Back-to-School Classes

Thursday, April 25

7-8 p.m. ET

Data Driven Campaigns and Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Danger to Democracy?

With Davidson College Professor of Political Science, Dr. Susan Roberts

Sponsored by the Class of 1979 Reunion Committee

Changes in contemporary American political campaigns are dramatic, frenzied, and fast-moving. Within the political context of hyperpolarization and the presence of election deniers, Susan Roberts will examine the extent to which data-driven campaigns involving micro-targeting and Generative Artificial Intelligence have been transformative, including their impact on an already fragile confidence in democracy and free and fair elections.

Register by April 23 to Receive Zoom Link

Tuesday, April 30

7:30-8:30 p.m. ET

The NCAA Transfer Portal, NIL and Davidson Athletics

With Chris Clunie ‘06, Vice President and Director of Davidson Athletics; Scott Abell, Davidson Head Football Coach; Matt McKillop ‘06, Davidson Head Men’s Basketball Coach; Eddie Williamson ’74,  retired college football coach and former Davidson football player; and Steve Shankweiler ‘74, retired high school and football coach, Current Director of High School and Alumni Relations at East Carolina University and former Davidson football player

Sponsored by the Class of 1974 Reunion Committee

The landscape of college athletics is evolving rapidly, and Davidson is at the forefront of these changes. Join us for a captivating discussion led by a distinguished panel of current Davidson coaches and former Davidson athletes with long careers coaching intercollegiate athletics as they dive into the impact of recent regulations surrounding the NCAA Transfer Portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on collegiate sports programs across the nation, including here at Davidson. This is your chance to gain valuable insights from experts in the field, explore how these changes are reshaping the collegiate sports landscape, and learn how Davidson is adapting to ensure our student-athletes continue to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Register by April 29 to Receive Zoom Link

Wednesday, May 1

7-8 p.m. ET

Reflections and Insights: 40 Years of Teaching at Davidson College

With Dr. Peter Krentz, Chair and W. R. Grey Professor of Classics and Professor of History; Dr. Cynthia Lewis, Charles A. Dana Professor of English Emerita; Dr. Bill Mahony, Charles A. Dana Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies; Dr. Lou Ortmayer, Professor Emeritus of Political Science; and Dr. Clark Ross, Frontis W. Johnston Professor of Economics

Sponsored by the Class of 1984 Reunion Committee

Come hear your favorite professors discuss the changes they experienced over 40 years of teaching at Davidson! How did the students change? How did the campus culture evolve? What did they need to adjust in their teaching strategies to accommodate these changes? Join us for this lively discussion and discover the dynamic landscape of learning occurring at Davidson.

Register by April 30 to Receive Zoom Link

Monday, May 13

7-8 p.m. ET

A Davidson Tradition: Civil Discourse and Active Citizenship in a Divisive World

With Drew Henderson '89, Julie Mayfield '89, Maria Douglas Reeve '89 and Paul Renner '89 and moderated by Jay Barron '89

Sponsored by the Class of 1989 Reunion Committee
 
Please join panelists from the Class of 1989 for a timely panel discussion about active citizenship & discourse. Topics to be addressed include how best to stay politically involved in a divisive world, how current levels of divisiveness, polarization and partisanship affect civil discourse, and what was learned at Davidson that guided the panelists in navigating today’s political climate.

Register by Friday, May 10 to Receive Zoom Link

Thursday, April 4

8-9 p.m. ET

Life's Potluck Buffet Behind the Scenes

With John Paulas '99

Sponsored by the Class of 1999 Reunion Committee

A behind-the-scenes look at Life’s Potluck Buffet with John Paulas. John talks about the inspiration behind the YouTube work culture and lifestyle podcast and its evolution over the last year. Plus, John draws a card from the Life’s Potluck Buffet deck for the group.

Tuesday, April 9

7-8 p.m. ET

Fashioning a Foreign Policy for Today's World

With Charlie Skinner '69

Sponsored by the Class of 1969 Reunion Committee

There are key concerns around China, Russia, and the Middle East. Addressing these issues goes beyond specific conflicts like Putin's invasion of Ukraine or the Hamas-Israel war.  Realists stress that China has become our main competitor.  The Class will focus on these three problems. There is a need to develop policies that engage regional allies and other significant powers to tackle global challenges ranging from military threats to environmental issues. But there is a challenge that also involves effectively communicating and gaining support for these policies among the American people, especially in a politically polarized environment.