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Meet the McCarthy Center Team

Professional Staff

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Dr. Matt Lindstrom

Position: Director, McCarthy Center

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Anastasia Nathe

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Position: Administrative Assistant McCarthy Center

Student Coordinators

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Alayna Furman

Position: Student Coordinators

Bio: My name is Alayna Furman, and I am a sophomore political science major on a pre-law professional track with minors in English and psychology. When I began my academic and personal journey at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, I was immediately interested in joining the McCarthy Center as it responds to my passion for public policy and civic engagement. I define my life by three core values: service, hospitality, and leadership. These values are embodied in everything the McCarthy Center does.

Beyond the McCarthy Center, I serve as the CSB Co-Chair to the CSB+SJU College Democrats, the President of the Political Science Club, and on the St. Ben’s Senate. In these positions, I have discovered a passion for planning events that meaningfully engage students, which strongly aligns with my work at the McCarthy Center. Currently, I co-direct our 2025-2026 Mentor Program, which has been an extremely rewarding experience thus far. I cannot wait to continue assisting the team in creating engaging events for students to engage with the world around them!

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Meghan Weiss

Position: Student Coordinators

Bio: My name is Meghan Weiss, and I am a Senior Political Science major and Music minor at CSB. Aside from school, I am a bass player for St. Cloud Symphony and a bass player for Great Theatre. I have loved working with the McCarthy Center for the past 3 years. What we stand for, what we get to share with others, and the community we can bring together have been incredibly meaningful to me. No matter the event, I have always enjoyed being a part of the Center!

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Charlotte Whiting

Position: Student Coordinators

Bio: My name is Charlotte Whiting, I am a junior Political Science major with minors in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Global Languages and Cultures. Aside from working at the McCarthy Center, I am involved in the CSBSJU International Affairs Club and Model United Nations Team and the campus College Democrats chapter. My favorite McCarthy Center event I’ve worked on was during my freshman year when we brought former MN Supreme Court Justice Alan Page to campus! I love working in the Center, especially during election seasons — it’s so inspiring to see students engage in their civic duties!!

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Evelyn Biederman

Position: Student Coordinators

Bio: My name is Evelyn Biederman. I am a junior political science major and strategic communications minor. Outside of the McCarthy Center, I am a Health Advocates Subcommittee Leader at the CSB+SJU Wellness Center. In the summer, I work at an interior design shop in my hometown, Stillwater, MN. In my free time, I like to draw, cook, and listen to music. My favorite project that I’ve done with the McCarthy Center is the Mayor Forum Q+A. I have also enjoyed keeping the McCarthy Center Instagram and YouTube up to date, keeping students informed about civic engagement opportunities. 

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Francis Koll

Position: Student Coordinator

Bio: My name is Francis Koll, and I am a freshman at SJU. Currently pursuing majors in English and Political Science and a minor in Theology, I always love a great, detailed debate! Some of my favorite activities on campus include singing in the Chamber Choir, representing first-years on the Saint John’s Senate, and leading music ministry at SJU student mass. I value

thoughtful, constructive conversations with folks from all persuasions, and I look forward to implementing such dialogues through several initiatives at the McCarthy Center. Currently, I am obsessed with Amanda Ripley’s excellent book, High Conflict; I believe it has lots to teach us all about how to disagree and carry on relationships and connections in this beautiful, diverse world.