University Life Mason Square sponsors this periodic series of academic discussions for members of the Arlington Campus community. The goal of Pizza & Perspectives is to involve students, faculty, and alumni across disciplines in meaningful and rational dialogue on relevant topics.
The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.
Upcoming Events:
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Past Events:
Pizza & Perspectives: The 2025 Virginia & Local Elections
Panelists:
Honorable Terry McAuliffe, Former Virginia Governor
Moderators: Shea Holman Kilian, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
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October 27, 2025
Can a Divided Congress and Country Find Common Ground? Paths Forward!
Panelists:
Maury Giles, CEO of Braver Angels
Moderators: University Life Mason Square and Carter School For Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University
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September 29, 2025
Virginia’s Next Chapter: Perspectives from McAuliffe & McDonnell
Panelists:
Honorable Terry McAuliffe, Former Virginia Governor
Honorable Bob McDonnell, Former Virginia Governor
Moderators: University Life Mason Square and Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
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September 3, 2025
Conservatism at a Crossroads: Tradition, Populism, and America's Future
Panelists:
Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States of America
Moderator: Dean Mark J. Rozell, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
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November 16, 2022
Panelists:
Honorable Terry McAuliffe, Former Virginia Governor
Honorable David Ramadan, Former Virginia Delegate
Moderator: Dean Mark J. Rozell, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
In the news: https://schar.gmu.edu/news/2022-11/one-night-two-panels-and-schar-school-cia-exclusive
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October 29, 2022
Conflict and the Role of the Media: Western Media’s Relationship with Global Conflict
Panelists:
Deena Osta, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School Master's Student, George Mason University
George Barros, Geospatial Team Lead and Russia Analyst, The Institute for the Study of War
Meron Derseh, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School Masters Student, George Mason University
Moderator: Naomi Davis, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School Masters Student, and Mason Square University Life Graduate Assistant, George Mason University
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September 22, 2021
Ending the "Forever War": History, Impact, and Future
Panelists:
Bassam S. Haddad, Professor & Director, Middle East and Islamic Studies, George Mason University
Colin Dueck, Professor & a non-resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute
Aaron J. Kleiman, Former active duty Air Force officer and Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard
April 27, 2020
Forever Changed - The Impact of COVD-19 on American Society
Panelists:
Derek Horstmeyer, School of Business, George Mason University
Jeremy Mayer, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Amira A. Roess, Global Health and Epidemiology, George Mason University
Jennifer N. Victor, Schar School of Policy and Government
Moderator: Sofiyat Ibrahim, Student, George Mason University
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February 12, 2020
2020 Presidential Elections in Virginia
Panelists:
Former Virginia Governor Honorable Terry McAuliffe
Honorable Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA-10).
Moderator: Dean Mark Rozell, Schar School of Policy and Government
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October 22, 2019
Race and the Conspiracy of Silence
Panelists:
Charles Chavis, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Eteng Ettah, Digital Media Manager, MediaJustice
Justin Gest, Schar School of Policy and Government
Tehama Lopez Bunyasi, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Moderator: Sofiyat Ibrahim, Student, George Mason University
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April 15, 2019
Inspired Women are Empowered Women
Panelists:
Alison T. McNeil, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, McNeil Creative Enterprises.
Liz Nohra, Chief of External Relations, Leadership Center of Excellence.
Linda Mathes, CEO National Capital Region, American Red Cross
Moderator: Rebecca Keange, GAPSA President, Communications, Masters Student, George Mason University
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February 5, 2019
Caution! Government Shutdown Ahead!
Panelists:
Dr. Jerry McGinn, Executive Director, Center for Government Contracting, School of Fussiness, George Mason university.
Dr. James Conant, Professor School of Policy and Government, George Mason University.
Moderator:
Zachary Perconti,Graduate Student, George Mason University
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November 26, 2018
The Faith Factor in the Midterm Elections: How Conservative Evangelicals and Catholics Anchor Trump's Electoral Coalition
Panelists:
Timothy Goeglein, Vice President of External Relations, Focus on the Family
Dr. Deal Hudson, President, Morley Institute on Faith and Culture
Moderator:
Mark J. Rozell, Dean, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
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November 5, 2018
Healing Trauma through Art
Panelists:
Dr. Al Fuertes, Term Associate Professor, School of Integrative Studies, George Mason University
Dr. Niyati Dhokai, Research Assistant Professor, College of Visual and Performing Arts, George Mason University
Jessica Herman, MA, Creative Arts Therapist, Intrepid Spirits Center, National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) Satellite at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Intrepid Pavilion
Moderator:
Sophie Gorshenin, Student, Graduate Arts Management Program, George Mason University
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September 27, 2018
The United States of America: A Polarized (Privatized?) Nation
Panelists:
Dr. Dr. Neal P. McCluskey, Director, Center for Educational Freedom, Cato Institute
Dr. Patricia Maulden, Associate Professor, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
Moderator:
Sara Deriso, Student, Schar School of Policy & Government, Transparent GMU
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April 25, 2018
The Politics of Redistricting: Discussing the Impacts of Partisan Gerrymandering
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Panelists:
Terry McAuliffe, 72nd Governor of Virginia, 2014-2018; Distinguished Visiting Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Brian R. Cannon, Executive Director, OneVirginia2021
Jennifer N. Victor, Associate Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Moderator:
Andrew J. Quillen, President, Graduate and Professional Student Association; Masters of Public Administration Candidate (2018), George Mason University
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March 28, 2018
Diversity, Inclusion, and Well-Being: Perspectives from Marginalized Identity Communities
Panelists:
Dr. Michelle Allen, Assistant Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Multicultural Education, George Mason University
Joshua Kinchen, Associate Director, LGBTQ Resources, George Mason University
Trinice McNally, Director of Multicultural Affairs, University of the District of Columbia
February 6, 2018
Trump's First Year: Perspectives from the Religious Right
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Moderator and Panelists:
Mark Rozell, Dean, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Timothy Goeglein, Vice President, Focus on the Family; Former Special Assistant, President George W. Bush and Deputy Director, White House Office of Public Liaison 2001 to 2008
Deal W. Hudson, President, Morley Institute for Church and Culture; Editor, The Christian Review
POSTPONED: November 30, 2017The Politics of Food: Legal and Ethical Considerations of GMOs
Moderator and Panelists:
José Andrés, Chef & Owner, ThinkFoodGroup & minibar by José Andrés
Kelliann Blazek, Adjunct Professor, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University
Bonnie Stabile, Director, Master of Public Policy Program, Research Assistant Professor, George Mason University
November 9, 2017
North Korea: A Maturing Threat?
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Panelists:
Dr. James M. Acton, Co-Director, Nuclear Policy Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Ellen Laipson, Director, International Security Program, and Center for Security Policy Studies, George Mason University
Dr. Adam Mount, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
October 4, 2017
Seeking Truth in the Era of Fake News
Moderator and Panelists:
Michael Sandler, Director, Strategic Communications, George Mason University
Alex Wayne, White House Team Leader, Bloomberg News
Dr. Jeremy Mayer, Professor of Public Policy, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
April 3, 2017
Contemporary Challenges to LGBTQ Civil Rights
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Moderator and Panelists Included:
Bob Witeck, President, Witeck Communications, Inc.; Member, Board of Visitors, George Mason University
Brian Moulton, Counsel, Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin; Adjunct Faculty, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University
Sarah Warbelow, Legal Director, Human Rights Campaign; Adjunct Faculty, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University
February 6, 2017
The Meaning of Brexit and a Trump Presidency
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Panelists:
Dr. Desmond Dinan, Professor of Public Policy, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Timothy J. Feighery, Adjunct Faculty, Antonin Scalia Law School and Partner with Arent Fox, LLP
Kenneth Propp, Director of Policy, BSA: The Software Alliance
November 16, 2016
2016 Post-Election Analysis and Discussion
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Panelists:
Dr. Jeremy Mayer, Associate Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Dr. Toni-Michelle Travis, Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Dr. David Rehr, Senior Associate Dean & Professor, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University
September 21, 2016
The Corporatization of America's Higher Education: Implications of a Growing Business Model on Campus
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Panelists:
Dr. Peter Stearns, Provost Emeritus and Professor of History and Art History, George Mason University
Dr. Paul Smith, Professor of Cultural Studies, George Mason University
Dr. Judith Wilde, Chief Operating Officer and Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
April 5, 2016
Look Mom, No Hands! Driverless Cars, the Road Ahead
Panelists Included:
Bill Schultheiss, Vice President, Toole Design Group
Virginia Stouffer, Engineer & Manager, LMI Government Consulting
Matt Lesh, Senior Analyst, Mobility and Transportation Systems at Noblis
February 4, 2016
Protecting Students vs. Protecting Free Speech: How Can We Create Safe Spaces in Higher Education?
Panelists:
Dr. Peter Stearns, Provost Emeritus and Professor of History and Art History, George Mason University
Dr. Todd Zywicki, Professor, Executive Director, Law and Economics Center, George Mason School of Law
Julian Williams, Vice President for Compliance, Diversity and Ethics, George Mason University
November 10, 2015
Equality vs. Equity: The Effects of Title IX on Campus Sexual Assault
Panelists:
Barbara Favola, Virginia State Senator
Herbertia Gilmore, Interim Title IX Coordinator, George Mason University
LeiLani R. Hamilton, Assistant Director, Victim/Wellness Program
October 6, 2015
Shaping the Urban Environment Through Multimodal Transportation
Panelists:
Fionnuala Quinn, Director, The Bureau of Good Roads LLC, Fairfax, VA
Peter Norton, Associate Professor, Department of Engineering and Society, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Chris Conklin, Principal, VHB Inc., Vienna, VA
April 8, 2015
Is Big Brother Really Watching? Debunking Myths of the Intelligence Community
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Panelists:
General Michael V. Hayden
Robert L. Deitz
February 3, 2015
Weeding Through the Legalization Debate
Panelists:
Will Jones III, Founder, Two Is Enough DC
Malik Burnett, M.D., M.B.A., Policy Manager, Drug Policy Alliance
November 5, 2014
Fighting Ebola or Fighting Fear?
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Panelists:
Treniese Polk, MS-HSM, Center for Health Policy Research & Ethics, George Mason University
Salim Habayeb, MD, Director, Health and Medical Policy, School of Policy, Government and International Affairs, George Mason University
Agnieszka Paczynska, PhD., Associate Professor, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
October 8, 2014
Locked Up: Mass Incarceration in the Land of the Free
Click here to view Part 1 of this session
Click here to view Part 2 of this session
Panelists:
Arthur Romano, PhD., Assistant Professor, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
Thena Robinson-Mock, Esq., Project Director of Advancement Project’s Ending the Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Track Campaign
Beth Arthur, Arlington County Sheriff
September 8, 2014
Power of the News: Media narratives in shaping public perception and political leanings
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Panelists:
Tom Jackman, Reporter, Washington Post
Lisa Dejardins, Freelance Political Reporter, Former Capitol Hill Correspondent, CNNRadio
Solon Simmons, Interim Vice President, Office for Global Strategy, Associate Professor, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
March 4, 2014
Transgender People, Cisgender System: Policies & Perspectives
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Panelists:
Shaan Michael Wade, Current Student, Howard University, Workshop Trainer on trans and gender issues
Cody Vander Clute, Mason Graduate, former trainer in Mason’s LGBTQ Safe Zone program and the TQ Mason student organization
Alyssa Evers, Current Mason Student, volunteer with National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
February 5, 2014
Not for Sale: Human Trafficking and Organized Violence
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Panelists:
Deepa Patel, Director of the Gang Intervention, Multicultural Clinical Center
Dr. Louise Shelley, Director, Terrorism, Transnational Crime, and Corruption Center, George Mason University
Dr. Barbara Stolz, Criminologist
November 13, 2013
Freedom to Blaspheme: The Intersection of Art, Religion, Politics, and the Law
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Panelists:
Haris Tarin, Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
Jeremy Mayer, Associate Professor, Mason School of Public Policy
Edward Knippers, Artist
October 10, 2013
Affordable Housing: Bridging the Gap between Public and Political Will
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Panelists:
David Versel, Senior Research Associate, Mason’s Center for Regional Analysis
Michelle Krocker, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance
Maureen Markham, Housing Development Specialist, Arlington County Department of Community Planning Housing & Development
September 11, 2013
Guns in America: Policy and Politics
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Panelists:
Richard E. Rubenstein, Professor, Mason’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Joyce Lee Malcolm, Professor, Mason’s School of Law, Law school chair in Constitutional Law and the Second Amendment
Peter Ambler, Strategy Director, Americans for Responsible Solutions
April 9, 2013
Earth, Wind, and Fire: The State of Renewable Energy Policy in 2013
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Panelists:
Tom Kimbis, VP Strategy & External Affairs, Solar Energy Industries Association
Noah Ginsburg, Communications Associate, American Council on Renewable Energy
Matthew Nocella, Assistant Manager of Strategic Communications, National Hydropower Association
March 5, 2013
Where Has All the Civility Gone?: Examining Discourse in American Politics and Working Across Party Lines
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Panelists:
Richard Rubenstein, Professor, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
Solon Simmons, Associate Professor, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
Sandra Cheldelin, Professor, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
February 6, 2013
Fixing America's Broken Healthcare System: Striking the Balance between Affordability, Equality, and Liberty
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Panelists:
Len Nichols, Director, Health Policy Research & Ethics Center, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Barry Clendenin, Adjunct, School of Public Policy, George Mason University
Dr. Joseph Antos, Wilson H. Taylor Scholar in Health Care and Retirement Policy, American Enterprise Institute
November 13, 2012
Election 2012 One Week Later: An Analysis by Mason Faculty
Click here to view this session
Also check out C-SPAN's coverage of the event
Panelists:
Richard Norton Smith, Scholar in Residence, History & Art History
Jeremy Mayer, Associate Professor/Dir, Masters of Public Policy, School of Public Policy, George Mason University
Toni-Michelle Travis, Associate Professor, Public & International Affairs, George Mason University
October 22, 2012 (Special Election Event)
The Obama Doctrine vs. The Romney Doctrine: A Pre-Debate Panel Discussion
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Moderator: Shane Smith, Executive Editor of MasonVotes
Panelists:
Marc Gopin, Professor/Director, Center for World Religions, School for Conflict Analysis & Resolution, George Mason University
Colin Dueck, Professor/Political Science Director, Public & International Affairs, George Mason University
October 11, 2012
The Role of Religion in a Presidential Election
Panelists:
John Farina, Associate Professor, Religious Studies, George Mason University
Mark J. Rozell, Professor of Public Policy, George Mason University
Greg Smith, Senior Research, Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life
September 10, 2012
From Pupusas to Microbrews: Gentrification & Columbia Pike
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Panelists:
Takis Karantonis, Executive Director of CPRO; the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization
Chris Zimmerman, Arlington County Board member
Nina Janopaul, President of APAH (Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing)
Christian Dorsey, Community Activist, Political Commentator & Pike Resident
April 4, 2012
Clean Water and Human Rights
Panelists:
Karin Krchnak, Senior Advisor, International Water Policy - The Nature Conservancy
Ashley Milton, Doctoral Student, George Mason University, Environmental Science and Public Policy
Dann Sklarew, Associate Professor of Applied Ecology and Sustainability, Associate Director of Potomac Environment Research and Education Center, and Fellow of Sustainability Studies at George Mason University
March 7, 2012
Philanthropy & Public Policy: What's the Connection?
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Panelists:
Dr. Alan Abramson, Director, Mason's Center for Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, and Policy
Dr. Zoltan Acs , Director, Mason’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Public Policy
Mr. Aaron Dorfman, Executive Director, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
Dr. Benjamin Soskis, Fellow, Mason's Center for Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, and Policy
February 9, 2012
The Arab Uprisings: A Year Later
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Panelists:
Mustapha Hadji, Graduate Student, George Mason University School of Public Policy
Aziz Abu Sarah, Co-Executive Director, Middle East Projects, CRDC, School for Conflict Analysis & Resolution, George Mason University
November 9, 2011
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Discussing Transportation Infrastructure, Financing, and the Future
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Panelists:
Dr. Joshua Schank, President & CEO, Eno Transportation Foundation
Mr. Nick Donahue, Policy Director, Transportation for America
Mr. Alan Pisarski, Influential Transportation Policy Consultant
Dr. Jonathan Gifford, Professor & Associate Dean, School of Public Policy, George Mason University
October 13, 2011
Social Entrepreneurship: More Bang for Your Buck
Panelists:
Dr. Phillip Auerswald, Associate Professor, School of Public Policy, George Mason University
Nick Martin, Co-Founder and President, TechChange
Harrison Miller, Co-Founder of Deals for Deeds
September 14, 2011
Sex, Lies and Politicians: Examining a Wave of Sex Scandals in Politics
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Panelists:
Dr. Jeremy Mayer, Associate Professor, School of Public Policy, George Mason University
Mr. Mark Tooley, President, Institute on Religion and Democracy
Dr. William Schneider, Omer L. & Nancy Hirst Endowed Chair, School of Public Policy, George Mason University
Mr. David Mark, Senior Editor, Politico
April 20, 2011
The Politics of Climate Change
Panelists:
Dr. Andrew Light, Associate Professor, Philosophy & Director of the Center for Global Ethics, George Mason University
Dr. Robert Ehrlich, Professor, Physics & Astronomy, George Mason University
Jonathan Wisbey, Policy Associate, Climate Communities
March 22, 2011
Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S.: Legislative, Cultural, and Practical Implications
Panelists:
Gabriel Hudson, PhD Student in Public and International Affairs, George Mason University
Brian Moulton, JD, Chief Legislative Counsel, Human Rights Campaign
Cathryn Oakley, President, GALLA (LGBTQ Student Alliance) George Mason School of Law
February 21, 2011
Fear in American Society and Politics
Panelists:
Dr. Peter N. Stearns, Provost and University Professor, George Mason University
Dr. Susan J. Tolchin, University Professor, George Mason University School of Public Policy
David Schleicher, JD, Assistant Professor, George Mason University School of Law
November 8, 2010
Uncle Sam Wants YOUR Money!: Tax Reform and the Coming Era of Higher Taxes
Panelists:
Joseph D. Henchman, Tax Counsel & Director of State Projects, Tax Foundation
Dr. Lloyd Cohen, Professor, George Mason University School of Law
Dr. John Petersen, Professor, George Mason University School of Public Policy
October 12, 2010
Fox vs. MSNBC: The New American Civil War?: Discussion on Media and Politics in the 21st Century
Panelists:
Dr. Bill Schneider, Omer L. and Nancy Hirst, Professor of Public Policy, George Mason University
Dr. Jeremy Mayer, Associate Professor, George Mason University
Jamie Weinstein, Deputy Editor, The Daily Caller
Lisa De Pasquale, Conservation Political Action Conference
September 13, 2010
Effectively Communicating Your Perspective: Tools for Achieving Success in Business, Law, Policy, and Mediation
Panelists:
Kenneth Fung/My Hoang, Toastmasters
Mark Valentini, Toastmasters & George Mason University School of Public Policy Alumnus
Stacy O’Mara, Booz Allen & George Mason University School of Public Policy Alumnus
Dr. A. Lee Fritschler, Professor, George Mason University
April 5, 2010
Legalization of Marijuana?
Panelists:
Jeremy Mayer, Professor, George Mason University
Mr. Conn Carroll, Alumnus, George Mason University Law School
Mr. Ryan Hoskin, Alumnus, George Mason University School of Public Policy
March 15, 2010
"Aimee's Law": How One Mason Student was a Catalyst for a Federal Law
Panelists:
Connie Kirkland, Director of Sexual Assault Services, George Mason University
February 8, 2010 (Rescheduled to February 15 due to snow day)
Is Our Food Safe? Food Safety & Security
Panelists:
Todd M. La Porte, Professor, George Mason University
Ms. Michelle Ranville, PhD candidate, School of Public Policy, George Mason University
Ms. Aubrey Cote, Student Services, School of Public Policy, George Mason University