McCarthy Magazine | Spring 2022

McCARTHY The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement

Issue #7 Spring 2022

Inside: McCarthy Center brings ten CSB+SJU students to New York City for 2021 Study Tour Dr. Siyabulela Mandela teaches Global Activism course during Spring Residency CSB+SJU Votes Coalition ramps up for 2022 election initiatives

Serving the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

Table of Contents: 4)

Director’s Note by Dr. Matt Lindstrom

6)

New York Study Tour

10) Black History Month 12) Scholarships and Funding for CSB+SJU Students 14) Women’s History Month

McCARTHY

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement

Issue #7

Spring 2022

History of the 1960’s Environmental Revolution

(16)

Politics & a Pint

(17)

McCarthy Spring Residency

(18)

Spotlight on Brazil

(22)

McCarthy Mentor Program

(23)

Joseph P. Farry Professorship

(24)

Votes Coalition

(27)

McCarthy Center Staff

(28)

McCarthy Center and CSB+SJU Students admire NYC skyline during NYC Study Tour

Director’s Note Welcome to the Spring 2022 McCarthy Magazine! As we wrap up this semester and our month-long residency with Dr. Siyabulela Mandela, we also remember the life of Albert Eisele, the McCarthy Center’s first scholar-in residence fifteen years ago. A legend in Washington, D.C., and Collegeville, Al’s early and continuous support of the McCarthy Center and CSB+SJU students will forever be remembered. During a recent memorial celebration of his life at the National Press Club, everyone spoke of Al’s humor, curiosity, and kindness. I know this to be very true. His love of the liberal arts and the many ways they intersect with public policy continues to inspire the McCarthy Center’s vision and purpose.

Rest in peace, Al. 4 McCarthy Magazine

I am proud of this year’s team of student employees, especially seniors Brianna Kreft and Lizbet Martinez-Port.

Brianna and Liz brought dynamism, creativity, and a critical eye to all our events and programs. They are also top scholars who presented their research at national conferences. Lizbet was the lead actor in the spring theater production, and Brianna managed the CSB softball team and created a film on interfaith women’s empowerment. Their presence and leadership will be missed.

As you will read in this issue, the McCarthy Center broke new ground this semester with a visiting scholar residency and an interdisciplinary class taught by Dr. Mandela. His time in Minnesota was wonderful for all.

I am deeply impressed with Mandela’s careful yet critical political analysis and honored he shared so much time with our community.

Special thanks go to SJU Transitional President Jim Mullen for inviting Dr. Douglas Brinkley to campus in April. It was a privilege to welcome Doug and Anne Brinkley and hear about his next book on the environmental legacy of Presidents Johnson and Kennedy and the role Rachel Carson played as an activist scientist.

Next year, Dr. Ted Gordon, visiting professor of sociology, joins the McCarthy Center as the Joseph P. Farry Professor. We thank political science professor Dr. Christi Siver for her contributions as the Farry Professor and look forward to seeing more public debates on campus thanks to the efforts of Dr. Siver.

Dr. Gordon’s research and leadership will continue to support the Initiative for Native Nations Relations and the Indigenous Students Association. The restorative

justice work with the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and other Native nations will now have greater resources as the process of reconciliation and reparations grows in scale and meaning.

Thank you for your support of the McCarthy Center.

We always welcome your ideas and encouragement.

Dr. Matthew Lindstrom Eugene J. McCarthy Center Director

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McCarthy Center and CSB+SJU Students pose on the Highline during NYC Study Tour

New York City Study Tour

Written by: Brianna Kreft ‘22

The Empire State, the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps. No matter what you call it, New York City is a city full of vibrancy, culture, and history. Over winter break, the McCarthy Center took advantage of all the learning opportunities the city has to offer, by taking a group of ten students on a five-day long study tour of New York City. The group not only visited the sites, but also learned about sustainable urban living, New York history, economics, and much more. Additionally, the students met with CSB+SJU alum and McCarthy Center supporters who live and work in New York.

The study tour hit the ground running on the first day in New York. After touching down at LaGuardia, maneuvering the subway for the first time, and unpacking 6 McCarthy Magazine

in the hotel, the group walked to dinner at Angelo Bellini. There, students were not only met with delicious Italian food, but great conversation with two St. Ben’s alum: Skylar Gast, CSB ‘21 and Sameera Sheikh, ‘19.

Skylar told the group about her work as an audit and assurance assistant at Deloitte, while Sameera shared her experiences working as an inbound advisor for the Fulbright Program. Sameera. Both Skylar and Sameera are past McCarthy Center student employees, and they enjoyed telling the group about their highlights from working at the Center. Students were impacted the most by hearing Sameera’s testimony of what it was like to attend CSB+SJU as a student of color. She spoke of the hardships she felt, but was also very genuine when she told the group that the McCarthy Center was her safe haven on campus. Her vulnerability in sharing this showed the group the importance of creating safe spaces on campus for all students. The students also learned the important lesson that one does not need to study

abroad to experience culture. Sameera emphasized that if students are simply open to embracing those around them, one can learn about the different cultures in their own backyard. Another lesson that the students learned from Skylar and Sameera was the importance of working for a company or organization that allows you to grow within it and has opportunities for promotions.

The students walked away that night with new insights, lessons, and of course, full bellies.

Students enjoy first meal in New York City with CSB alum Skylar Gast ‘21 and Sameera Sheikh ‘19 The second day of the study tour began at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. The group walked through the exhibits at their own pace, learning about the events of 9/11 from videos, artifacts, and personal stories from those who lived and experienced the tragic events of that day first-hand. After exiting the museum, the students had a new found appreciation for the toughness of New York City and its inhabitants, and a better understanding of a key piece of American history. Many of the students in the group had not even been born when 9/11 took place, so the museum opened their eyes to the many different reactions that Americans had on that day. On the way out of the exhibit, the adults in the group shared their own memories of 9/11. In this

way, the students were able to better understand the importance of passing down stories and experiences with those of the next generation. Next on the agenda for the day was a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Boarding a ferry in Battery Park, the group sailed to Lady Liberty herself, taking in both her beauty and that of the New York city skyline. Once at the Statue, students toured a museum that recounted the building of the Statue of Liberty, and the story of American freedom that she has come to represent. The group then hopped back on the ferry to travel to Ellis Island, and the National Immigration Museum. Housed inside the restored building of the former immigration complex, the Museum documents the rich story of American immigration through a collection of photographs, heirlooms, and exhibits. Students even had the chance to research whether their ancestors were some of the twelve million immigrants who arrived in America via Ellis Island. The museum was thought provoking and moving, as it celebrated the promise and possibility, but also the complexities and contradictions of the migrant journey of America. In today’s society, immigration is an extremely controversial topic, and something that the McCarthy Center has focused on in years’ past. Hearing about the origin of American immigration was reinvigorating for the Center’s student workers and inspired future discussion. A beautiful sunset ferry ride guided the group back into the city, where delicious Mexican food was waiting for them at Toro Loco. At dinner, the group recounted their favorite moments from the day.

Another jam-packed day began with a walking tour of the High Line led by Dr. Matt Lindstrom. The High Line is a public park built on a historic rail line elevated above the streets in the Meatpacking district of New York City. Students learned how the park is a demonstration of sustainable urban living, where visitors can experience nature, art, and design. The tour also prompted important discussion about urban gentrification. What was once a run-down neighborhood, the Meatpacking district was transformed into one of the most expensive areas to live in New York City by the High Line, thereby displacing its original inhabitants.

Students compared this gentrification to that of St. McCarthy Magazine 7

dents’ eyes to think both globally and locally about the problems we face in our daily lives.

Students meet at Chelsea Market with CSB alum Emily Heinz Bina ‘11 Joseph. With new additions to the town like Bad Habit Brewing, Krewe, and upscale apartment buildings, the group realized that gentrification is taking place within our own college town. Thus, the High Line walking tour opened the students’ eyes to potential problems within their own backyard. The group walked the oneand-a-half-mile long High Line to Chelsea Market—an indoor food and retail marketplace featuring diverse merchants. There, the group met with Emily Heinz Bina, CSB ‘11. She answered the students’ questions about her work for the Onion, the Huffington Post, the Atlantic, and Katie Couric Media. Emily shared her work experiences and advised students to make themselves indispensable, even when working unpaid internships or lower-level positions. Impressed by Emily’s tenacity and bravery, the students learned that CSB+SJU’s liberal arts education can truly work in your favor, as it makes you a well-rounded student who is capable for any job opportunity thrown your way. From Chelsea Market, the group made their way to the Financial District for a historic tour of Wall Street and the American economy. Students learned about everything from the origin of Wall Street, to the billion-dollar institutions that influence today’s global economy. This tour was very important to the students, as it showed them how the American economy affects almost every aspect of our daily lives. The group discussed how inspiring it was to hear that the backbone of American economics was built by immigrants, and how important it is to bring back this knowledge to CSB+SJU and the McCarthy Center’s work. Overall, the day’s activities opened stu8 McCarthy Magazine

On the last full day of the study tour, the group started the day with a scavenger hunt of the city. Broken into three teams, the students walked to Carnegie Hall, the Central Park Carousel, the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument in Central Park, the Bethesda Terrace, the Loeb Boathouse, the Met Museum, and the Guggenheim. Along the way, each group took fun photos and videos for a series of challenges at each spot. Some favorites were the horse impressions at the Central Park Carousel and the slow-motion runway walks at the Met. While silly, the scavenger hunt built comradery among the group—making fools of yourself in public will do that! The scavenger hunt ended at the Museum of the City of New York, where the group explored exhibits about the history of the city, NYC activism, and—a crowd favorite—old arcade games. The NYC activism exhibit was especially impactful to the group, as the students were able to learn about everything from

NYC Activism Exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York

LGBTQ+ rights, to immigration activism, to the Black Lives Matter movement. As it is the McCarthy Center’s mission to promote political and social activism, this exhibit emphasized the importance of the entire study tour, and reinvigorated students in the social justice issues they are personally most passionate about. From the museum, the group traveled to Lexington Social for tapas and conversation with Mary Beth McCarthy.

Mary Beth—Eugene McCarthy’s niece—entertained students with stories of her time on the campaign trail, non-profit work, and run-ins with celebrities. She even shared some of Senator McCarthy’s original campaign materials. From these, students saw how dedicated Eugene McCarthy was to serving the public, and how proud he would be of his namesake carrying that same commitment still today, through the McCarthy Center.

The next morning consisted of packing up, enjoying some morning free time, and heading to Ragtrader for one last meal in New York City. There, the group recounted their favorite memories and moments from the trip, and students shared what they did during their free time. Some highlights were walking the Brooklyn Bridge, attending Broadway shows, visiting Columbia

University, eating authentic NYC deli and pizza, and seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree. More importantly, however, the students shared all the important lessons they learned over the five days. The 9/11 Museum taught the importance of perseverance. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island gave a unique perspective on modern-day immigration debates. The Museum of the City of New York renewed the students’ quest for social justice. The meals with alum showed that each CSB+SJU student has a different story, and a different experience of their time in college, and that each student should be treated with kindness and dignity. And, finally, the city taught students the importance of diversity of peoples, cultures, experiences, and opportunities.

As the tour wrapped up, the students went their separate ways from the airport, each taking with them these lessons and a new-found love for political activism and public service. The McCarthy Center student workers and advisors were reinvigorated in their mission to provide learning opportunities like these for spring semester. In the end, everyone walked away with lifelong memories, new friends, and, of course, some I <3 NY gear.

Students explore Central Park during NYC Scavenger Hunt

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Art Activism

Written by: Nayeli Carreno ‘23

In celebration of Black History Month, the McCarthy Center and the Multicultural Center hosted “Art Activism.” The event encouraged participants to create political campaigns, symbols, or slogans. Facilitators of the event included Faith Gronda ‘22, Justice Facilitator at the Multicultural Center, and Nayeli Carreno ‘23, Student Coordinator at the McCarthy Center.

“Art Activism” was a chance for students to learn of the creative expressions of activism and the influence they carry in various social movements. It was a unique experience for students to partake in the creative process of noticing, reflecting, and being open to new creative and political processes.

Students created several different art pieces, signs, graffiti, and other images. The event expanded the students’ awareness of the symbolism and art, and challenged them to take a deeper look into art work and its significance.

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Many participants expressed their gratitude for how interactive and informative the event was. Students were welcome to take their paintings home to display in their dorms. It allowed students to create their forms of political or artistic expression.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Who was the first Black Supreme Court justice?

...Justice Thurgood Marshall.

What was the largest Civil Rights protest in U.S. history? ...The March on Washington in 1963.

What Supreme Court ruling said that segregation in public school was unconstitutional? ...Brown v. Board of Education.

How did the McCarthy Center celebrate Black History Month? ...Black History Month trivia!

Black History Trivia

Written by: Brianna Kreft ‘22 Each week throughout the month of February, students opened The Record to find weekly trivia centered around Black History Month. Ranging from questions about the Civil Rights Movement, to Black Lives Matter, to historic Black figures, students were able to learn about multiple facets of Black history.

Of course, there was some fun involved as well. Each week, the student with the most correct answers was entered into a drawing for a Krewe gift card. Krewe is St. Joseph’s first Black-owned business, and serves traditional New Orleans cuisine. So, by answering the trivia questions and supporting Krewe, students were able support the next generation of Black history-makers.

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Scholarships and Funding for CSB+SJU Students John Brandl Scholarship

Written by: Landon Peterson ‘24

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center is proud to announce the 2022 cohort of John Brandl Scholars, one of the Center’s most transformational programs. Eleven CSB/ SJU students have been selected: Nayeli Carreno ‘23, Ashton Cleare ‘23, Benjamin Epper ‘23, Katherine Fenske ‘23, Sean Fisher ‘23, Mariko Hermerding ‘23, Thomas Hobday ‘24, Alexie Horner ‘23, Gunnar Laughlin ‘24, Sydney Richter ‘23, and Jervon Sands ‘23.

They make up eleven of the eighty-two member Summer Leadership Fellows cohort, the largest in CSB+SJU history. The other fellows programs include the Marie & Robert Jackson Fellows, Fleischhacker Fellows, and Global Health Fellows.

Established in 2006, thanks to a gift from Dan and Katherine Whalen, the John Brandl Scholars program celebrates the life of John E. Brandl ‘59. After graduating cum laude from Saint John’s and earning master’s and doctorate degrees from Harvard University, Brandl demonstrated a lifelong commitment to mentorship and scholarship in higher education, public policy, and politics. He served as a Distinguished Professor of Public Policy at Saint John’s University, professor and former dean of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He held several positions in the federal government, including in the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of 12 McCarthy Magazine

Economic Opportunity, the Economic Development Administration, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary, U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Brandl also served in the Minnesota Legislature for twelve years.

Reflecting Dr. Brandl’s diverse career and CSB+SJU’s commitment to ethical leadership and the common good, Brandl Scholars receive a $6,000 stipend to support a 10-week, 40-hour pwe week summer internship within the field of civic engagement and public policy in a government or nonprofit organization. Scholars are also given access to personalized mentorship, resume and application assistance, and opportunities to receive travel grants, as well as being personally invited to collaborate or participate in McCarthy Center events.

Liam Miller, a junior Economics major with a Public Policy concentration, articulates his experience as a 2021 Brandl Scholar: “As a John Brandl Scholar, I interned at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC), a D.C. based think tank. Being a Brandl Scholar enabled me to step out of my comfort zone and learn more about focus areas relating to political partisanship, geotechnology, arms control and space policy and how they all largely influence U.S. domestic and foreign policy. I was also awarded opportunities to conduct ‘hands on’ independent research with senior staff members and publish several articles throughout the summer,” Miller said. “It was an experience that I will never forget.”

John Robson Scholarship

Written by: Victoria M. Evens, Civic Fellow

The John E. Robson Scholarship for CSB Students interested in Public Policy and/or Social Change was established in 2002 by Margaret Zuehlke Robson in memory of her husband, John. John’s life was a model of personal political engagement - the cornerstone of citizenship. Having served under four Presidents of the United States and having been enmeshed in many aspects of public policy, this scholarship serves as a legacy of John’s life’s work. This scholarship is meant to inspire students at the College of Saint Benedict to become involved in public policy in order to produce societal change.

Students eligible for this opportunity must be current College of Saint Benedict sophomores or juniors with an economics, sociology, or political science major.

Selection is based on engagement in domestic or international policy issues, and participation in political activities through research, internships, jobs, volunteering, and other campus engagement. Students must display a passion and dedication to making social change.

Each year, the selection committee, made up of at least five faculty and staff members representing the economics, sociology, and political science departments, awards five to ten scholarships valuing up to $5,000 per scholarship.

For the 2022-23 academic year, ten incredible CSB students have been selected to receive the John E. Robson scholarship. We are honored to announce the following recipients of the 2022-23 John E. Robson Scholarship: Jennifer Agustin Ambrocio ‘24, Fardusa Ahmed ‘23, Claire Boettcher ‘23, Bella Brinkman ‘23, Julia Krystofiak ‘23, Katelyn Meier ‘23, Grace Nulty ‘23, Sydney Richter ‘23, Mayte Rodrigues Ortiz ‘23, Sydney Walker ‘23.

If you are interested in applying for the Robson Scholarship in the future, we encourage you to reach out to

previous recipients for guidance on your application.

More information on all scholarships and opportunities supported by the McCarthy Center can be found on our website.

Student Grants: 2022 MPSA Conference

written by: Lizbet Martinez-Port ‘22

I would like to extend my gratitude to the McCarthy Center for helping fund my attendance at the 2022 Midwest Political Science Association Conference. The Midwest Political Science Association Conference is a four-day conference showcasing research from political scientists and students across the Midwest. The conference took place in Chicago and utilized a hybrid model of participation. I participated virtually and presented my thesis titled “The Sanctuary Campus: Establishing Safe Spaces of Higher Education for Undocumented and DACA Students” during a panel for research on Race and Public Policy. In this panel, I was able to learn from other scholars on topics ranging from the racial politics of prohibition to the causes of immigration in the U.S. Following my presentation, I received feedback from discussants on how to improve my paper and the next steps for my work. It was an incredible experience and a great way to prepare for defending my thesis the week after the conference.

The McCarthy Center offers micro-grants for students pursuing academic, professional, and civic engagement opportunities. All CSB+SJU students may request funding and must complete an application process. The McCarthy Center seeks to fund a variety of experiences with the limited funds they have. You can request funding for an independent research project, travel and/or attendance to a conference or event, public service opportunities, voter registration efforts, and more! I highly recommend students to explore this funding option, particularly if financial barriers are a factor hindering their ability to pursue their passion.

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Women’s History Month ERA Letter Writing with the IWL

Written by: Claire Boettcher ‘23

It is jarring to realize that gender isn’t protected in the United States or Minnesota constitutions. Gender equality is both something so basic but incredibly profound that a majority of Americans believe it is already enshrined in our constitutions. However, discrimination on the basis of sex continues to be a problem for many throughout the country.

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That’s why the McCarthy Center teamed up with the Institute for Women’s Leadership to lead a letter sending and petition signing event to encourage Minnesota legislators to pass an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

Once this passes through the House and Senate, Minnesotans can vote on it in November of 2022.

Adding an ERA to Minnesota’s constitution is a significant step towards gender equality because amendments are nearly impossible to revise or override. Laws and executive orders are prone to changing or being overridden depending on the administration in charge, and as more states throughout the country struggle with

abortion bans and backstepping Title IX, solidifying women’s right to equality and freedom from discrimination is more important now than ever before.

Together the McCarthy Center and the Institute for Women’s Leadership complied signatures from a diverse coalition of over 100 members of the CSBSJU community. A physical copy of the petition has been sent to Minnesota House and Senate, and an electronic version is being sent to other notable members of the Minnesota legislature. Many students also sent individual letters to their State Legislators expressing their disappointment at the lack of protection against gender discrimination in Minnesota and their desire to implement an ERA. Gender equality is vital to ensuring fairness in the CSBSJU community and in the state of Minnesota.

Adding an Equal Rights Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution can permanently protect women and marginalized genders such as trans and non-binary people from facing discrimination on the basis of sex.

Women’s Representation in Politics

Written by: Claire Boettcher ‘23

Women’s representation in politics is an essential aspect of justice in policymaking, yet women are constantly politically underrepresented both in the United States and around the world. In a dataset that orders every country by gender equality in their legislative bodies or governments, the United States doesn’t place within the top 75 out of 193 countries. Historically, women in the US have a higher voter turnout than men, so many believe that the lack of women in politics is a result of a lack of candidates or opportunities.

To better understand these gender imbalances, the McCarthy Center’s Claire Boettcher ’23 and the Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Alexie Horner ’23 worked with Dr. Claire Haeg to discuss the limitations on

women entering politics and why unequal representation continues to persist today.

Dr. Haeg shared staggering statistics about gender inequality in the United States legislature and the hurdles many women and marginalized genders face in getting involved with politics. This encompassed systemic issues such as funding and electoral structures as well as personal bias. Structures are an essential component that hinder women’s participation in politics, and changes must be made to ensure future gender equality in Congress.

Continuing the conversation about the lack of women in policymaking is important because lawmakers dictate most of our lives, and there are real consequences to women not being included in these conversations.

Women are 51% of the population in the U.S. but make up only 27% of Congress of our Congress!

Conversations about women’s health care and reproductive rights are occurring in state legislatures throughout the country with little to no women in the room.

Representation is the heart of civic engagement because it ensures people’s voices are being heard, and having female advocates in our country’s most powerful legislative bodies is key to ensuring justice and equality.

If you identify as a woman or marginalized gender and are considering running for office, CSB alum Ashleigh Leitch (‘08) works with an incredible organization called Women Winning that helps train women for all levels of public office, and Dr. Haeg strongly recommends reaching out to her for support and guidance.

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History of the 1960’s Environmental Revolution

Written by: Claire Boettcher ‘23

This semester the McCarthy Center partnered with the SJU President Jim Mullen to welcome Dr. Douglas Brinkley to campus. Dr. Brinkley is a distinguished history professor, CNN’s presidential historian, seven-time New York Times bestselling author, Grammy award winner, and the author of a forthcoming book, Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, and the great Environmental Awakening. He has written a plethora of books discussing United States history, including riveting biographies and an award-winning novel about the impact of Hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Brinkley’s lecture at the CSB+SJU was entitled “History of the 1960s Environmental Revolution: The Roles of Rachel Carson and Presidents Johnson and Kennedy.” He discussed the evolution of environmental

activism in the United States under different presidents and the ideas and events that drove their views and policy. He considered the shift in environmental policy in his own life and how it will continue to develop. Dr. Brinkley understands the importance of environmental advocacy and climate justice in shaping the future of our planet and encourages people of all ages to get involved with conservationism. He emphasized the value of learning from the past and bringing in people from all walks of life to solve the biggest issue of our generation.

The knowledge Brinkley shared is vital in understanding how the past shapes the present and the steps we must take to protect the plant. Dr. Brinkley’s work is of the utmost importance and renowned, resulting in President Mullen presenting Dr. Brinkley with the Presidential Award of Service, the highest award given by SJU. His message will continue to encourage the students and staff of CSB+SJU to understand the history of environmentalism in the United States and fight for a brighter tomorrow.

Dr. Douglas Brinkley Speaks at History of the 1960’s Environmental Revolution

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Dr. Siyabulela Mandela, Dr. Ken Jones, and Dr. Louis Johnson discuss at first Politics & a Pint Panel

Politics & a Pint

Written by: Nayeli Carreno ‘23

For our first politics and a Pint of the year, the McCarthy Center and CSB+SJU Libraries present “Look at all these slave masters posing on your dollar.” The event was facilitated by Sarah Gewirtz, CSB+SJU Librarian.

Presentations included Ken Jones history professor, who talked about who is represented on our dollar bills and coins. Louis Johnston, economics professor, historian who spoke about the history of money, and Dr. Siyabulela Mandela, who spoke about activism. They discussed the importance of bringing awareness to the racism that many people of color continue to face.

The event was inspired by the song “Ju$t.”, by the hiphop group Run the Jewels. The song depicts racism’s deep roots in America’s capitalism. During the panel

discussion, the audience learned about the need to continue the conversation on the importance of representation within the United States. During the conversation, the audience care to understand the significant in South American currency; Dr. Siyabulela Mandela expressed that the faces seen on the currency are meant to inspire and motivate its people. He also expressed his discontent with America’s missed opportunity to do so. Dr. Mandela spoke to acknowledge the systemic oppression marginalized communities face today and challenges us to continue to fight for liberation.

“Look at all these slave masters posing on your dollar” highlights many meaningful conversations Americans must have to bring awareness to the current institutional racism the BIPOC community faces. Continuing to discuss the discrimination and racism that persists pushes us to advocate for change.

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Dr. Siyabulela Mandela speaks at Global Activism Keynote Event

McCarthy Scholar in Residency: Dr. Siyabulela Mandela

Written by: Emmett Adam ‘23 and Lizbet Martinez-Port ‘22

The McCarthy Center was honored to welcome Dr. Siyabulela Mandela to CSB+SJU as our 14th McCarthy Scholar in Residence.

Dr. Mandela is a leader in peacekeeping, diplomacy, and human rights from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He 18 McCarthy Magazine

currently works as a Regional Project Manager for East and Southern Africa at the Journalist for Human Rights Program. As a relative of anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Mandela often discusses the legacy of his grandfather and his impact on his own life.

Dr. Mandela holds a M. Phil. in Conflict Transformation and Management and a Ph.D. in International Relations and Conflict Resolution from the Department of Politics and History at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. Dr. Mandela is particularly interested in social justice, human rights, conflict resolution, youth activism, and the rights of women and girls.

Dr. Mandela stayed with the Center from March 21st until April 17th. His stay at CSB+SJU was centered on his course entitled “Global Activism: Youth and Social Movements.” In his course, Dr. Mandela introduced students to youth-led social movements in South Africa, focusing on the unique role of young people in creating social change.

Outside of teaching his course, Dr. Mandela was immersed in various areas of the CSB+SJU and broader Minnesotan communities. Each week, Dr, Mandela met with students for lunch, attended events and lectures hosted by various departments, and spoke with over 10 different classes.

During his first week on campus, Dr. Mandela received tours of both campuses, met with Interim President Hamen and Transitional President Mullen, and joined the McCarthy Center and Multicultural Center staff for dinner at Krewe. This week was capped off with an overnight trip to visit the White Earth Nation with students from the Indigenous Student Association.

On Dr. Mandela’s second week, he interviewed with students for their courses, spoke at a Politics and a Pint event titled “Look At All These Slave Masters Posing On Your Dollars” with Dr. Louis Johnston and Dr. Ken Jones, attended an International Student Services and Multicultural Center’s “Journey Across the World” event, and met Angela Rose Meyers, Black Lives Matter leader and President of the Minneapolis chapter of NAACP. During his third week at CSB+SJU, Dr. Mandela invited McCarthy Center Staff to a “braai” barbecue and spent a day with students and faculty at Saint Cloud State University. The primary event during this week was Dr. Mandela’s Spring Residency keynote with students and Angela Rose Myers.

In his fourth and final week with the Center, Dr. Mandela attended an event sponsored by the Center and SJU President’s Office with Dr. Douglas Brinkley, met with his student mentees, and gave a presentation at the

Dr. Mandela speaks at SCSU African History Class University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

The McCarthy Center thanks all campus stakeholders for their assistance in facilitating a and engaging Spring Residency, particularly the Multicultural Center for their unique efforts. Starting in 2008, the McCarthy Residency has allowed students to engage critically with local, national, and international leaders. We thank Dr. Mandela for his stay, emphasizing the importance of action, civic engagement, and public policy.

Global Activism, Youth, and Social Movements

Written by: Victoria M. Evens, Civic Fellow

During the month-long McCarthy Residency, Dr. Mandela offered an interactive one-credit course entitled “Global Activism, Youth and Social Movements.”

The course introduced students to youth-led social movements in Africa and beyond, drawing lessons from the 1976 student protests and the 2015-2017 Fees Must Fall protests in South Africa, the Arab Spring in North Africa, and Black Lives Matter in the United States.

While discussing conflict theories and conflict resolution approaches, the course focused on the unique roles of young people in creating social change.

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a Master’s degree in Human Rights at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Policy. The discussion was moderated by Kat Mazang ‘22, African Student Association President and Emmett Adam ‘23, McCarthy Center Student Coordinator.

Dr. Mandela poses with Global Activism class Dr. Mandela provided a unique opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to participate in class discussions and activities alongside the group of 30 registered students. This inspired a strong bond of community through interactive lectures and lively discussions.

McCarthy Residency Keynote: Global Activism

Written by: Emmett Adam ‘23

“Many of you will be surprised to learn that 22 years ago, here in Minneapolis, Nelson Mandela spoke at an NAACP fundraising event, and many of the issues that we will be deliberating upon . . . were the very same issues that 22 years ago Nelson Mandela spoke about.”

That was the quote headlining Dr. Siyabulela Zanokhanyo Mandela’s address to over 100 students, faculty, staff and community members for the Spring McCarthy Lecture.

The evening began with a welcome from Dr. Matt Lindstrom, Edward L. Henry Professor of Political Science and Director of the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement. Then, introductions and a land acknowledgement came from God’gift Iteghete ‘22.

Following opening remarks, Dr. Mandela engaged in discussion with Angela Rose Myers, former President and current Political Action Committee Co-Chair at the Minneapolis NAACP. Myers is currently pursuing 20 McCarthy Magazine

The conversation was then opened to the audience as Nayelli Carreno ‘23 facilitated audience discussion regarding land allocation in South Africa, historical influences of racism in Minnesota, and ideas for decolonizing CSB+SJU. After Dr. Mandela spoke, similar themes of Congressman John Lewis’ notion of “good trouble” appeared in Myers’s anecdotes regarding the past, present, and future state of racism in Minnesota. As both South Africa and Minnesota seek equality, this notion will be at the forefront of important social movements Another key item stood out at the Lecture: the ages of the panelists, with all being under 30 years old. Dr. Mandela spoke extensively regarding the need for hope, and how power is in the hands of the youth. In agreement, Myers provided grassroots experiences demonstrating the skills of youth in creating change in local communities.

After the keynote, it was clear the event was engaging and successful, as Dr. Mandela and Myers stayed to discuss with students nearly 2 hours following the event start time. The McCarthy Center thanks Dr. Mandela, Angela Rose Myers, the Multicultural Center, the African Student Association, and the Indigenous Student Association for their support in this successful event.

Dr. Mandela, Kat Mazang ‘22, Emmett Adam ‘23, and Angela Rose Myers

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Spotlight on Brazil

A Four-Event Series Presented by Dr. Pedro dos Santos

Written by: Lizbet Martinez-Port

The McCarthy Center is proud to have co-sponsored the “Spotlight on Brazil” series, a four-event series presented by Dr. Pedro dos Santos, assistant professor of political science. Each event featured a Brazilian guest speaker and highlighted a different topic related to social justice issues in Brazil.

Our first guest speaker for the series, Xavier Vatin, is an ethnomusicologist and associate professor of anthropology at Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB), Brazil. His talk on “Brazil under U.S. influence between 1964-2021” was incredibly informative and put into perspective how the U.S. can have an impact on a country across the world. For example, in the 1990’s there were efforts to stabilize Brazilian currency by matching it to the U.S. dollar. Vatin’s vast knowledge of Brazilian history was impressive, especially considering that he was teaching over 50 years of history in about an hour.

The second guest speaker, Dr. Clarice Mota, spoke on social inequalities in Brazil and the effects they have on life and health conditions. Dr. Mota is a professor of anthropology at the Institute for Collective Health at the Federal University of Bahia.Her lecture spoke to the role of the state in creating and maintaining those policies, the legal right to universal healthcare access, and the need to promote social justice. When policymakers neglect these factors, we are contributing to a racist system.

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The previous talk connected well with that of our third speaker, Jamir Garcez, a former professional basketball player and writer who now works in the engineering field. This event was an informal conversation with Garcez on racial issues in connection to basketball in Brazil. Garcez offered a lot of insight and personal experience with racism in the sports industry in Brazil.

He also highlighted how basketball offered him hope for the future and presented many opportunities that he otherwise wouldn’t have received. For some, a career in basketball can bring people out of poverty. For Garcez, it inspired education.

Our last speaker, Dr. Fernando Costa da Conceição, is a visiting researcher at Columbia University and communications professor at the Federal University of Bahia.

Dr. Conceição focuses on cultural studies, politics, comparative race relationships in Brazil and the U.S., and media and ethnicity. As a Black activist, he has participated in the struggle for quotas and reparations for Afro-Brazilians for almost 25 years. In his talk, he explained that international corporations were giving money to social organizations in Brazil, yet the situation of those that the organizations claimed to help wasn’t changing. He asked us to be critical of those organizations and question their intentions to help marginalized communities. The talk was insightful and gave us a different perspective to the work of international corporations.

The “Spotlight on Brazil” series offered our community an opportunity to learn from different people in a country all the way on the other side of the world.

These experts and scholars were open in sharing their knowledge and experience. We are grateful for these opportunities presented by Dr. Pedro dos Santos and all parties involved in sponsoring these events alongside the McCarthy Center.

Mentor Program

2022 Mentor Program

Written by: Fardusa Ahmed ‘23

The McCarthy Mentor Program started this semester out with an emphasis on the importance of self-advocating. With the skills learned in the fall semester, mentees continued to improve and practice networking skills.

The meetings were centered around self-confidence and resume building as mentees were pursuing summer opportunities and internships within the upcoming months.

Mentees met with Experience & Professional Student Development student coordinators Annika Rzeszutek ’22 and Jackeline Chavez ’25 for a resume and LinkedIn workshop. They learned tips and tricks on what to add to make themselves stand out as candidates for applications in varying fields.

This year Dr. Siyabulela Mandela’s residency meant that mentees were able to get more involved with the McCarthy Center and participated in Dr. Mandela’s Global Activism and Youth course that occurred in place of mentor meetings for the remainder of the semester.

This year’s goals of gaining knowledge, experience, and skills were met by varying experiences mentees were able to gain by stepping out of their comfort zones. Next year’s goals will incorporate the importance of community. It’s been proven time and time again that a community that stays together, gives together which is the best way to describe the alumni/ae network. Mentees were able to connect with people from varying backgrounds and experiences which ultimately opened them to a different world of opportunities and perspectives that are important when navigating through life.

Students mingle with CSB+SJU alums at 2021 Polidazzle

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Joseph P. Farry Professorship 2019-2022 Initiatives

Written by: Dr. Christi Siver

Over the past three years, it has been a great honor to hold the Joseph P. Farry Professorship. I met with Joe Farry in the summer of 2019, and he encouraged me to pursue my passions during these three years. While my ambitions have had to be tempered by a global pandemic and its disruptions to CSB+SJU and the broader world, I am proud of what students, faculty, staff, and I have accomplished.

The overall themes of my tenure as the Farry Professor have been the importance of recognition, inclusion, and civil dialogue. I made a mindful attempt to expand beyond our campuses and bring in voices from the local St. Cloud community. In summer 2019, I attended a workshop on the Census and higher education and developed relationships that would bring CSB+SJU into the center of the important Census process.

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We hosted the 2020 Census Project Manager for the State of Minnesota for Constitution Day and conducted surveys and census education throughout the fall. Although the Census, like everything else, was interrupted by the pandemic, we continued working on census education, creating a library guide for students, staff, and faculty. We also supported Census phone banking efforts from the State of Minnesota in October 2021.

When the administration concluded the Census collection process earlier than expected, we used the existing phone banking resources for voter outreach and education leading up to the November 2020 election. Given that Minnesota only narrowly retained the Eighth Congressional District, our efforts really made a difference to ensure that we ALL count.

One of the primary reasons that the Census is so important is in ensuring fair representation for all citizens.

In spring 2020, 20 students and I embarked on an ambitious plan to promote debate on campus through discussing issues around voting. Students made podcasts about voter ID laws, gerrymandering, voter security, and digital voting. Unfortunately, our public debate had to be cancelled because of the pandemic, but these podcasts continue to serve as a resource for students interested in voting and as a model of civic dialogue.

In addition to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the killing of George Floyd sent shockwaves through Minnesota, around the nation, and throughout the world. Recognizing the importance of hearing multiple voices on issues of race and policing, I created a panel of criminal justice faculty from St. Cloud State University and local activists, including the executive director of Unite Cloud, on these issues. Moderated by CSB Senate student president Crystal Diaz ‘22, this panel covered the history of policing, how police are trained, and how we can all make our communities safer.

The conversation touched on difficult issues yet modeled the kind of civic dialogue that can lead to greater understanding and social change. In fall 2021, I hosted a workshop featuring Prof. Angelique Davis and Dr. Rose Ernst on the concept of racial gaslighting. Through this zoom conversation, faculty, staff, and students had the opportunity to learn how to recognize and interrupt microaggressions that cause real harm for minoritized individuals. Ensuring the CSB+SJU honors its pledge of inclusion is a project that all of us must be actively engaged in.

2020 also marked the 100th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women’s suffrage in the United States. Although many events scheduled in the spring were cancelled due to the pandemic, I organized a number of events under the broader umbrella of the CSB president’s office initiative to celebrate this significant achievement for women. In October, Cate Palczewski from the University of Northern Iowa, spoke virtually about the battle for women’s suffrage and made parallels to voter suppression efforts present throughout the United States.

Throughout my professorship, I have also highlighted military veterans, the challenges that they face, and the communities’ obligation to hear their voices. In 2019, we invited Sam Boney, a former combat medic during the Iraq War, to speak with the students. He discussed his experiences in Iraq and his challenges with PTSD. It was an eye-opening discussion about what war really looks like and the mental health challenges that follow.

In 2020, Jerri Bell, a noted author and managing editor of the Veteran’s Writing Project, spoke about the unique experiences that women in the armed services face.

She talked about the challenges women and LGBTQ+ soldiers have faced in the armed services and how writing about their experiences has helped many veterans process their trauma. Bringing veterans’ voices into our communities offers students and faculty an important perspective that is too often unheard.

In terms of civil dialogue, the 2020 election offered an excellent opportunity to engage both the campuses and the broader unity. In the lead-up to the election, I supported voter education efforts led by the McCarthy Center. With the unexpected end of Census counting at the end of October 2020, we pivoted our Census phone banking resources to focus on voter outreach and education. Volunteers spent hours reminding voters of the election and helped them either locate their polling place or fill out applications for absentee ballots.

In the days prior to the election, I moderated a panel with the Political Science Departments at CSB+SJU and St. Cloud State University on the various scenarios that could follow the election that helped inform students and community members about what the tabulation process would look like. In spring 2021, in the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection and revelations of the role of social media in organizing various groups challenging the outcome of the election, we hosted Jessica Beyer, a lecturer at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and the co-director of the Jackson School’s Cybersecurity Initiative. She shared her research on the role of social media in mobilizing some of the groups implicated in those events.

In this last semester of the Professorship, I have been working with a group of students learning the structures and strategies of debate. The students have spent hours researching the issue of continuing racial segregation in American K-12 schools. Although we were unable to travel to the official Social Justice Debate Championship at Morehouse College, the students will be showcasing their skills in a public debate during Scholarship and Creativity Day. They are also in the process of creating podcasts arguing for the importance of civic debate on CSB+SJU’s campuses.

It has been my great pleasure to have the opportunity to bring together members of our CSB+SJU community and the broader region through programming designed to recognize and elevate voices and foster civic debate.

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Joseph P. Farry Professor Initiatives with Dr. Ted Gordon and the INNR

Written by: Dr. Ted Gordon

I am honored to serve as the next Joseph Farry Professor. Tribal leaders have called for our communities to respond to past ties to Native American boarding schools.

In Fall 2021, with the support of the McCarthy Center, I established the Initiative for Native Nation Revitalization (INNR) to draw on the resources of CSB+SJU to engage, collaborate with, and serve native nations.

My work collaborating with Native nations began when I was at the University of California, Riverside, working toward my Ph.D. in Anthropology. Southern California is home to the tribal governments that won the Supreme Court decision that secured the right for tribal governments to establish their own gambling regulations. My book, Cahuilla Nation Activism and the Tribal Casino Movement puts this decision into the wider context of native nations’ centuries-long fight to retain their self-reliance.

When I joined CSB+SJU in 2013, I learned about our monastic communities’ past connections to Native American boarding schools. I met Indigenous students and heard many express that they felt invisible on campus and that our communities must fully respond to their past.

In Spring 2018, I collaborated with students to apply for a Mellon funded mini grant to investigate the past and present experiences of Native Americans at OSB founded schools. This led to partnerships with tribal governments that continue to grow today.

Today, our work includes supporting the monastic communities’ repatriation of boarding school documents, research to protect wild rice, service with tribally 26 McCarthy Magazine

operated K-12 schools, and other projects begun at the invitation of Native nations. The McKnight Foundation and National Endowment for Humanities have generously supported INNR’s engagement with native nations. As Farry Professor, I will continue to grow INNR in ways respond to our past while providing unique research and service opportunities for our students.

INNR Student Staff Macy Ellis ’25, Public Humanities Researcher Faith Gronda ’22, Student Co-Director Marissa Johnson ’22, Public Humanities Researcher Braden Orr ’22, Research Assistant Savannah Supan ’24, Oral History Researcher Jalayna Smith-Moore ’24, Oral History Researcher

Votes Coalition

Written by: Landon Peterson ‘24

Election season is fast approaching, as Minnesota Legislative members declare their candidacy and CSB+SJU students prepare to volunteer on all-types of campaigns this summer.

This also means a resurgence of the CSB+SJU Votes Coalition, a collaborative body with a united, nonpartisan goal to increase student voter participation.

Established in 2018, this student-led coalition provides resources for Bennies and Johnnies regarding voter registration, where to vote, absentee voting, and opportunities to civically engage within our campus community and beyond. CSB+SJU Votes also encourages students who may not be eligible to vote to utilize the powerful role they play in shaping voter turnout.

This year, the leadership team of CSB+SJU Votes is composed of: Dr. Matt Lindstrom, Edward L. Henry Professor of Political Science and Director of the Eugene J. McCarthy Center, Victoria M. Evens, Eugene J. McCarthy Center Civic Fellow, and McCarthy Center Student Coordinators Brianna Kreft ‘22, Emmett Adam ‘23, Claire Boettcher ‘23, and Landon Peterson ‘24.

The leadership team has spent this spring composing the 2022 Voter Engagement Plan, a ten-page document outlining the history, mission, and goals of CSB+SJU Votes. That plan was submitted to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for feedback, which was received in March. Now, the leadership team will focus on making improvements to the 2022 Voter Engagement Plan before submitting a final copy to ALL IN in May. The Votes Coalition has also been engaged with members of the ALL IN Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Votes Campus Challenge.

ments, and groups across campus, including Saint Ben’s Senate, Saint John’s Senate, United Politics, College Republicans, College Democrats, the Sister Nancy Hynes Institute for Women’s Leadership, the Men’s Development Institute, the Bonner Leader Program, Climate Justice Club, and Exploring Latin American Cultures, Athletics, Residential Life and Housing (Residential Assistants), the Indigenous Student Association, Hmong Americans Involving Students, Alpha Kappa Sigma Service Sorority, Bennies in Business, Climate Justice Club, Chess Club, Campus DJs, Crew, Club Sports, Speech and Debate Club, Enactus, St. Jude at CSB/SJU, Special Olympics, Students Demand Action, Students for Life, The Record, Advocates for Inclusive Mentoring, Buzzed, CERTS, CSBeats, Johnnie Blend, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Extending the Link, First-Generation Organization, Outdoor University, Peer Resource Program, QPLUS, and more.

Look out for more information and updates on the CSB+SJU Votes Coalition on our website or social media throughout the summer and fall.

In the fall, CSB+SJU Votes will collaborate with clubs, departMcCarthy Magazine 27

McCarthy Center Staff

Matt Lindstrom Director

Emmett Adam ‘23 Events & Programming

Christi Siver Joseph P. Farry Professor

Fardusa Ahmed ‘23 Mentor Program

Brianna Kreft ‘22 Events & Programming

Victoria M. Evens Civic Fellow

Claire Boettcher‘23 Events & Programming

Lizbet Martinez-Port ‘22 Media

Nayeli Carreno ‘23 Events & Programming

Landon Peterson ‘24 Media

2022 Student Employee of the Year

written by: Victoria M. Evens, Civic Fellow

Media Coordinator Landon Peterson ‘24 was named the 2022 SJU Student Employee of the year for his work with the McCarthy Center. Landon’s leadership builds our entire team daily. He encourages others with his positive, pragmatic attitude and approach to teamwork. Landon’s professionalism fuels his success as a team member and leader. He brings an extraordinary set of skills and personal characteristics that represent the most ideal co-work and employee.

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Edited and Designed by: Victoria M. Evens

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