McCarthy Magazine Issue #11 | Spring 2025

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center is a dynamic hub for students, faculty, staff, and alums committed to bipartisan public policy and civic engagement.

McCarthy Magazine

Inside the Spring 2025 McCarthy Magazine

“I want to listen to people and be available to them” St. Joseph Mayor Scepaniakpg. 2

“From Capitol Hill to Collegeville: Rep. Kevin Brady on Taxes, Trade, Energy, and Healthcare in America” - pg 7

“Let’s Talk: D.O.G.E. Cuts,” take a closer look at domestic executive branch spending cuts ” - pg 9

Meet the McCarthy Center

DR.CLAIRE

INTERIMEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR

ANASTASIA NATHE

ADMINISTRATIVEASSISTANT,‘97

ZOEY COVAL

STUDENTCOORDINATOR,‘26

ALEXANRA HOEHNE

STUDENTCOORDINATOR,‘26

MEGHAN WEISS

STUDENTCOORDINATOR,‘26

DR.TED GORDON

DIRECTOR,INITIATIVEFOR NATIVENATIONRELATIONS

EVELYN BIEDERMAN

STUDENTCOORDINATOR,‘27

PAYTON CROTTY

STUDENTCOORDINATOR,‘27

CARTER JOHNSON

STUDENTCOORDINATOR,‘26

CHARLOTTE WHITING

STUDENTCOORDINATOR,‘27

MCCARTHYCENTER

InterimDirector’sNote:

ALIVELYSPRINGATTHEMCCARTHYCENTER

DR CLAIRE HAEG

INTERUMEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR

Dr. Claire Haeg, reflects on Spring 2025 the interim director of the McCarthy Center. The McCarthy Center hosted students, faculty, and alums for a lively semester of lectures, policy discussions, and conversations on current events and global issues.

It’s been a busy spring at CSB+SJU (our hometown) and the McCarthy Center has been a hive of activity From the Kennedy Lecture Series to an evening of improv with the Theater of Public Policy, it’s been a fun and invigorating semester!

The Center’s students were kept busy helping to organize events that informed their fellow students about the onrush of policies coming out of the new administration We sponsored a Politics and Pasta event on the impact of the USAID cuts in Africa and hosted the Kennedy Lecture with former chair of the House Budget Committee

Kevin Brady who explained the complexities of the federal budget The Center also restarted the “Let’s Talk” series and had three fascinating and very well-attended evening Zoom panel discussions about current events. It was wonderful to see students, faculty, and alums together, with our amazing alums bringing important real-world context to what’s happening right now.

It’s May, and my semester as acting director has come to a close. It has been a great experience working with such a talented and enthusiastic group of students and with the amazing Anastasia Nathe, who makes sure everyone’s great ideas become reality. I’m grateful for all of their work and for our CSB+SJU community which has supported us throughout this year

FARRYPROFESSORSHIP

DR.TEDGORDON FARRYENDOWEDPROFESSOR, DIRECTOR,INITIATIVEFOR NATIVENATIONRELATIONS

As my time as the Farry Endowed Professor comes to an end, I am honored to have held a position bearing Joseph Farry’s name and to have carried out as much as I could with the resources it provided Over the last three years, the professorship gave a significant boost to the McCarthy Center’s Initiative for Native Nation Relations This included twelve students employed as researchers, eight campus events, six faculty and student led conference presentations, five student trips to the White Earth reservation, four publications, and two powwows But what the Professorship enabledisfarmorethanthesum of our total research, service, and events it enabled the transformation of the Initiative for Native Nation Relations from a small upstart to a hub building newrelationships

This past semester, Meg Nelson, Macy Ellis, Thomas Meier and I presented at the University of Minnesota Morris’s Symposium on Boarding School Archival ResearchandKathrynSchug

presenter her poster on Right of Nature at the Society for Applied Anthropology. This Spring our grant from the Minnesota Humanities Center sponsored boarding school dialogue sessions in Minneapolis and Duluth with an additional event planned for White Earth this June. At these events, we had important conversations and conducted over 25 interviews, which will be used by CSB+SJU’ Education Department and White Earth’s Education Division to create a K-12 curriculum to teach future generations about boarding schools While DOGE abruptly terminated our grant for the National Endowment for the Humanities, fortunately we had already completed most of the work towards developing ethical protocols for digitizing Native American boarding schoolrecords

Another highlight from the Spring semester was our partnership with CSB and SJU Campus Ministries to host Brenna Cussen for her talk, “Embracing Repair: Seeking truth and healing for the Church/s role in Native boarding schools” She spoke about her role as a founding member of Catholic Truth and Healing and how Catholic archives hold the key to repairing relations with Nativecommunities

We capped the semester by joining Saint Cloud State University and ISD 742 for an Indigenous Graduate Honoring, which is now an annual tradition withthesamepartnerswhohost the Ptanyetu Powwow. Meg Nelson received an eagle feather and blanket to honor her graduation. At the request of founders of the Indigenous Students Association, Macy Ellis received a blanket in honor of her work supporting the ISA and other Indigenous initiatives on our campuses In total, eight INNR research assistants graduated this year Congratulationstoallofthem!

Serving as the Farry Professor has been among the most rewarding parts of my career It has allowed INNR to grow in new ways and I expect to have more exciting news to share about INNR soon In the meantime, I want to express my excitement for Brittany Merritt Nash, the upcoming holder of the Farry Professorship Dr Merritt Nash’s groundbreaking community engaged pedagogies reach partners from Stearns County to the Bahamas and beyond It is wonderful to know that the professorship will be in good hands!

“Let’sTalk”ZoomSeries

CHARLOTTE WHITING

This semester, the Eugene J. McCarthy Center hosted a “Let’s Talk” Zoom series in collaboration with the Political Science Department to create an accessible forum for students, faculty, and alumni to discuss political ongoings.

The first event, titled “Let’s Talk: From Tariffs to USAID”, featured Political Science Professor Dr. Christi Siver and Economics Professor Dr. Louis Johnston Together, they discussed and answered student’s questions about the implications of executive decisions on the international economy, including changes to trade policy, development aid, and the role of tariffs in relation to soft power tactics.

The second Zoom, “Let’s Talk: D O G E Cuts”, took a closer look at domestic executive branch spending cuts. Political Science Professors Dr. Claire Haeg and Dr Phil Kronebusch led a likely conversation bout funding cuts to departments and offices of government, highlighting the uncertainties of issues such as educational grant cuts Attendees also heard from various alums about their experiences in the field with these cuts, which provided insight into how these D O G E cuts can hit close to home

The final Zoom, “Let’s Talk: The U.S. and International Power”, returned to an international relations focus Dr Christi Siver was joined by special guest Nathan Freier, a seasoned national security expert. They answered student questions about America’s evolving role in

international security and influence in a changing world.

These three Zoom sessions created a platform for students, faculty, and alums to learn more about foreign and domestic politics in an uncertain time. This series has become a favorite of many, and we are looking forward to continuing it into next semester.

Let’s Talk Zoom poster invites students, faculty, staff, and alums to join for an informative conversation.

StudentsMakeTheir VoicesHeardatMayor Q+AEvent

EVELYN BIEDERMAN STUDENTCOORDINATOR

Mayor Scepaniak talks to students and community members about upcoming city projects, small businesses, and improving the campus-town relationship.

On February 26th, newly elected Mayor Adam Scepaniak visited the College of St Benedict campus to participate in a Q+A event open to students and community members. This was one of two Q+A events that Mayor Scepaniak held, the other taking place at the La Playette Bar in downtown St Joseph From these events, Mayor Scepaniak hoped to allow St. Joseph community members to get to know him personally and to feel like they have a voice in city decision making.

Students came with a variety of questions, ranging from topics of sustainability and transportation to city planning and improving the relationship between the college and town.

When answering students’ questions, Mayor Scepaniak shared his hopes of opening a municipal dispensary in St Joseph. The benefits from this, he explained, would include lower taxes and an increase in revenue that could be put towards improving parks and a Metro bus line running from St Cloud, which he also has hopes for in the city's future.

When asked about what upcoming city projects students should be aware of, Mayor Scepaniak shared plans for a planned YMCA community center in St. Joseph. This is an expensive task, about $24 million, but Mayor Scepaniak emphasized that this is of great importance to him and community members he has spoken with.

In addition to answering students' questions, Mayor Scepaniak introduced a new position, Student Liaison for the City Council, that CSB+SJU students can apply for When asked how else students can get involved in city government, Mayor Scepaniak said, “Have an opinion on different topics, participate, and talk to us ” Also mentioned were new internship opportunities for students to come in the future

Students and community members who attended were able to have their questions answered and walk away with a vision for the future of St. Joseph, where they have a voice in decision making processes Mayor Scepaniak added, “I want to listen to people and be available to them.”

BahamianMural

InstallationUnveiled

ZOEYCOVAL

STUDENTCOORDINATOR

A new mural in Sexton Commons honors the deep ties between CSB+SJU and The Bahamas, highlighting shared history and Bahamian contributions.

A mural depicting the historic relationship between CSB+SJU and The Bahamas was on the first floor of Sexton Commons This mural, depicted as a timeline, showcases how The Bahamas and the CSB+SJU community have impacted each other, starting from their earliest connection to their strong bond in the present.

Ilan White, a junior Bahamian student at SJU, proposed the idea for the mural after he witnessed Brittany Merritt Nash, professor of history at CSB+SJU, give a presentation documentingthetightlywoven relationship between the universityandthenation

The idea was to have a permanent addition to the campus that would demonstrate the rich history, educating those who may have neverlearnedontheirown.

White consulted Matt Lindstrom, director of the McCarthyCenter,withtheidea, and Merritt Nash was brought on board to plan the timeline depicted on the mural. Graphic designer and CSB alum Clairissa Nathe helped make thefinalproduct

On February 27th, a dedication and commemoration evening was held for the mural and its contributors. Canaan Cooper and Destiny Sweeting, Bahamian students and members of the Archipelago Caribbean Association, kicked off the event with an introduction of the speakers. Then,Merrit-Nashgavean

overview of the contents of the mural, as well as an abridged version of the history of CSB+SJUandTheBahamas

A tribute was given to Phil Galanis and Telzena Coakley, two Bahamian alumni of CSB+SJU who recently passed. Both Galanis and Coakley had sizeable impacts on the CSB+SJU and the Bahamian communities.

President Brian Bruess gave remarks on the vibrant relationship between the schools and The Bahamas, and the evening finished with a rousing speech by Prince Wallace.

The evening was a celebration of Bahamian culture and the valuable relationship that has been cultivated between The BahamasandCSB+SJU.

Students, faculty, and honored guests gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the Bahamian Mural. Celebrating the historical connection between CSB+SJU and the Bahamas, celebrating shared history, cultural connections, and the contributions of Bahamian students and alumni.

StudentsAdvocate forMNGrantat DAYATTHECAPITOL

CARTER JOHNSON STUDENTCOORDINATOR

Each spring, current CSBSJU students gather at the Capitol building in St Paul, Minnesota, to represent the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University advocating on behalf of the Minnesota Private Colleges Counsel The Minnesota Private Colleges Counsel serves as an association that represents the 18 private colleges in Minnesota and works to advocate for policies that benefit these colleges and higher education more broadly On Tuesday March 11th, the CSBSJU students travelled and met with the respective senators and representatives of their districts to explain the importance of providing financial support for students in higher education through the State Grant Program McCarthy Center student coordinators Carter Johnson, 26' and Payton Crotty, 25' attended the

MCCARTHYCENTER

The North Star Promise Act, seeks to aid college students financially, but exclusively for public schools and universities. This has left the State Grant Program with a $250 million shortfall, which if gone unaddressed, will greatly impact students of private institutions through-out Minnesota

event with fellow CSBSJU students to promote civic engagement and public policy

The students began their day with a briefing on the current state of the program and what students can do to advocate in favor of it Historically, the State Grant Program has been crucial for ensuring that private institutions are a financially realistic option for all students by providing assistance to those who need it most

Currently, Minnesota’s state government is advancing the North Star Promise Act, which also seeks to aid college students financially, but exclusively for public schools and universities This has left the State Grant Program with a $250 million shortfall, which if

gone unaddressed will greatly impact students of private institutions through-out Minnesota CSBSJU students were tasked to advocate to the legislators to seek funding to this program even with a looming state budget deficit

During the advocacy sessions, CSBSJU students meeting with their senators and representatives were able to foster connections and emphasize the importance of these grant funds By advocating for financial investments in higher education, personal stories of growth, and opportunity for students to have access to incredible schools such as CSBSJU, it was an opportunity for students to make their voices heard for themselves and their peers.

TheDayattheCapitolisanexcellentopportunityforstudents todevelopandstrengthentheiradvocacyskillswhile promotingtheCSBSJUlegacyforcurrentandfuturestudents.

Picturedleft:MNStateSenatorBruceAndersonwithsenior (anddistrictresident)PaytonCrotty.

BottomLeft:CurrentstudentsPaytonCrotty,‘25,BenBugbee, ‘27,CarterJohnson,‘26

Picturedbelow:currentstudentswithPaulCerkvenik,‘81 PresidentoftheMinnesotaPrivateCollegeCouncil

AHistoryofEducation andPublicService: LecturewithMarkShriver

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement had the honor of hosting Mark Kennedy Shriver, President of Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School and lifelong advocate for social justice and public service Shriver brought a message of hope, urgency, and moral responsibility to students at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, providing advice on how to incorporate the value of civic service in your workspace.

When discussing his time at Cristo Rey, a school committed to providing underserved youth with academics and real-world work experience in the D.C. area, Shriver challenged students to draw on their past experiences in leadership roles and academics to ready themselves for upcoming summer internships and professions Throughout his visit, Shriver reflected on his family’s legacy of public service, especially the example set by his father, who founded the Peace Corps, and his mother, who started the Special Olympics. He encouraged students to consider their own will to lead lives of meaning through careers in public service, nonprofit work, and community leadership.

CHARLOTTE WHITTING STUDENTCOORDINATOR

Shriver, with current students and alumni of

TheaterofPublicPolicy

BRINGSLAUGHTERANDREFLECTIONTO CSB+SJU

ALEXANDRA HOEHNA STUDENTCOORDINATOR

On a Monday evening in April, the McCarthy Center joined with the Theater of Public Policy to host an event open to students, faculty, and staff It presented the opportunity for attendees to discuss both positives and negatives surrounding life at CSB+SJU The questions presented to groups of six to eight, discussed issues surrounding gender, race, and ethnicity. Attendees were able to safely and freely discuss not only things they liked about CSB+SJU, but also process and consider the issues that many people encounter. The Theater of Public P troupe listened intently to the attend Following this, the troupe performed an im show that personified the ups and downs of b a college student at CSB+SJU in a funny empathetic way

Finally, a panel of experts, Dr Christi S Political Science, Dr Shannon Smith, History, Malik Stewart, Director of Multicultural Stu Services, reflected on the improv and discussions in the groups. They remarked things they found interesting or surprising f the discussions earlier. Several issues ra were similar between groups.

This event was incredibly fascinating and eye-opening. It allowed students and faculty to express their own opinions without fear of being judged. This event bolstered the community and helped normalize discussing the positives and negatives of campus life in a calm and empathetic way. It was a way to celebrate our campus, while also acknowledging that there are issues that should be addressed .

McCarthyMentorProgram

RHIANNAANYA

ZOEYCOVAL

RACHELERBEN

MUSTAPHAFOFANAH

2024-2025MENTEES:

ALAYNAFURMAN

GRETAGLISCZINSKI

CARTERJOHNSON

LEOKRUEGER

The Eugene J McCarthy Center Mentor Program at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University serves as a powerful bridge between students and the extensive Bennie/Johnnie alum network. By facilitating meaningful connections, the program empowers students to explore professional opportunities through guidance from experienced mentors who shape their journeys Rather than a rigidly structured experience, the program provides the initial link, allowing mentees and mentors to navigate their interactions independently while ensuring at least three to five meetings throughout the year.

Once paired, students have access to professionals eager to share insights through informational interviews, job shadowing, career discussions, and resume and cover letter critiques The strength of the program lies in the dedication of CSB and SJU

alumni, who bring their wealth of experience and leadership across various industries Mentors provide advice, facilitate networking opportunities, and help students refine their professional goals, fostering a supportive environment with meaningful conversations shape future aspirations.

To conclude the program, students participated in a study tour in St Paul on May 2, offering an opportunity to engage directly with professionals in action The day began at St Paul Public Works, where longtime mentor and McCarthy Center friend Sean Kershaw discussed his passion for public works, along with sharing insights into public policy and career development. Afterward, students visited the Minn State Capitol, experienc guided tour develop Afterward, students visite Minnesota State Capitol

MICHAELO’DONNELL

BROOKEVERKINNES

KHOAVU

MEGHANWEISS

CHARLOTTEWHITING

experiencing a guided tour and an exclusive session with mentors Eugene Ranieri, Stephanie Pinkalla, and Danny Gillis, where they explored career paths and discussed the importance of mentorship. The tour wrapped up at the Loon Cafe, where mentees gathered to celebrate the conclusion of the program, sharing reflections on their experiences and the connections they built throughouttheyear.

The McCarthy Center Mentor Program continues to thrive because of the commitment of the Bennie/Johnnie alum network, providing students with unparalleled access to mentorship, career advice, and professional develop-ment. By fostering these connections, the program ensures that participants leave CSB and SJU equipped with the insights and

BrunoPressCollaboration

CHARLOTTE WHITING STUDENTCOORDINATOR

This spring, the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement is excited to unveil a special collaboration with St Joseph’s own Bruno Press, an independent letterpress studio run by the incredibly talented owner and artist, Mary Bruno Known for her bold style and creative pieces, Mary Bruno has created a stunning print of Eugene McCarthy that incorporates his message of peace.

This piece captures Eugene McCarthy’s legacy in a contemporary way. Using her own letterpress and handcarved designs, Mary Bruno honored the history behind the McCarthy Center, creating a tribute that will serve as a reminder of the power of art to promote dialogue, provoke thought, and inspire civic engagement The McCarthy Center has always believed in the intersection of civic engagement and creativity, and this collaboration with Bruno Press reflects the mission and values beautifully.

The McCarthy Center is proud to share this meaningful piece with the campus and broader community As we reflect on Eugene McCarthy’s message and legacy, we hope this artwork invites continued conversation, connection, and action This collaboration with Bruno Press is more than a celebration of the past it’s a call to stay engaged, be creative, and keep working toward a more thoughtful and peaceful future.

ThePrintingProcess

To see more of Mary Bruno’s work or to shop Bruno Press, visit mcbrunopress com

RobsonScholarship Recipients

ZOEYCOVAL

JUNIOR

ALEXADELEON

JUNIOR

ALAYNAFURMAN

FRESHMAN

JOSIELEINONEN

JUNIOR

CECILIAMCNAIR

OPHOMORE

TANIASALGADO

JUNIOR

CHARLOTTEWHITING

SOPHOMORE

What is the Robson Scholarship?

TheJohnE.RobsonScholarshipforStudentsof Public Policy 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 been enmeshed in many aspects of public policy, this scholarship serves as a legacy of John’s life’s work This scholarship is intended to continue to inspire students at the College of Saint Benedict to become involved in public policyinordertoproducesocietalchange

SummerLeadershipFellows

BRANDL PROGRAM

The John Brandl Scholars program celebrates Saint John’s alumnus John E. Brandl and his lifelong commitment to mentorship and scholarship in higher education, public policy, and politics. The endowment funds summer internships in public policy and leadership development activities such as conferences and trainings.

KHAREEMBROWN,‘27

KENTONDAUGHTERS,‘26

MICHAELHEIMEL,‘26

JONMCBROOM,‘27

HALEYMEINERS,‘26

KENNAEMORTIMER,‘26

FLEISCHAKER PROGRAM

JOSIELEINONEN,‘26

MICHAELO’DONNELL,‘26

THIERRYTHAO,‘27

The Mark and Teresa Fleischhacker Center for Ethical Leadership in Action provides opportunities for students to take the leadership and ethics theory that is learned in the classroom and apply it within the workplace and community

ROBERTADDERLEY,‘27

STELLARAEAMBORD,‘26

ADRIANBELISLE,‘26

ANNABOOMGAARDEN,‘27

TESSCAVANAUGH,‘27

ZOEYCOVAL,‘26

ANADAILEY,‘26

MADELEINEGAUNT,‘26

GRETCHENGUNDERZIK,‘26

KEIRAHIRANO,‘26

MARISALAPLANTE,‘26

ELENAKOCEMBA,‘27

BAILEYLINK,‘27

CECILIAMCNAIR,‘27

JACKSON PROGRAM

ELENOREPIETTE,‘27

ABIGAILROBINSON,‘27

CLARASCHLEPER,‘27

SOPHIATHOMAS,‘27

CHARLOTTEWHITING,‘27

AVARIWONG,‘28

The Jackson Fellowship Program empowers students to serve the common good through community engagement, collective learning, and leadership development. All fellowships involve civic engagement and work to improve community life. The diversity of site placements and the leadership and work required from each Jackson Fellow creates a rich, vibrant, holistic learning environment.

SAMANTHAANDERSON,‘26

T’NYABUTLER,‘26

ALEXADELEON,‘26

RACHELEIDEN,‘26

LIJAESTO,‘26

LUCYFARLEY,‘26

LARAMORAISJATOBACOSATO,‘26

AIXAGUEVARAMARTINEZ,‘26

OWENHAUBENSCHILD,‘26

ASHANTIHUMES,‘26

MUKHAMMADMIRZOIBRAGIMOV,‘27

EDWARDKIES,‘26

ISABELKRAABEL,‘26

MEAGHANMCDONALD,‘26

NASIRMIRZA,‘27

RYLIEOWEN,‘26

ALLISONPARKER,‘26

JAMIEPINEDAROLDAN,‘26

JOSELYNRUBIOCORREA,‘26

TANIASALGADO,‘26

WYATTSCHAEFFER,‘26

EMILYSTROMMEN,‘26

MADELEINEVARGAS,‘26

JACOBVOTH,‘27