Home › Events and Programming › Past Events

Past Events

All Past Events

Event poster "Say No to Racism" graphic and text: "Racism, Bias, & Belonging. A panel discussion | Race & ethnicity event. March 24, 4:30–5:30 PM Multicultural Center (CSB).

Racism, Bias, & Belonging Panel Discussion

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Multicultural Center, CSB

Recent events on our campus and beyond have raised difficult questions about racism, bias, belonging, and the harm these experiences can cause. This panel brings together faculty and staff from various departments to help our community understand, process, and respond to these issues from multiple perspectives. […]

A man with light skin, light brown hair, and blue eyes wearing a suit and tie stands in front of a blurred American flag, prepared to speak at the 19th Annual McCarthy Lecture.

2026 – 19th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture – Jake Sullivan

7:00 p.m. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater

The annual public lectureship carries McCarthy’s deep commitment to the ideals and principles of democratic self-government. It seeks to inspire a new generation of young people to pursue fresh ideas, challenge the status quo, effect positive change in their communities, and, like McCarthy himself, lead with honesty, integrity, and courage. […]

A flyer for an event titled "Inside the Judicial System" discusses legal issues like immigration and human trafficking. The event is on Tuesday, March 10th, with dinner at 5:30pm and discussion at 6pm in Upper Gorecki.

Inside the Judicial System

5:30 p.m. Gorecki 204, CSB

Join us for a timely conversation on the most pressing legal and social issues facing our country today, […]

A promotional flyer for a disability health equity event features guest speaker Anna Phearman, scheduled for Tuesday, September 30 at 4:00 PM in the Multicultural Center. Anna is smiling and wearing glasses and a pink dress.

It Starts With You: Advancing Disability Health Equity in Challenging Times

4:00 p.m. Multicultural Center, CSB

co-curricular event: Race/Ethnicity and Gender Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. CSB Multicultural Center Speaker: Anna Phearman, MPH Sponsored by the McCarthy Center and the Gender Studies program Description: The disability community is one of the nation’s largest minority groups, with 1 in 4 US adults experiencing some disability. […]

A person with long brown hair is smiling outdoors. They are wearing sunglasses on their head. The background shows greenery and trees.

Embracing Repair

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Quad 264

Seeking truth and healing for the Church’s role in Native boarding schools. […]

Red and blue flyer for a Q&A event titled "Want to Know the Future of St. Joe?" with Mayor Adam Scepaniak. It is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 26th, at Gorecki 120 from 6-7pm. Refreshments, cookies, door prizes, and giveaways are mentioned.

Mayor Q+A

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Gorecki 120

Ask newly elected Mayor Scepaniak anything at this open Q+A event. […]

Poster for "Let's Talk Mondays" event at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 24. Topics include tariffs and USAID. Featured speakers: Dr. Christl Silver and Dr. Louis Johnston. Includes a Zoom link and QR code for access. Hosted by Saint Benedict and Saint John's.

Let’s Talk Monday

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 850 7687 1144 Password: 0K5NgF

Want to learn about tariffs? Join the Let’s Talk Monday Zoom with Dr. Christi Siver; Political Science and Dr. […]

A group of people, including a person in religious attire, stand on the steps of a church. They are all smiling and posing for the photo in front of a stone building with arched windows. The sky is overcast, and there are trees in the background.

The Bahamas

CSB + SJU students along with Dr. Matt Lindstrom,  Dr. Brittany Merritt-Nash, and Dr. Deborah Pembleton visited The Bahamas for a study tour hosted by the McCarthy Center and the Climate Justice Club. […]

A group of people stands in a circle in a conference room, participating in an interactive activity. Some hold colorful sticks. Chairs are arranged along the walls, and the atmosphere appears lively and engaging.

Geometry of a Leader Retreat: Summer Leadership Fellows 2023

The Summer Leadership Fellows (SLF) program provides Bennies and Johnnies opportunities to engage in 10-week summer internships with non-profit and government organizations. Internships are the main feature of the SLF program. However, before, during, and after engagement with sites, students conduct multiple trainings with professionals. […]

A promotional image for the Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture featuring General Paul Nakasone from the class of '86. The event will take place on October 20, 2022, at 7 p.m. in Humphrey Theater, SJU. The McCarthy Center's logo is included at the bottom left.

2022-16th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture – Gen. Paul Nakasone

7:00 p.m. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater

Gen. Paul Nakasone, a 1986 Saint John’s University graduate, presented the 2022 Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, located on the Saint John’s University campus. The four-star general and White Bear Lake, Minnesota native is currently serving as Commander, U.S. […]

A woman with short brown hair, wearing a blue blazer and pearl necklace, smiles in front of the U.S. flag. The text "McCarthy Lecture 2021 Senator Tina Smith" is on the right side of the image.

2021-15th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture – U.S. Senator Tina Smith

7:30 p.m. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater

Tina Smith serves as United States Senator for Minnesota. Smith also serves on four Senate committees: Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; and Indian Affairs. This year, she was named chair of two Senate subcommittees. When speaking on Eugene J. […]

A person in a suit speaks at a wooden podium with a microphone in an indoor setting. The background features large wooden panels and potted plants.

Bob Costa: Guest Speaker for Polidazzle 15

Award-winning journalist, Robert Costa, captivated Polidazzle guests with fascinating anecdotes from his experiences covering political figures like Sarah Palin, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump during their campaigns. Costa highlighted the significance of valuing democracy and encouraged local political engagement, civic literacy, and courageous leadership inspired by Senator Eugene McCarthy. […]

We Should All Be Feminists.

Featuring Dr. Patricia Bolanos-Fabres and Victoria Evens Topic: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: “We Should All Be Feminists.” “We teach girls that they can have ambition, but not too much … to be successful, but not too successful, or they’ll threaten men, says author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. […]

Portrait of a woman with short gray hair, wearing a dark blazer and light blue shirt, standing in a green outdoor setting. Text on the image reads, "McCarthy Lecture 2020 Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson.

2020-14th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture – Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson

2:00 p.m.

With Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson is a distinguished award-winning communications professor from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Jamieson’s trail-blazing scholarship and public leadership demonstrate a deep commitment to democratic justice, particularly fair elections and fact-based information. […]

How Racism harms Pregnant Women.

Featuring Dr. Ellen Block Topic: Miriam Zoila Perez: “How Racism harms Pregnant Women.” Dr. Ellen Block, professor of sociology, facilitated a discussion around Miriam Zoila Perez’s TED Talk, “How Racism Harms Pregnant Women”. […]

Smiling woman with long, dark hair touches her hair in a relaxed pose. She wears a black top, and the background features wooden paneling.

The Power of Being the OTHER in the Room

7:00 p.m. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater

Simmons graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in genetics and a minor in statistics. In 2017, Simmons made history at 23 years old, becoming the youngest female and the second-ever African American woman to work as a trader at the New York Stock Exchange in 225 years. […]

Why your Doctor Should Care about Social Justice.

Featuring Dr. Jeffrey Anderson Topic: Mary Bassett: “Why your Doctor Should Care about Social Justice.” In Zimbabwe in the 1980s, Mary Bassett witnessed the AIDS epidemic firsthand, and she helped set up a clinic to treat and educate local people about the deadly virus. […]

A man with short hair and a beard is wearing a light blue checkered shirt and a matching tie. He stands in front of a blurred bookshelf and looks towards the camera with a neutral expression.

Election 2018: How the Midterm Elections May Impact Foreign Policy

Presented by Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Dr. Brands. Brands is the author of, What Good Is Grand Strategy? Power and Purpose in American Statecraft from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush. […]

Two speakers seated on a stage in front of a large cross in a church-like setting. The slide behind them reads "McCarthy Lecture 2018 Denis McDonough '92." Both men are engaged in discussion, surrounded by greenery and colorful flowers on a table.

2018-12th Annual Eugene J McCarthy Lecture – Denis McDonough

7:30 p.m. Abbey and University Church

Most people rarely get a good glimpse into the inner workings of the White House. But on Monday, Oct. 15, Denis McDonough peel[ed] back the layers of intrigue and describe how the West Wing operates. McDonough, who served four years as President Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff, present[ed] the 12th annual Eugene J. […]

A group of people is seated in a modern office setting, engaged in a discussion. A man stands, speaking to the group, while others sit facing him. Panasonic branding is visible in the background.

Denver Colorado

Denver and Boulder Colorado are consistently rated among the most livable, sustainable, and vibrant cities in the United States and around the world. This trip focused on what makes them thrive environmentally, socially, and economically. Participants met a diverse mix of environmental leaders including chefs, developers, activists, and politicians, including Denver’s mayor. […]

The Power of Vulnerability.

Featuring President Mary Dana Hinton Topic: Brene Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability.” Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. […]

The Urgency of Intersectionality.

Featuring Dr. Laura Taylor Topic: Kimberle Crenshaw: “The Urgency of Intersectionality.” Now more than ever, it’s important to look boldly at the reality of race and gender bias — and understand how the two can combine to create even more harm. […]

Want to Help Someone? Shut Up and Listen!

Featuring Br. Paul Richards Topic: Ernesto Sirroli: “Want to Help Someone? Shut Up and Listen!” When most well-intentioned aid workers hear of a problem they think they can fix, they go to work. This, Ernesto Sirolli suggests, is naïve. […]

The Happy Secret to Better Work.

Featuring Dr. Michael Ewing Topic: Shawn Achor: “The Happy Secret to Better Work.” We believe we should work hard in order to be happy, but could we be thinking about things backwards? In this fast-moving and very funny talk, positive psychologist Shawn Achor argues that, actually, happiness inspires us to be more productive. […]

Two men are seated on stage with microphones, engaged in conversation during the McCarthy Lecture 2017. The man on the right is gesturing with his hands while speaking. The text in the foreground reads, "McCarthy Lecture 2017 Governor Jeb Bush.

2017-11th annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture – Jeb Bush

8:00 p.m. Saint John’s Abbey and University Church

Former Governor Jeb Bush gave the 11th annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture on September 21, 2017. You can watch the full lecture HERE Former Florida Governor and 2016 Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush will be interviewed for the 11th annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. […]

Use Art to Turn the World Inside Out.

Topic: J.R.: “Use Art to Turn the World Inside Out.” French street artist JR uses his camera to show the world its true face, by pasting photos of the human face across massive canvases. At TED2011, he makes his audacious TED Prize wish: to use art to turn the world inside out. […]

A woman with short brown hair is smiling with her arms crossed, wearing a dark blazer over a white top. The background is plain and light-colored.

All in the Family: Values and Purpose in Business

Susan Marvin serves as chairwoman of the Board of Directors of The Marvin Companies. She has been part of the third generation management team, and is one of 14 third and fourth generation Marvin family members operating the company today. Her lecture highlights her experience as a leader and her closely held values. […]

We need to feed the whole world

Topic: Louise Fresco: “We need to feed the whole world” Join the McCarthy Center for a viewing and discussion of Louise Fresco’s TED Talk of mass produced, supermarket-style white bread. […]

Listening to Shame

Topic: Brené Brown: “Listening to Shame” Join the McCarthy Center for a viewing and discussion of Brené Brown’s TED Talk on shame, guilt, and vulnerability. […]