Director's Note
A letter from Dr. Matt Lindstrom, Edward L. Henry Professor and MCC Director
As we wrap up another semester at CSB/SJU, I am especially grateful for the dynamic team that powered the McCarthy Center through a most unique and difficult year. While we were limited in our typical in-person events, we remained committed to our mission and engaged students and the wider CSB/SJU community throughout the year. This was the first year of our Civic Fellow position, held by Victoria M. Evens. Despite the unusual year, Victoria skillfully led a tremendous team of student employees. The new class block schedule made event-planning challenging but looking back we had a jam-packed calendar of successful initiatives.
Our newly launched grant program will empower students to civically engage both on the campus and in area communities. Full of good ideas, students are eager to do things. This grant program will expand opportunity for more students and fund civic-based projects and professional development.
As we pivot to summer, sixty-five students are participating in the Summer Leadership Fellows Program, partially funded by the McCarthy Center’s John Brandl Scholars Program. These students will intern all over the world at non-profit organizations and government sites. The funding is crucial because increases internship options for all students. Throughout the summer, students participate in large group seminars to ask questions, develop skills, and learn more about professional options from guest speakers.
Dr. Matt Lindstrom welcomes CSB/SJU students to Krewe for our Earth Week event.
We extend special thanks and congratulations to our senior 2020-2021 student coordinators: Carolina Apaez, Elliot Edeburn, Laurel Poole, Skylar Gast, and Colin Yokanovich. Their legacies and impacts remain a part of our community and we look forward to their continued involvement as mentors, guest speakers, or internship hosts.
In conclusion, the McCarthy Center was recently approached by the Minnesota Department of Public Health to conduct Covid-19 vaccine outreach to young Minnesotans this summer. While this is still in development, we anticipate this public-private collaboration to help Minnesota reach herd immunity in the near future.
Thank you for your interest and support of the McCarthy Center. We always welcome your ideas and suggestions. Be well and stay in touch.
DR. MATT LINDSTROM
Inside:
Director
Aswecontinuetoworkthroughthisglobal pandemic, digital outreach has become an even greater part of the McCarthyCenter'scommunication.Inorder to maintain our interaction with the greater community, our social mediaandcommunicationteamhasbeen busy this semester with new social media initiatives led by student coordinator,SydneyRichter'23.Witha continued focus on digital communication, the McCarthy Center has beenabletoreachevenmorestudentsand community members through the use of our social media pages. Theseprojectsarecenteredonmakingnews and politics more accessible in order to spark discussion of topics includingsocial,political,andculturalissues.
TheMcCarthyCenter’snewsocialmedia initiative “Let’s Discuss”wascreatedwiththeaimtoeducate students on various hottopics,providethemwithtoolsfordiscussion, and call studentsintoactiontoengageinconstructive dialogue. It has sparkeddialoguewithintheclassroom,friend groups, and even inthecommentsonInstagram.
"IntheNews"postsinitiativespurredfroma studentexpresseddesiretohaveeasyaccesstolocal, state, national, andworldnewsheadlineswithoutneeding to look any furtherthantheirInstagramfeed.Student feedback has been extremelypositive,andstudentshaveexpressed their gratitudeforlearningmoreaboutwhat’s going on at all levelsoftheworld.CSBstudentKoriPekarek '22 expressed thatsheappreciatesthenewspostsasthey have sparked her interestinlearningmoreaboutlocalissues.
Virtual Polidazzle
Written by: Emmett Adam '23
On Thursday, February 11th, the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy’s Mentorship Program hosted the 14th Annual Polidazzle Event. This hour and a half long networking and mentorship event is typically held in person. However, due to COVID-19, the event moved fully virtual for the first time since its founding. To begin the evening, Dr. Matt Lindstrom, Edward L. Henry Professor of Political Science and Director of the McCarthy Center gave remarks regarding CSB/SJU, The McCarthy Center, and Polidazzle. Lindstrom thanked the alumni for their time, expressed his appreciation for the resilience of mentees, and closed with his classic slogan, “it’s not the (D) or the (R), but the CSB/SJU.” Following this, Mentor Program Co-Leaders Liam Miller ’23 and Emmett Adam ‘23 gave brief remarks detailing the goals, mission statement, and schedule of the past semester’s events. Although the semester was challenging due to a limited capacity for in-person events, the Mentor Program persevered due to the great support of Center staff, exceptional mentors, and gracious guest speakers.
Typically, Polidazzle is held in a large gathering area with drinks and food provided for both Mentees and Mentors. However, this year, the snacks had to be consumed virtually as the 50+ attendees filed into three sessions of breakout rooms to discuss careers and connections made throughout the past year. Breakout rooms were determined by career path, falling into the following categories: Law, Business and Government, International Affairs, State and Local Government/Urban Planning, Political Campaign and Elections, Non-Profit, Health Education/Environment, and Federal Government.
Pictured above is a snapshot from the virtual event, as mentors and mentees gather to celebrate the program
A highlight of the evening was the banter between graduates in breakout room sessions. The connection between alumni, whether young or old, in D.C. or abroad, was tangible and demonstrated that the CSB/SJU alumni connection cultivated through the McCarthy Center lives on. In addition, a standout moment from the evening was the opportunity for mentees to speak to the large group regarding their experience with their mentors and the Program at large. Both Lizbet Martinez-Port ‘22 and Fardusa Ahmed ’23 expressed their gratitude for the Program and its ability to connect them to successful mentors prior to a summer of opportunities and internships.
The evening concluded with remarks from Co-Leaders Liam Miller and Emmett Adam detailing their gratitude for the mentors' and mentees' hard work throughout the year. The Mentor Program is not possible without a cohort of students ready to learn and mentees ready to assist. The McCarthy Center Mentorship Program is a program for all students and alumni, appreciates all of the hard work and assistance throughout the past year, and looks forward to continuing to develop.
Mentor Program: Spring 2021
Written by: Emmett Adam '23
In addition to the McCarthy Center Mentor Program’s Annual Polidazzle Celebration, the second semester featured a successful series of events with engaging speakers. The semester’s programming began with a graduate school info session featuring both Jeff Chidester, Executive Director of External Affairs at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and Riyanna Coleman, Student Recruitment Specialist at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. Chidester began the conversation with a presentation to provide an overview of application requirements, previous career paths of admitted students, and what life looks like at the Batten School. The Batten School is relatively new, and Chidester’s diverse career path allowed all students to engage in a deep, meaningful way. Following Chidester’s remarks, Riyanna Coleman presented to the cohort regarding life as a student at the Harris School. Coleman’s presentation provided great information, including the internship offering for students during their post-graduate education. Both Coleman and Chidester’s presentations made for an exceptional session for mentees.
In addition to the Mentor Program’s graduate school information session, both Dr. Phil Kronebusch and Lindsey Gunnerson Gutsch from CSB/SJU’s Competitive Fellowships Program came to give an overview of fellowships and the Fulbright Scholarship in particular. Firstly, Lindsey Gunnerson Gutsch gave a presentation of the widespread offerings of fellowships. Gunnerson Gutsch stressed that fellowships are available for all students and explained the readily available assistance for students at St. Ben’s and St. Johns. Whether it be the Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, or Truman Scholarship, all students should explore available opportunities. Next, Dr. Phil Kronebusch went into great detail regarding the Fulbright Scholarship. The Fullbright Scholarship has historically been an area of great success for Bennies and Johnnies. Dr. Kronebusch focused on the application process throughout his presentation and signaled for all interested students to keep its requirements on their radar as they consider their post-graduate opportunities. In May, the Mentor Program concluded with a final, in-person meeting hosted at Gorecki on the CSB campus. Although the year has presented challenges, the McCarthy Center Mentorship Program continues to succeed, a testament to the alumni, support staff, and exceptional student body at CSB/SJU.
On February 9th, the McCarthy Center hosted "New Americans in Central Minnesota: Becoming Community." This event aimed to spark dialogue between how Saint John’s University and College of Saint Benedict can be welcoming and inclusive institutions as the Central Minnesota area experiences significant demographic changes. Father Efrain Rosado, Dr. Pedro dos Santos, and Abdimalik Hashi ’21 served as panelists and helped attendees to understand some of the challenges faced by the New American community and ways to engage with our neighbors. In an open discussion, a wide variety of CSB/SJU community members engaged in important dialogue about our admissions processes, how we support students, and how our Benedictine tradition informs our efforts to build community. This event was a collaboration of the McCarthy Center, Intercultural and International Student Services (IISS), and the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning.
Father Efrain RosadoDr. Pedro dos SantosAbdimalik Hashi '21
AMERICA FOR AMERICANS: A
CONVERSATION WITH DR. ERIKA LEE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF XENOPHOBIA
WRITTEN BY: ELLIOT EDEBURN '21
On February 19th, the McCarthy Center hosted a Community Engagement Day with Dr. Erika Lee of the University of Minnesota. Dr. Lee is a professor, historian, and author. Most recently, she wrote America for Americans: A History of Xenophobia in the United States, which was deemed essential reading by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and won the American Book Award. During this virtual event, Dr. Shannon Smith and Dr. Ken Jones asked thought-provoking questions as Dr. Lee guided the audience through an exploration of the history of the United States and its relationship with xenophobia: the fear of the other. She traced this xenophobia back to hatred and vitriol experienced by German protestants to modern xenophobia experienced by immigrant and refugee communities. The event helped to establish a through line of America’s xenophobic history and encouraged students, faculty, and staff to critically examine the structures, policies, and words that continue to contribute to division and racist attitudes and beliefs.
PURCHASE A COPY OF DR. ERIKA LEE'S BOOK, AMERICA FOR AMERICANS HERE!
BLACKHISTORYMONTH
WRITTENBY:LAURELPOOLE'21
Afterthefirstsemester,theMcCarthyCenter found that a good way to engage with students was throughtabling.Aboothwouldbesetup at Sexton or Gorecki and student coordinators would talk to studentsforafewhoursaboutaspecific event or topic. Tabling was an efficient and effective way to meetandinteractwithstudentsthrough conversation while being safe and complying with COVID19regulations.Attractingstudentstothetable usually involved give-away items that we could advertiseonsocialmedia.Overthewinter break, student coordinator Laurel Poole '21 had the idea to doat-shirtseriesforbothBlackHistory Month and Women’s History Month. Our civic fellow, VictoriaM.Evens,beganworkingondesigning a t-shirt to kick off Black History Month and created anawesomepieceofartforthedesign.The end result depicted three different skin-toned
fistsrisingtogether,with“Equality”written underneath. The studentslovedthet-shirtsbecausetheycould be worn all year, notjustinFebruary.Poole'21tabledatSaint John’s, where there wasawaveofstudentswhohadseenthe t-shirts advertised on Instagram.Theshirtsranoutveryquickly.
Tablingworkedwellindistributingthet-shirts and it was fun to seestudentsagainearlyoninthesemester. Attracting people to thetablewasbeneficialbecausetheMcCarthy Center could then advertisetheBlackhistoryeventshappening throughout February.Itwasanoverwhelminglygreat way to start in-person conversationsonracialjusticewithoutbeing able to hold inpersonevents.
TAKING ACTION
WRITTEN BY: SYDNEY RICHTER '23
The years of 2020 and 2021 reminded us all of the immense need to focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice efforts. The McCarthy Center seeks to offer inclusive and diverse experiences for students to learn, advocate, and discuss ideas. Especially given the Center’s focus on civic engagement, it is critical that the Center ensures all students feel welcomed and all voices are uplifted in programming. For these reasons and more, the McCarthy team wrote a Diversity and Inclusion Statement to conceptualize our desire to work toward being a more diverse and inclusive community.
MCC Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement is founded on the values of democratic engagement, equity, and justice. We are committed to cultivating an environment centered around inclusivity and hospitality. We affirm the dignity of every human and resist all forms of racism and bigotry. White supremacy and systemic racism must be condemned around the globe, starting with our local community. The McCarthy Center pledges to fight racism and discrimination on all levels. We pledge to lift the voices of underrepresented groups on campus and in our community including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students.
In order to put our words into action, we will:
1. Enhance the voices and activism of young people by pushing for greater student voter engagement in all elections.
2. Provide and create new resources and opportunities for students and the wider community in order to support the institutions central goals to “think deeply, embrace difference, engage globally, serve graciously, and live courageously.”
3. Facilitate open and mindful conversations about economic, social, and political justice.
4. Welcome and encourage feedback and conversations with students and the community about how the McCarthy Center can support and improve democratic engagement, learning, and growth.
Farhiya Iman
Facilitator and Instructor of Somali Language and Culture courses through Unite Cloud
Unite Cloud: Somali Language and Culture
Written by: Elliot Edeburn '21
Through a collaboration with local nonprofit Unite Cloud, 30 members of the St. John’s and St. Ben’s community had the opportunity to participate in Somali Language and Culture Classes with facilitator and instructor Farhiya Iman. The classes are enormously popular and typically fill up quickly, but this partnership created space for a cohort comprised strictly of members of the St. John’s and St. Ben’s community. Over the course of three Monday evening Zoom meetings, participants had the opportunity to learn basic sayings in Somali such as “Soo Dhowow,” or welcome. Participants also learned about the religious and cultural practice of Ramadan as well as basic etiquette concerning body language in the Somali community. At the end of the course, our Somali Language and Culture cohort enjoyed connecting with a local English as a Second Language (ESL) class and trying out their newfound Somali vocabulary. The class was a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, and even members of the monastic community to learn about the culture and language of some of our newest neighbors while engaging with a local nonprofit seeking to create a more inclusive community. We are incredibly grateful to Unite Cloud and Executive Director Natalie Ringsmuth for facilitating this unique educational partnership.
Interested in learning more about Somali language and culture? Follow this code to get involved
Podcast Continues
Written by: Elliot Edeburn '21
Throughout a busy, hectic year, the McCarthy Centersponsored podcast, I’m Glad You Asked has continued to facilitate and publish conversations centering around public policy and informed citizenship. Co-hosts Elliot Edeburn (’21) and Regan Dolezal (’22) released three episodes this semester on the topics of the 19th Amendment, misinformation and disinformation, and navigating conversations across political difference. The podcast aims to amplify student voices and provide listeners with an appreciation for the nuance and complexity of topics surrounding citizenship and political awareness. You can stream the podcast using Spotify, Anchor, or wherever you stream.
ForWomen’sHistoryMonth,civicfellow Victoria M. Evens, and student coordinatorLaurelPoole'21organizeda sticker design contest to involve localartists.Studentsandcommunitymembers were challenged to design theirownstickerrelatingtowomen’sempowerment and were drawn to win aprizebasket.Thebasketincludedacopy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's InHer OwnWords,ChimamandaNgoziAdichie's WeShouldallbeFeminists,a giftcardtolocalbakeryFlourandFlower, and a pack of their own stickers. Thecontestwasafunwaytoremindstudents about women’s month and see whatitmeanstothem.CSBstudent,Katie Sohm'21, and community members Lily Brutger and Jennifer Evens wonthestickerdesigncontest.Tocontinuethet-shirtseries,Evensstarted designing Women’s History Month t-shirtstotablewithduringMarch.While meeting, Director Matt Lindstromsuggested the idea to collect donationsforthet-shirtsandputthemoney towards an organization that does beneficial work within the community.WedecidedthatAnnaMarie’s Alliance would use the funds to better promote women’s rights. The t-shirthadthewomansymbolwith“Women’s History Month” integrated within. Evens also designed socks to goalongwiththeshirts,theymatchedwith the white and green design.
Wesetuptablingforeverydayofthesecond-to-last week of March andacceptedvirtualandcashdonationson both campuses. Any amountwasacceptedasadonationtoget a t-shirt and socks. We wroteupaflyerforAnnaMarie’sAlliance, explaining that the organizationisawomen’sshelterinSt.Cloud that provides safe livingenvironmentsforwomenandchildren who have experienced domesticabuse.Alotofstudentsdidn’tknow what Anna Marie’s was,soopeningthedoortothatconnection was beneficial. Hopefully, studentswillcontinuetopartnerwiththeorganization since they are moreawarenow.Tablingeachdaywasdifferent depending on who cameuptothetable.Wewereabletotalk to Bennies and Johnnies aboutdomesticviolenceandhowtosupport women’s shelters in the community.TheMcCarthyCenteralsoended up fundraising over $800forAnnaMarie'sAlliance.Hopefully, this will resource more of theamazingworkthattheorganizationdoes.
OnApril30th,theMcCarthyCenterhad the pleasure of hosting our first “TED Talk Tuesday” during theCOVID-19pandemic.Duringtheyear of socially distancing, our teamhas deeply missed the days whenwecouldcometogetherasacommunity and discuss topics of public policy and civic engagementface-to-face.Thisnightwas a reminder of the power of in-person events and group dialogue.InhonorofWomen’sHistoryMonth and cognizant of the need to advocate for gender equality,wewatchedChimamandaNgozi Adichie’s “We Should All be Feminists.” Dr. Patricia Bolaños-FabresofHispanicStudiesand Victoria M. Evens, our McCarthy Center Civic Fellow, facilitatedaconversationthatdiscussedhow sexismmanifests itself in our community as well as the importanceofdiscussinggenderbeyond a simple binary system. Although the event was scheduled tolastforonehour,studentsstayedforan extra half hour to continue discussing the implications of Adichie’stalkandactionablestepsthatwe can take as a campus community. This in-person TED TalkTuesdaywasabreathoffreshairas we engaged in constructive dialogue about how to create community.
Green Initiatives Creating a Sustainable Community Taste and See: Sustainability in St. Joe
Written by: Elliot Edeburn '21
On Tuesday, April 20, the McCarthy Center partnered with Krewe Restaurant and Outdoor University to present “Taste & See Sustainability in St. Joseph.” The event served to celebrate Earth Week and contribute to a campus-wide effort to facilitate educational opportunities related to sustainability and the environment. During the event, 20 students had the opportunity to taste Krewe dishes as chefs Erin Lucas and Mateo Mackbee shared their vision of sustainability in the culinary profession. While enjoying locally harvested honey, greens, and more students learned about the importance of investing in sustainable and local food sources. Mackbee and Lucas also shared about how their culinary ambitions support their vision for social change and their fledgling nonprofit, Model Citizen. The nonprofit aims to bring underrepresented communities into agricultural settings to learn about farm-to-table methods and the critical importance of sustainability. In addition to providing mouthwatering food, Taste & See sustainability allowed students to see how an aspiring business can be run in a socially conscious, responsible manner.
Krewe owners and staff serve a delicious menu while they discuss the origin of the New-Orleans inspired restauraunt
From the Class to the Forest to the Streets: a Parklet for JoeTown
Written by: Dr. Matt Lindstrom
For several years students in my POLS/ENVA class, Sustainable Urban Planning, evaluated case studies of low cost/high impact examples of “tactical urbanism.” With input from artists, business owners and city officials, the Spring 2020 class winning idea was using a parklet to enhance placemaking, community vitality and public space, especially during the global pandemic. Parklets are outdoor people places installed in parking spots as a living room extension of the sidewalk. Last summer the St. Joseph City Council approved our parklet proposal for downtown. With a $1000 grant from Stearns County Public Health, private donations, and a lot of hard work from students and area residents, the St. Joe Parklet is now a reality.
One of the most exciting things about the parklet it’s built with 100% reclaimed local materials including donated wood from area residents and St. John’s Abbey Woodworking. An artist installed a fairy garden providing a whimsical flair. An exercise bike set up by a physics teacher, powers a lightbulb. A solar panel will power twinkle lights and a few more fun things will be added throughout the summer. This pilot project will be evaluated in the fall and may lead to other St. Joe parklets and a parklet permitting system.
Parklets are part of a growing international movement to make streets a bit more pedestrian-centered. The first public parklets were established in 2010, by Suzi Bolognese and installed in San Francisco. The St. Joe Parklet fits perfectly with St. Joe’s comprehensive plan to promote a friendlier pedestrian environment and vibrant downtown.
We hope visitors to St. Joe will enjoy the whimsical parklet and linger a little longer, maybe meet a new friend, or get reacquainted with others in the post-pandemic world.
CSB/SJU Community assembles Saint Joseph Parklet
Edward L. Henry Centennial
Written by: Laurel Poole '21
In 1955, Edward L. Henry returned to his hometown of St. Cloud and began teaching at St. John's University, where he chaired the Political Science Department and started the first Development Department at the University. Henry also served as mayor of the city from 1964 to 1971. He worked primarily on eliminating rural poverty and creating low-rent city housing.
The Edward L. Henry Professorship was established in 2007 after an alumni gift from SJU alumni Dan Whalen. The professorship recognizes Henry’s contribution to Catholic colleges, his service work, and his academic achievements. The Ed Henry Professorship is currently held by Dr. Matthew Lindstrom, professor of Political Science at CSB/SJU and Director of the McCarthy Center.
For the centennial of Henry’s birthday on March 31st the McCarthy Center, alongside campus archives and the Henry family, coordinated a celebration. Matt Lindstrom and the Henry family introduced a new archival case within Alcuin library detailing Henry’s accomplishments. The case included works of Henry’s as well as photographs from his time at Saint John’s. Drinks and cake were provided for the alumni, family members, and current CSB/SJU students who attended the unveiling. It was an opportunity to honor Henry’s accomplishments while socializing, which was unique to this academic year.
To read more about Ed Henry’s contributions to the CSB/SJU community, check out the university archive exhibit.
Members of the CSB/SJU community join the Henry Family to celebrate Henry's life and legacy. Photos provided by: Laurel Poole '21
The Eugene J. McCarthy Center welcomed Bob Zoellick, virtually, as the Mark Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Lecturer. Bob Zoellick served as the 11th president of the World Bank, Deputy U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Trade Representative, and served in the Department of Treasury and the White House. Today, Zoellick works for the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and is the nonexecutive chairman of AllianceBernstein, a leading global investment management firm. Bob Zoellick was interviewed by Mark Kennedy, who is an SJU alum, who previously served as president of the University of North Dakota and as director of the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University following eight years as a member of Congress and currently serves as the president of the University of Colorado.
Throughout the event, Mark Kennedy interviewed Bob Zoellick on current global affairs and on his book, America in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy. Bob Zoellick reflected on his experience and the history related to U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy, in hopes to help the next generation to challenge problems by looking through our history. The conversation between Mark Kennedy and Bob Zoellick allowed for conversations around an assortment of topics relating to global affairs, climate change, and other social issues. In addition, the event allowed for discussion between the audience and gave an opportunity for a question-and-answer section. During this time, students and guests sent in questions and were an active part of the conversation. Through the question-and-answer section, students were able to receive insight about a career in the U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy sector and dig deeper into the conversation. The whole event was enjoyable, educational, and engaging, and as the center, we were honored to have both Bob Zoellick and Mark Kennedy for this year’s Mark Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Lecture.
McCarthy Center Team recognized by Campus Compact
Written by: Victoria M. Evens
This year, the McCarthy Center was named a recipient of the 2021 Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compact President's Civic Engagement Leadership Award. This award recognizes organizations or individuals who exemplify their campus' distinctive civic mission by supporting community engagement, creating strong partnerships, and developing institutionalized practice of civic engagement. We were nominated by Saint John's University with the following inscription:
"The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement empowers civic education and action through discussions and experiential learning events in order to promote the common good, the value of politics, our shared identity as citizens, and engagement in public work. They engage indepth hundreds of students annually and many, many more participate in programming available broadly to the campuses and to the public. Many continue public service and engagement after graduation."
Our student coordinator, Elliot Edeburn '21, was also a recipient of one of the 2021 Campus Compact Awards. Elliot received the 2021 President's Student Leadership Award, recognizing students who model a deep commitment to leadership and civic duty with the following nomination:
"Elliot Edeburn hosts a podcast focused on civic engagement topics, planned and facilitated a conversation and signature events for Community Engagement Day, joined Get Out the Vote Efforts to increase civic engagement on campus, and served as an orientation leader in 2018 and 2020"
We are extremely honored for our team to be recognized by the Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compact through these awards. You can read more about Campus Compact at the Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compact websites.
McCarthy Center TeamElliot Edeburn '21
What's New Online?
Written by: Skylar Gast '21
With the McCarthy Center being mostly virtual for the current year, we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to rework some aspects of our website to make it more informative, more inclusive, and overall, more updated to what the Center is like, today. By the start of the first semester, it became a goal to better organize our website to include all the parts that make up the McCarthy Center. We designed a better layout, included more historical data, and looked for ways to show our community all the events and programming we do as a center. As a result, our website now features our Diversity and Inclusion Statement as part of our Black History Month and Anti-Racism Series initiatives. We also created a page for the Native American Advisory Committee and a dedicated space for the beliefs and values of Senator Eugene J. McCarthy. Aside from these additions, we wanted to work to find creative ways to show how the community can be involved and get assistance by the center. The McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement is built up of some many aspects to create a bi-partisan platform for discussion as well as allowing for our community to stay engaged in public policy. We hope the updates we made allows our community to better understand what we bring to the community and the support we have for our students.
Photo displays a section of the McCarthy Center Homepage. Learn
CivicFellow:CreativeInitiatives
Thissemesterwasfilledwithexcitingopportunities and challenges for me as I continue my role as Civic Fellow withtheMcCarthyCenter.Inadditionto the basic administrative needs of the Center, I continue to work with the studentcoordinatorstoorganizeeventsand programming to support our mission and have had ample opportunities togrowasanartist,writer,andprofessional.
TheMcCarthyCentersponsoredmetotake another remote writing coursethroughGothamWritersentitled "Memoir Writing I." This courseexplorestheprocessofmemoirwriting through online lectures, writingprompts,classfeedbackandinteraction, and more. During this 10-weekcourse,Iwasabletoworkshopand present essays frommy lifewithawonderfulteamofdiverseclassmates. This experience inspiredmetothinkdeeplyaboutmyroots and my journey as a musician,fromtaggingalongtomysiblings' piano lessons as a toddler, togivingsolorecitalsasanadult.Inaddition to this course, I also had theopportunitytocompletetrainingasanotary public. Through this onlineclass,Ilearnedtheprocessesandpolicies surrounding notarizationandthecivicresponsibilityof notary publics. I amnow certifiedasalocalnotarypublicforStearns county!
Throughmanyofourcivicengagementinitiatives, I was able to provide graphic design work to the Center as tshirtdesigns,stickers,andevenadigital portrait of Eugene McCarthy for our YouTube page! These projects encouragedmetocontinuetoexperiment with art and digital design and encouraged my creativity within the Center.
OutsideoftheMcCarthyCenter,I'vebeen busy pursuingmyownactivismthroughart.In December,Iwasaskedtoparticipatein a brand new podcastbyOneVoice,Minnesota'sLGBTQ communitychorus,whereIwasinterviewed on my experiencewithmentalhealth,queeridentity, and music.Thepodcast,SoundMind,premiered in April2021.Additionally,Icreatedasmall online shop,PrideSafe,dedicatedtoempowering queer and marginalizedindividualstolivetheirfull, independent,proudlives.Here,Isellgraphic designsasstickersandkeychains,emergency kits, andsafetykeychains.
Joseph P. Farry Professorship
Christi Siver
During Spring 2021, my work as the Farry Professor was highly impacted by the insurrection on January 6, 2021 and ongoing racial violence. Although I was primarily focused on teaching during the semester, I was able to welcome Dr. Jessica Beyer, who is a lecturer in the Henry M. Jackson School for International Studies and the co-lead for the Jackson School’s Cybersecurity Initiative. During our event “Social Media and Mobilization,” Dr. Beyer discussed the role of social media in facilitating the mobilization of different groups involved in the January 6 insurrection. She also discussed the challenges of researching these issues and possible ways to interrupt disinformation that happens on major social media platforms.
I have worked with Laurel Poole '21 to better understand the history of civic debate on the CSB/SJU campuses. I also continue to participate in discussions by the Civic Debate Conference and research opportunities to promote debate on our campuses. While the block schedule made public debates impractical, I am hopeful that we can resume planning for public debates in AY 2021-2022.
As the Farry Professor, I remain committed to helping move CSB/SJU toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. This spring I participated in the Somali Language and Culture classes sponsored by the McCarthy Center and appreciated learning more about our neighbors in Saint Cloud and the challenges they continue to face in our community. I hope to offer a workshop on racial gaslighting in fall 2021 and support ongoing conversations regarding racial justice. I have appreciated participating the Political Science/IISS sponsored conversations on the Chauvin trial and hope these kinds of collaborations can continue.
Laurel Poole, Political Science & English
"After graduation, I will be working for the summer as the Eichten Intern for Minneapolis Public Radio. For the Fall of 2021, I received a full-tuition scholarship to attend New York University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. I will be attending NYU’s Journalism Master’s program with the hopes of reporting on politics and contemporary issues."
Skylar Gast, Accounting
Elliot Edeburn, Political Science & Hispanic Studies
"I’ll be doing the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Albuquerque, New Mexico and serving as an Immigrant Advocate with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center after graduation"
"After graduation, I will be spending the summer studying and taking the CPA exam. This fall, I will be moving from my hometown in Wisconsin to New York City for an Audit and Assurance Assistant position with the accounting firm Deloitte."
Carolina Apaez, Political Science & Hispanic Studies
"One of the many pros of a liberal arts education is the many directions you can take, so I am excited to see what the future holds for me. Right after graduation I will be returning to Houston and studying for the LSAT."
Dr. Christi Siver
Joseph
Sydney Richter, CSB Student Employee of the year, has demonstrated a professional demeanor by moderating digital events, such as “Decolonization in Action: Service and Research with Native Nations at CSB/SJU,” where she hosted a panel of students and guests to speak on research related to decolonization. Richter also shines in her work with the Center’s social media platforms through her new initiatives "Let's Discuss" and "MCC News."
Emmett Adam '23 Mentor Program Coordinator
Liam Miller '23 Mentor Program Coordinator
Sydney Richter '23 Media Coordinator
Skylar Gast '21 Media Coordinator
Carolina Apaez '21 Events Coordinator
Elliot Edeburn '21 Events Coordinator
Laurel Poole '21 Civic Engagement Coordinator
Dr. Matt Lindstrom Director
P. Farry Professor
Victoria M. Evens Civic Fellow
Thank You to all who contributed to the MCC this semester!
StudentContributors:
EditedandDesignedby:
