COMMON GROUND
INTRODUCTION
Common Ground is Hamilton’s widely acclaimed multiformat program that helps prepare students for lives of active citizenship. Designed to explore cross-boundary political thought and complex social issues, Common Ground brings highly respected thought leaders to the Hamilton campus to participate in small classroom dialogues and large event discussions. Topics intertwined with the College’s curriculum are chosen to foster critical thinking and holistic examination of difficult and often contentious national and global policy issues.
2017 was a year of societal upheaval in our country and abroad, unprecedented for college students at that time. In an era of growing polarization across higher education nationwide, David Wippman, President Emeritus of Hamilton College, reminded students during his 2017 Convocation address that “Shunning those who think differently is an illiberal response, not in the political sense, but in the academic sense — it runs contrary to the goals of a liberal arts education.” He continued,
“Part of your education here lies precisely in exploring new ideas and new ways of thinking and in getting to know people with different identities, backgrounds, and perspectives … it will not always be easy, and it will not always be comfortable. But easy and comfortable are not part of our educational missions. Intellectual, social, and moral development are — and they occur only when we confront new ideas and consider other perspectives, even if we find those ideas and perspectives uncomfortable.”
Common Ground was conceptualized from the notion that no matter how heated debate becomes, it is important to recognize that such tensions are crucial to challenging the extant paradigms students hold and should therefore be viewed as educational opportunities.
THE EVOLUTION
OF
COMMON GROUND
Ty Seidule, Executive Director of Common Ground and Visiting Professor of History
Ty Seidule retired from the U.S. Army in 2020 as a brigadier general. He is a professor emeritus of history at West Point, where he taught for two decades. His latest book is Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner’s Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause. Ty has written or edited six other books, four of which won writing prizes. His video lecture, Was the Civil War About Slavery has 35 million views on social media.
He served as the vice chair of the Congressional Naming Commission tasked with redesignating Department of Defense assets which honor Confederates. Ty is an International Security Fellow at New America. He is also on the Scholar Advisory Board for the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History.
“ The Hamilton College community embraces civil discourse on today's pressing issues. Our speakers have disagreed — sometimes fiercely — without being disagreeable. In the classroom, students are engaging with society’s most contentious problems in a respectful way. We can’t wait to expand the Common Ground program into other areas to help prepare our students for the responsibility of active citizenship.”
Student Ambassadors
Common Ground has a team of student ambassadors who work for the program. These students help promote the Common Ground mission on campus and are integral to the execution of Common Ground events. These leaders are offered varying unique opportunities such as helping to develop and envision the future of Common Ground, strategically connecting with students, and visiting Washington, D.C.
• August Brooks ’24
• Andrew Hohmann ’26
• Mele Kāneali’i ’27
• Nawar Kazi ’27
• Sarafina Madden ’26
• Arielle Schultz ’26
August Brooks ’24
Senior Fellow
HOMETOWN
Lexington, Ky.
CONCENTRATION
Government
ACTIVITIES
Debate Society, Hamilton Democrats
MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR
WHY COMMON GROUND MATTERS:
Productive, respectful conversation on the issues that matter most is at the core of our democratic process, and college is the perfect time to start this process.
REFLECTING ON DC:
During our meeting with our partners at the Bipartisan Policy Center, we were able to ask experts our most pressing questions regarding our democratic process. This kind of in-depth dialogue on the issues is the kind of conversation we hope to bring back to campus through our future programming!
Andrew Hohmann ’26
Student Ambassador
HOMETOWN
New York, N.Y.
CONCENTRATION
Chemistry
ACTIVITIES
Ultimate Frisbee, Soul Food
MESSAGE
FROM THE AMBASSADOR
WHY COMMON GROUND MATTERS:
I work with Common Ground to open my peers’ minds to different opinions and backgrounds, to ask them to understand the person in front of them, and to respect their opinions and beliefs. I would like to see more of this behavior in our world, in Hamilton and beyond, and am committed to working hard to make this a reality.
REFLECTING ON DC:
I’m a Common Ground student ambassador, but I’ve never cared much for politics or public policy. That changed when I spoke with our partners at the Bipartisian Policy Center in Washington, D.C. — now I get fired up when I speak about politics and policies that emerge from it. This trip helped push me in the direction of active citizenship.
Mele Kāneali’i ’27
Student Ambassador
HOMETOWN
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
CONCENTRATION
Undeclared
ACTIVITIES
Feminists of Color Collective, Debate Society, QuestBridge Scholars Network
MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR
WHY COMMON GROUND MATTERS:
With increased political polarization, engaging in respectful dialogue about the nation's “hot topics” is more important than ever and will not only hopefully result in a collective solution but also encourage empathy, understanding, and breaking free of the echo chamber.
REFLECTING ON DC:
Being immersed in the National Museum of African American History and Culture gave me a deeper understanding of the eras of slavery, segregation, and where we are today. While it’s important to celebrate how far society has come, visiting this museum reinforced that we must be aware that the past can — and does still — have lasting effects on the present, so it’s important to stay vigilant against institutions and systems that perpetuate hatred and violence.
Nawar Kazi ’27
Student Ambassador
HOMETOWN
New York, N.Y.
CONCENTRATION
Chemistry
ACTIVITIES
Student Government Alliance, Students for Justice in Palestine, Muslim Student Association (MSA), Asian Student Union (ASU)
MESSAGE
FROM THE AMBASSADOR
WHY COMMON GROUND MATTERS:
Common Ground creates a platform of open dialogue and expression of ideas among individuals with contrasting views. This is so crucial to promote a holistic understanding of our ever-changing and polarizing political world.
REFLECTING ON DC:
Visiting the Bipartisan Policy Center in DC provided me with insights into the necessity of bipartisan efforts in shaping effective policies. Seeing the Capitol made me appreciate America's long history of democracy, and it felt both nostalgic and familiar.
Sarafina Madden ’26
Student Ambassador
HOMETOWN
Cohasset, Mass.
CONCENTRATION
Economics
ACTIVITIES
The Spectator, Women's Rugby, Debate Society, Phi Beta Chi
MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR
WHY COMMON GROUND MATTERS:
Common Ground serves as a forum where students can engage with disparate viewpoints and refine their judgments on complex and divisive political issues.
REFLECTING ON DC:
I have always been interested in understanding the systems of American government. Walking through the halls of the Capitol, I had the chance to experience the space in which leaders of America debate, cooperate, and carry out the processes of democracy. The mission of Common Ground is to honor American democracy by promoting civil discourse and engaging with those with whom we disagree — being inside the physical spaces in which democracy unfolds, I felt deeply proud of Common Ground’s dedication to fostering meaningful discussion between leaders and mending the divisions that stymie the power of such an incredible system of government.
Arielle Schultz ’26
Student Ambassador
HOMETOWN
Los Angeles, Calif.
CONCENTRATION
Government
ACTIVITIES
Mock Trial
MESSAGE
FROM THE AMBASSADOR
WHY COMMON GROUND MATTERS:
We’re all at Hamilton College because we want to make a difference in the world and need to develop the skills necessary to do so. Common Ground shows Hamilton students firsthand the importance of bipartisan cooperation and understanding in an increasingly hostile, polarized world.
REFLECTING ON DC:
Walking through the grand halls of the U.S. Capitol building on our DC trip was not only a fascinating look into our country's history but also a reminder of why Common Ground's mission is so important. Through fire and even an attempted insurrection, the Capitol has survived as a symbol of democracy, reminding our country — in this time of deep polarization — that our nation was founded on principles of political cooperation. In a sense, the Capitol is our nation's common ground.
PARTNERING WITH THE BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER (BPC)
The Bipartisan Policy Center is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.
“In today’s polarized environment, cultivating the next generation of thoughtful, pragmatic leaders is essential, and that’s why our partnership with Hamilton College is so significant,” said Kelly Darnell, BPC’s interim CEO. “Our democracy is stronger when we bring the best ideas from diverse viewpoints together. Working with esteemed partners like Hamilton College is critical to moving good policy forward now and in the future.” Hamilton is one of two college partners (University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the other).
Common Ground student ambassadors and Ty Seidule with former U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, and Steve Scully and John Richter from the BPC.
Events
There are several components that contribute to the success of each Common Ground event.
• Classroom visits
• Coffee & Cookies with Common Ground
• Dinners with invited faculty, staff, and students
• Main event
CLASSROOM VISITS
Common Ground speakers visit classes for small-group discussions that encourage students to ask questions and explore different perspectives, all while articulating and formulating their own viewpoints on pressing political issues. Classroom visits are not open to the public.
“Being able to host Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack ’72 in my class on climate change, and have him give a full-scale lecture on federal climate and agriculture policy, became a touchstone for students in the course throughout the semester.”
— AARON STRONG, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
COFFEE & COOKIES WITH COMMON GROUND
Launched in 2023, this open reception has created an opportunity for the campus community to connect with distinguished guests in a more intimate setting.
“A lot of students came to meet Representatives Val Demings and Roy Blunt … it was great to see a large circle of students talking to them about their careers — especially Posse [Scholars Program] students from Florida connecting with Demings, a local representative from their home communities.”
— KAITY STEWART, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMON GROUND
DINNERS WITH INVITED FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS
Faculty and staff who have expertise or academic interest in event topics, share background or experience with event speakers, or who host visiting speakers in their classes may be invited to participate in dinner. Students are nominated to join by professors whose course content is relevant for event topics.
“At the Common Ground dinner I saw my students network, work through difficult topics in conversation, and learn from the speakers and professors in attendance.”
— REBECA CASTANEDA LEFFLER, VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF GOVERNMENT
MAIN EVENT
Common Ground speakers take center stage for an evening that features balance and inclusion of differing viewpoints, where the speakers model the kind of respectful dialogue that should occur throughout our communities. These events are free and open to the public, and also live-streamed for alumni and parents.
“I served as the moderator for ‘Two Voices, One Planet: Navigating the Climate Crisis,’ on Jan. 31, 2024 … This was one of the most memorable experiences of my 22 years at Hamilton, and it was an absolute pleasure working with Ty [Seidule] and Kaity [Stewart] throughout the planning process.”
— PETER CANNAVÒ, PROFESSOR OF GOVERNMENT
“
With capable speakers on both sides of a given issue, each willing to acknowledge strengths in the position of the other, we aim to encourage students and other audience members to question their own assumptions and consider carefully the evidence and arguments supporting other viewpoints.”
— DAVID WIPPMAN, HAMILTON COLLEGE PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Past Events
• Oct. 18, 2017
Common Ground – American Politics
• April 11, 2018
Sacerdote Great Names/ Common Ground – National Security
• Oct. 27, 2018
Common Ground – Political Polarization
• April 11, 2019
Common Ground – American Presidency
• Jan.29, 2020
Common Ground – Affirmative Action: Support, Critiques, and What's Lost in the Discussion
• Feb. 11, 2020
Common Ground – Impeachment Pro & Con
• Nov. 15, 2021
Common Ground – Income Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Possible Policy Responses
• Oct. 25, 2022
Common Ground – A Conversation with Max Boot
• Nov. 15, 2022
Common Ground – War in Ukraine
• Feb. 21, 2023
Common Ground – Privacy: An Issue of Our Time
• March 27, 2023
Common Ground – What Does Freedom Mean in Online Speech?
• Sept. 5, 2023
Common Ground – Agricultural Issues
• Oct. 18, 2023
Common Ground – The Supreme Court’s Decision in 303 Creative v. Elanis — What Are the Implications for Free Speech and LGBTQ+ Rights?
• Nov. 1, 2023
Common Ground – BPC Event #1: Remaking the U.S. Energy System to Be Clean, Resilient, and Affordable
• Nov. 6, 2023
Common Ground – The Pathway to Energy Transition
• Dec. 4, 2023
Common Ground – BPC Event #2: Taming the Chaos: How Can We Bridge the Divides in DC?
• Jan. 31, 2024
Common Ground – Two Voices, One Planet: Navigating the Climate Crisis
• Feb. 7, 2024
Common Ground – Confederate Commemoration: Remove, Modify, or Replace: Working Across the Aisle to Confront Confederate Commemorations in the Military
• Feb. 28, 2024
Common Ground – WCNY PBS Ivory Tower: DEI, IVF and Reproductive Medicine, Sanctuary Cities, and Military Recruitment
• April 2, 2024
Common Ground – Climate, Guns, Borders, and Beyond: How Can We Tackle Today’s Biggest Issues?
• April 10, 2024
Common Ground – BPC Event #3: State of the Race: Biden v. Trump and the Road to the White House
“When David Wippman expressed a desire to nurture viewpoint diversity on campus and have opportunities for students to hear other opinions, we were motivated to support this effort. We have been excited to see Common Ground evolve and look forward to continued engagement of students, professors, staff, and alumni.”
—
EVE NIQUETTE P’20,’25
DATE: Oct. 18, 2017
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – American Politics
SPEAKERS: Karl Rove — Senior Advisor to, and Deputy Chief of Staff for, President George W. Bush
David Axelrod — Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, Director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, Senior Political Commentator for CNN
MODERATOR: Susan Page — Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today
DATE: April 11, 2018
EVENT NAME: Sacerdote Great Names/Common Ground –National Security
SPEAKERS: Condoleezza Rice — 19th U.S. National Security Advisor and 66th Secretary of State for President
George W. Bush
Susan Rice — 12th Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs for President Bill Clinton, 27th U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, 23rd U. S. National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama
MODERATOR: Andrea Mitchell — Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for NBC News, Host of The Andrea Mitchell Report for MSNBC
“I came into the Q&A with pretty negative opinions of both speakers based on their political history. However, I was surprised by how thoughtful and rational both were. They had very bipartisan and pragmatic insight and advice about current international issues and helped me better understand the processes they would go through when making policy decisions.” — JOHNNY SEABRIGHT ’20
DATE: Oct. 27, 2018
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Political Polarization
SPEAKERS: Mike Dubke ’92, P’19 — Former White House Communications Director for President Donald Trump Marc Elias ’90 — General Counsel for John Kerry’s presidential campaign, Partner with Perkins Coie LLP who served as General Counsel for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign
MODERATOR: Jackie Judd P’14 — Journalist, Independent Communications Consultant
“ The hallmark of a liberal arts education has been the constructive debate of ideas. Recent events have seen the constructive portion blunted. Common Ground is a forum to pursue the civil debate of important ideas.”
— ROBERT MORRIS ’76, P’16,’17, COLLEGE TRUSTEE
DATE: April 11, 2019
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – American Presidency
SPEAKERS: Jim Messina — White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations for President Barack Obama
Reince Priebus — Former Chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Former Chair of the Republican National Committee, 27th White House Chief of Staff for President Donald Trump
MODERATOR: Jackie Judd P’14 — Journalist, Independent Communications Consultant
“Getting to compare what happens in politics behind the scenes versus what you see normally in the show of campaigning and the theatre of signing bills is very interesting … we got to see a little bit more of how the sausage gets made through the chief of staff perspective.” — ALEX NEMETH ’22
DATE: Jan. 29, 2020
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Affirmative Action: Support, Critiques, and What's Lost in the Discussion
SPEAKERS: Rick Banks — Professor of Law at Stanford Law School, author of Is Marriage for White People? How the African American Marriage Decline Affects Everyone
Julie Park Associate Professor of Education at the University of Maryland, author of Race on Campus: Debunking Myths with Data
Jason Riley — Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Columnist for The Wall Street Journal
Genevieve Bonadies Torres — Counsel for the Educational Opportunities Project of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
MODERATOR: Julie Vultaggio — Associate Dean for Strategic Academic Initiatives at Harvard University
DATE: Feb. 11, 2020
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Impeachment Pro & Con
SPEAKERS: John Vecchione ’86 — Senior Litigation Counsel for the nonprofit New Civil Liberties Alliance
Phil Klinkner — James S. Sherman Memorial Professor of Political Science and Professor of Government
MODERATOR: Phil Klinkner — James S. Sherman Memorial Professor of Political Science and Professor of Government
“When I was in DC, [we students] had a very Washingtonian view of how things were run because of the influence of our internships and the people we were surrounded by. I think the questions here from the audience were actually quite different from the way it would have been [if the event took place] in DC … I think it's [impeachment] a vital issue wherever it is, but it means different things depending on the context of where you are.”
— DANIEL KOOBATAIAN ’21
DATE: Nov. 15, 2021
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Income Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Possible Policy Responses
SPEAKERS: Greg Mankiw — Professor of Economics at Harvard University, 21st Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers for President George W. Bush Christina Romer Professor of Economics at the University of California Berkeley, 25th Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers for President Barack Obama
MODERATOR: Ann Owen — Henry Platt Bristol Chair of Public Policy and Professor of Economics
DATE: Oct. 25, 2022
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – A Conversation with Max Boot
SPEAKER: Max Boot — Best-selling Author, Columnist for The Washington Post
MODERATORS: Ty Seidule — Executive Director of Common Ground and Visiting Professor of History Maurice Isserman — Publius Virgilius Rogers Professor of American History
“[We are] delighted and proud to help endow Hamilton College’s Common Ground Program. More than ever — in today’s world — Common Ground is a valuable and critical element of the Hamilton educational mission to foster critical thinking and holistic examination of difficult and often contentious national and global policy issues. Furthermore, it prepares our students with the life skills to be contributing members of our U.S. democracy.”
— LORI AND DAVID HESS ’77, COLLEGE TRUSTEE
DATE: Nov. 15, 2022
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – War in Ukraine
SPEAKERS: Andrei Kozyrev — Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia
Nicolai Petro Professor of Political Science at The University of Rhode Island
MODERATOR: Alan Cafruny —Henry Platt Bristol Chair of International Affairs and Professor of Government
DATE: Feb. 21, 2023
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Privacy: An Issue of Our Time
SPEAKERS: Jessica Rich — Former Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection for the Federal Trade Commission Brad Weltman — Director of Privacy and Public Policy for Meta
MODERATOR: Stuart Ingis ’93 — Counsel to Privacy for America, Chairman of Venable LLP, and Co-Chair of the eCommerce, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Group
“It was great to hear from some high-profile speakers on campus.”
— JACOB SHULMAN ’26
DATE: March 27, 2023
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – What Does Freedom Mean in Online Speech?
SPEAKERS: David Brody — Managing Attorney of the Digital Justice Initiative
Shoshana Weissmann — Digital Director of R Street
MODERATOR: Rob Martin — Professor of Government
DATE: Sept. 5, 2023
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Agricultural Issues
SPEAKERS: Tom Vilsack ’72, P’00 — 40th Governor of Iowa, 30th and 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for Presidents Obama and Biden, respectively
G.T. Thompson — U.S. House of Representatives and Chair of the House Agriculture Committee
MODERATOR: Edvige Jean-François ’90 — Executive Director of the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora at Georgia State University and former Special Projects Producer for CNN
DATE: Oct. 18, 2023
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – The Supreme Court’s Decision in 303 Creative v. Elanis — What Are the Implications for Free Speech and LGBTQ+ Rights?
SPEAKERS: Eric Olson — Former Solicitor General of Colorado
Dean Hila Keren Professor at Southwestern Law School
Dale Carpenter Professor at Southern Methodist University
Dedman School of Law
MODERATOR: Michael Grygiel ’79, P’23 — Shareholder and Co-Chair at National Media and Entertainment Litigation Group, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
“Great series, interesting discussions, great moderation and audience involvement.”
— JEFFREY SILBERZWEIG ’83
“I find it refreshing to hear from successful people having important conversations. Particularly, this year’s events on climate change policy were really fascinating, because it took what I was learning in the classroom and brought it to life.”
— ELLIE SANGREE ’24
DATE: Nov. 1, 2023
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – BPC Event #1: Remaking the U.S. Energy System to Be Clean, Resilient, and Affordable
SPEAKERS: Dave Banks — Economist, Political Analyst, and Policy Advocate, focusing on climate change, energy, and trade; Chief Strategist for the Republican side of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Jason Grumet — Chief Executive Officer of the American Clean Power Association
MODERATOR: Lesley Jantarasami — Managing Director of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Energy Program
DATE: Nov. 6, 2023
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – The Pathway to Energy Transition
SPEAKERS: Christine Todd Whitman — 50th Governor of New Jersey, 9th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for President George W. Bush, Co-Chair of the Forward Party Gina McCarthy — 13th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for President Barack Obama, 1st White House National Climate Advisor for President Joe Biden
MODERATOR: Aaron Strong — Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
“It’s interesting that a few hours online [livestreaming Common Ground] tied together elements of my undergraduate education and my adult life. It’s the kind of synergy I found at Hamilton as an undergrad. I was delighted to capture some of it again as an 80-plus year old alumnus.”
— GEOFFREY BROWN
’63
DATE: Dec. 4, 2023
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – BPC Event #2: Taming the Chaos: How Can We Bridge the Divides in DC?
SPEAKERS: Val Demings — Executive Fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, former U.S. Representative from Florida Roy Blunt — Executive Fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, former U.S. Senator from Missouri
MODERATOR: Steve Scully — Senior Vice President of Communications at the Bipartisan Policy Center
“Division is increasingly everywhere. Programs like Common Ground are few and far between, and teach our students how to respect differing viewpoints with understanding and tolerance, versus anger and the need to be right. These are essential life skills … learning how to get along with others … modeling respectful and compassionate discourse teaches our students healthy ways to accept and process differing viewpoints. Thank you for offering Common Ground.”
— DIANA REYNOLDS ’92, P’24,’27
DATE: Jan. 31, 2024
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Two Voices, One Planet: Navigating the Climate Crisis
SPEAKERS: Bob Inglis — Executive Director of republicEn.org, former U.S. Representative from South Carolina Rhiana Gunn-Wright Director of the Climate Policy program at the Roosevelt Institute
MODERATOR: Peter Cannavò — Professor of Government
“I participated via Zoom in a number of the Common Ground events this year. I was impressed with all of the speakers. They spoke well, were well informed, and had interesting stories and perspectives. I was particularly impressed that each speaker listened to their opposite, and actually responded to questions calmly and thoughtfully — no yelling, no dismissiveness, and no politicking (in the worst sense of the word).” — LORI LOVEJOY ’91
DATE: Feb. 7, 2024
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Confederate Commemoration: Remove, Modify, or Replace: Working Across the Aisle to Confront Confederate Commemorations in the Military
SPEAKERS: Admiral Michelle Howard — Retired U.S. Navy
The Honorable Lawrence Guzman Romo Former Director of the Selective Service System for President Barack Obama, retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Jerry Buchanan — Businessman and member of the Oklahoma State Elections Board
Ty Seidule — Executive Director of Common Ground and Visiting Professor of History
MODERATOR: Connor Williams — Lead Historian of The Naming Commission and a member of the departments of history and African American studies at Yale University
“I see our country in a state of crisis right now, and I think what you offer is a clear way to bridge divides and open conversation. Thank you for doing this. It's just one more reason we have been so impressed with Hamilton.”
— KIRSTEN CHAPMAN P’27
DATE: Feb. 28, 2024
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – WCNY PBS Ivory Tower: DEI, IVF and Reproductive Medicine, Sanctuary Cities, and Military Recruitment
SPEAKERS: Ty Seidule — Executive Director of Common Ground and Visiting Professor of History
Luke Perry — Chair and Professor of Government at Utica University, Director of the Utica University Center of Public Affairs and Election Research
Nina Moore — Chair and Professor of Political Science at Colgate University
Rick Fenner — Dean of the School of Business and Justice Studies and Professor of Economics at Utica University
Chad Sparber — W. Bradford Wiley Chair in International Economics at Colgate University
Tara Ross — Professor of History at Onondaga Community College
HOST: Dave Chanatry ’80 — Professor of Journalism at Utica University and Director of the New York Reporting Project
MODERATOR: Barbara Fought — Professor Emerita of Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University
DATE: April 2, 2024
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – Climate, Guns, Borders, and Beyond: How Can We Tackle Today’s Biggest Issues?
SPEAKERS: Matt Cartwright ’83 — U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee
Steve Russell — President and CEO of JAARS [Jungle Aviation and Radio Service] and former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma
MODERATOR: Mimi Geerges — Host of CSPAN’s Washington Journal
“ This instance brought home vividly how essential having a tough, smart moderator is to the success of the conversation. Mimi Geerges was all of the above and she helpfully held both speakers’ feet to the fire when needed, for clarification and accountability. She pulled it off without being harsh or confrontational.”
— KATHERYN DORAN, PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY
DATE: April 10, 2024
EVENT NAME: Common Ground – BPC Event #3: State of the Race: Biden v. Trump and the Road to the White House
SPEAKERS: Aleigha Cavalier — Vice President of Mobilization Campaign Management at Precision Strategies, and Democratic Strategist
John Feehery Partner of EFB Advocacy and Republican Strategist
MODERATOR: Steve Scully — Senior Vice President of Communications at the Bipartisan Policy Center
“Although higher education has changed enormously in the 70-plus years since I left the Hill, the Common Ground webinars assure me that Hamilton College remains a place of intellectual endeavor, questioning, and honest discovery. Even in my ninth decade, I learn new things.” —
STUART
SELBY ’53
THE COMMON
FUTURE FOCUS
Common Ground events generate respectful conversation, rather than debate. By teaching students to concede the legitimacy of their peers’ perspectives — especially when they are different from their own — Common Ground provides a level of preparedness for life on the Hill and beyond. It fosters respect and empathy, encourages critical thinking, promotes collaboration and problem-solving, enhances self-awareness and growth, reduces conflict, and builds community.
The program will continue to evolve with Steven Tepper as Hamilton’s 21st president. During his first campus visit as president-elect, Tepper noted that his favorite expressions are “What if?” and “Onward” — ideal perspectives to continue Common Ground’s underlying mission of turning outrage into inquiry.
“A liberal arts education … is a place for the intimate exchange of ideas, of questioning, of engaging fully, being reflexive and selfdirected, and open and exploratory … What if every single member of this community could show up in every space in their full humanity? Where they’re seen and they’re recognized and they’re honored and they’re embraced for their distinctive perspective and their experience and their creativity? Where there could be critique without judgment and failure without fear?”
— STEVEN TEPPER, HAMILTON’S 21ST PRESIDENT
