3 minute read
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.
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.
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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.
