By Christina Smith
With the popularity of the “Educate ’08” event series fading and the hosting of the final presidential debate in the past, the University released its plan to keep students civically involved this year: “Define ’09: New Challenges, New Solutions.”
In this year-long series, speakers will address and examine the Obama administration, the policies and initiatives it implements, the challenges our country faces and the “ways of addressing our country’s most pressing issues,” according to a University press release.
“Educate ’08 was so successful among students and the community, we think excitement will carry over to the new semester,” said Stuart Vincent of University Relations.
Meena Bose, a University professor and Peter S. Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies, agreed that the “Define ’09” events are a great follow up to a fabulous set of ’08 events and that many University faculty and students seemed “excited” for the series to kick off.
“Between formal class registrations and individual student interest, the events will compare very well to Educate ’08,” she said.
Following big-name “Educate ’08” speakers like George Stephanopoulos and Mario Cuomo, several well known political personalities are scheduled to be a part of “Define ’09” as well. Highlighted speakers include CNN’s Anderson Cooper, political strategist Donna Brazile and Obama’s campaign manager David Plouffe.
“[The University] has chosen speakers who were directly involved in the campaign,” Bose said. “Each one will provide insight to how Obama will define his term[s] and will be evaluating him from outside of the administration.”
According to Vincent, the first four speakers will draw the most attention, but the entire list of speakers includes other scholars, University professors and media personalities.
“We tried to bring in speakers of equal quality,” he said. “We want a similar response from the same people who supported events last semester.”
Vincent added that the events will focus on what to expect from the Obama administration, during the first 100 days and beyond. He said the importance of these events is to not only force people to pay attention to President Obama and his actions, but also on the entire political process during his presidency.
“As we have already seen the Democrats are in control of Congress,” he said. “President Obama wants to work with both parties.” He added that decisions like these will be discussed in the Define ’09 panels.
Vincent urged any student who is interested in getting involved with or attending a Define ’09 event to visit the Web site, www.hofstra.edu/define09. For many of the events, online registration is required.
“If you have your own ideas, call the office of University Relations,” he said. “We are always open to having more than just speakers. We’ve had special classes, concerts and different things.”
Bose hopes that students, faculty, and community members will come away from the Define ’09 events being better informed of the administration, as well as the priorities and challenges President Obama faces.
“Define ’09 will provide a look back at the election and a look forward to the administration today,” she said.