included Professors Christel Kesler, Aaron Hanlon , and Jin Goh, all members of the Goldfarb Faculty Advisory Committee. The top prize went to Serena Klebba ’25 for her work on Freely Informing Consent: A Pland to Change Mandated Pre-Abortion Counseling, second place went to Amir Jiru ’24 and Chris Ward ’24 who teamed up to focus on Misinfo Ed: Addressing Social Media Misinformation Through Education, and third place was awarded to Anna doRosario ’25 for her compelling thoughts on A Turning Point: Time for an “FDA for Tech”.
Politics & Pizza
April 15, 2022
The Global Pandemic Response: Reflections & Next Steps
George J. Mitchell International Lecture Series
April 7, 2022
Each year the Mitchell Series brings a prominent policy leader to campus for a dinner and lecture designed to foster interaction with students, faculty, and members of the greater Waterville community. The series is in honor of former U.S. Senator, statesman, international negotiator, and Waterville native George Mitchell.
The prestigious guest speaker for 2022 is Gayle E. Smith, who has served as a top advisor on international issues for three American presidents and is one of the world’s leading experts on global development and global health security. In 2021, Smith took on a temporary role at the request of the Secretary of State and served as US State Department’s Coordinator for Global COVID Response & Health Security, where she played a leading role in the US effort to end the global pandemic. She is currently the CEO of the ONE Campaign. Dr. Nirav Shah, the Maine CDC Director, introduced Gayle at the Colby event.
Check out a recorded version below and learn more about Gayle Smith and the Mitchell Flagship Event.
Colby Faculty Panel: Global Perspectives on Free Speech
March 28, 2022
The Goldfarb Center hosted a panel related to this year’s annual theme, Freedom of Speech, with Colby professors speaking to the topic through a global lens. Questions that were addressed included how do policy approaches to free speech vary across countries? Is the US approach to free speech exceptional? What kinds of historical and contemporary factors help us understand different countries’ orientations toward free speech? What global and geopolitical forces shape policies on free speech?
The panel included Jen Yoder, the Robert E. Diamond Professor of Government and Global Studies and a member of the Goldfarb Faculty Advisory Committee, Jun (Philip) Fang, Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology, and Nazli Konya, Visiting Assistant Professor of Government. Christel Kesler, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology, moderated the panel discussion.
This event was live streamed at colby.edu/livestream
Social Media, Political Polarization, & Free Speech
March 17, 2022
How has social media shifted the way we consume and share information? Has the surge of digital platforms driven (or not) America’s growing political divide? What policies can balance the protection of free speech with malicious disinformation campaigns?
The Goldfarb Center hosted a high-level panel discussion, tackling these questions and more and exploring the nexus between social media, political polarization, and free speech. Panelists included Roger McNamee, a tech venture capitalist and author of Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe; Renée DiResta, technical director of Stanford Internet Observatory; and Chris Vlasto, an ABC News senior executive producer. Kimberly Flowers, executive director of the Goldfarb Center, moderated the conversation.
For more information on Roger McNamee, please visit www.prhspeakers.com
Screening of The Social Dilemma Documentary
March 15, 2022
Researching for Public Impact: How to Use Your Knowledge to Impact Policy
March 11, 2022
The workshop was led by Andrew Pope and Kristina Mensik from the Scholars Strategy Network. Andrew is the Director of Training at the Scholars Strategy Network. In this role, he works closely with staff and leaders from across the network to develop trainings that empower scholars to use research to improve public policy. Andrew has a PhD from the History Department at Harvard University. Kristina is the Trainings Fellow at SSN, where she supports researchers in the policy process. In addition, Kristina is a policy advocate and researcher largely focused on state legislatures, incarceration, and political participation.
Building Bridges: How Can Academic Research and Public Policy Inform Each Other?
March 10, 2022
Check out the Goldfarb Center’s online recording of this hour-long event where we considered the role that academic research plays in informing and impacting public policy. Learn from Maine lawmakers and policy advocates about ways you can help drive evidence-based public policy on pressing contemporary issues. And learn more about the Maine Scholars Strategy Network, an organization working to strengthen democracy and improve public policy by linking academic expertise with journalists, civic organizations, and policymakers.
Winifred Tate, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Colby moderated the panel that included Rep. Jessica Fay, serving House District 66 in the Maine House of Representatives, Rep. Charlotte Warren, serving House District 84 in the Maine House of Representatives, and Julie Ann Smith, Executive Director, Maine Farm Bureau.
Politics & Pizza: War in Ukraine
March 4, 2022
The Colby Government Department hosted a panel discussion in light of recent events in Ukraine. The panel examined the current situation in the region, and more importantly, the underlying reasons why. The panel also discussed the stakes of the invasion, and international response.
The event featured William R. Cotter Distinguished Teaching Professor Ken Rodman, Visiting Assistant Professor Milan Babik, and Visiting Assistant Professor Tizoc Chavez. It was moderated by Robert E. Diamond Professor of Government and Global Studies Jennifer Yoder.
The Role and Rise of Disinformation
February 17, 2022
The Goldfarb Center welcomed Lisa Kaplan ’13, founder and CEO of Alethea Group, who discussed disinformation in the digital age. From public policies to social media tactics, Kaplan explored how the general public, government, and private companies alike can protect and mitigate disinformation and social media manipulation in today’s world.
The event was hosted in-person for the Colby community. The recorded event can now be live-streamed at colby.edu/livestream.
Free Speech in the Classroom: Conflict and Contradiction
January 11, 2022
The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs hosted a conversation featuring Jan Plan visiting faculty Bernardine Dohrn and William Ayers. The talk was a contemporary conversation about how to respond to the desires, demands, and questions in classrooms today. What contradictions and conflicts, complexities and controversies, emerge when we consider free speech in the classroom? This is part of a series of events the Goldfarb Center has hosted this year in line with its focus on freedom of speech.
Hong Kong's Crackdown on Free Speech: A Conversation with Nathan Law
December 7, 2021
The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs hosted a conversation with Nathan Law, a well-known democracy activist and the youngest Legislative Councilor in Hong Kong history, about the lack of free speech and expression in Hong Kong. Law spoke about the history and current state of free expression in Hong Kong and the need to raise international support for the advancement of its democracy and human rights. He also discussed his new book, Freedom: How We Lose It and How We Fight Back, which was released the same day.
In 2016, Nathan Law became Hong Kong’s youngest elected lawmaker at just 23. A year later, he was imprisoned by the Chinese authorities for his part in the Umbrella Movement. He has since been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his pro-democracy advocacy and named one of TIME magazine’s People of the Year 2020.
Law signed copies of his book that were given away to audience members after the event.
On the Docket: A Legal, Medical, and Historical Perspective on Reproductive Autonomy and What Is Happening Now at the U.S. Supreme Court
November 30, 2021
The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs hosted on campus two leading voices on reproductive rights: Skye Perryman, formerly the chief legal officer and general counsel for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and currently president and CEO of the Democracy Forward Foundation, and Dr. Jen Villavicencio, an obstetrician-gynecologist with a public policy expertise who works in anti-racism and reproductive justice in addition to providing abortion care.
This event explored historical, legal, and medical perspectives regarding reproductive autonomy in the United States with a particular focus on the current U.S. Supreme Court term. Our speakers examined recent changes to abortion laws, including the Supreme Court’s consideration of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which was heard on December 1, and its implications on medical care, health care access, and the law. Panelists also discuss Texas Senate Bill 8 and other developments in reproductive health policy. The event was moderated by Kimberly Flowers, Executive Director, Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs.
Does Free Speech Give Us Better Science?
November 16, 2021
Q&A with ACLU'S Senior Staff Attorney Emerson Sykes on Free Speech Protections on Campus
November 12, 2021
The Goldfarb Center hosted a thoughtful talk with one of the nation’s top First Amendment litigators on free speech issues ranging from protest rights, Black student activism on campuses, and the recent string of state classroom censorship bills. The event was an open Q&A session where Colby students had the opportunity to ask Mr. Sykes anything, which might include discussing his current cases and free speech work, free speech protection trends, or the historical role of student activism.
Fighting Hate Speech, Defending Free Speech: A Conversation with Nadine Strossen
November 4, 2021
The Goldfarb Center hosted a conversation with civil liberties leader and free speech expert Nadine Strossen, former ACLU president, and author of Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship. The event officially kicked off a series of programming related to freedom of speech, the center’s theme this year. Ms. Strossen engaged in a robust Q&A with Colby students, faculty, and staff on issues ranging from how to effectively resist hate speech to free speech on college campuses. She talked about constitutional rights, the role of social media, and much more.
Fed Up: Should the Federal Reserve be responsible for addressing economic inequality?
October 28, 2021
2021 Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award
October 1, 2021
This year, the Lovejoy Award honored eight journalists for their courage and determination while facing intimidation by the U.S. Department of Justice. These journalists from the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, were subjected to the U.S. government’s subpoena of phone and email records related to leak investigations. They never wavered from their pursuit of important stories under these circumstances and remained resolute in their commitment to freedom of the press. The 2021 Lovejoy Award winners are Matt Apuzzo ’00, Adam Entous, Adam Goldman, Eric Lichtblau, Greg Miller, Ellen Nakashima, Michael S. Schmidt, and Barbara Starr.
New York Times reporters Matt Apuzzo ’00 and Adam Goldman joined in a conversation with Nancy Barnes, senior vice president and editorial director at NPR and a member of the Lovejoy Award Selection Committee. President Greene offered remarks and presented the awards.
