National Politics Editor for Politico, Charles Mahtesian, to Speak at New Topics New College December 11
The opening lecture in the new series, New Topics New College, will feature a panel discussion entitled “Post-Election Washington – What Lies Ahead?” with National Journal correspondent Alexis Simendinger, Politico editor Charles Mahtesian and New College political science professor Frank Alcock. The program will take place on December 11 at 7 pm in Mildred Sainer Pavilion on the New College campus.
Sponsored by New College of Florida and the New College Foundation, the series pairs prominent national speakers with New College faculty for stimulating discussions on relevant topics of our time. Future programs include “The Search for Sunken Gold” on January 14; “Charles Darwin at 200” on February 4; and Crystal Balling the Economy” on March 11.
New College alumna Alexis Simendinger is a national correspondent for the weekly news magazine National Journal and appears regularly on PBS’ Washington Week with Gwen Ifill. She was recently awarded the Aldo Beckman Award by the White House Correspondents’ Association for her “sustained excellence in White House Coverage.” She is currently covering President-Elect Barack Obama’s transition to the White House.
Charles Mahtesian is Politico’s national politics editor and is regarded as one of the country’s leading experts on presidential politics. He is the former editor of National Journal’s Almanac of American Politics, often referred to as “the bible of American politics.” Mahtesian has provided political analysis for National Public Radio, CNN, C-SPAN and the BBC.
Political science professor Frank Alcock teaches courses on world politics, international law and sustainable development at New College. He also serves as the political commentator for ABC 7 News in Sarasota. Prior to coming to New College, Alcock served as an international policy analyst/economist at the U.S. Department of Energy.
Each lecture in the New Topics New College series will be introduced by a brief talk by a New College student engaged in a related field of study and will conclude with a dessert reception at which attendees will be able to meet the speakers, students and faculty members featured in each program.
All programs take place at the Mildred Sainer Music & Arts Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road. Series tickets are $50 and individual lectures are $15, with net proceeds benefiting scholarships and other resources for New College students. For reservations and information, call the New College Office of Public Affairs at 941-487-4155.
New Topics New College is the successor to the New College Foundation’s successful Hot Topics series, which started on campus in 2004. The series sponsor for this year’s programming is once again U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. The Fedder Lecture Series of the TREE Foundation is also underwriting the lecture on Charles Darwin.
Complete program schedule follows:
Thu, Dec 11, 2008: “Post-Election Washington: What Lies Ahead?”
Alexis Simendinger, national correspondent, National Journal (New College alumna)
Charles Mahtesian, national politics editor, Politico
Frank Alcock, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Political Science, New College
Wed, Jan 14, 2009: “The Search for Sunken Gold”
Greg Stemm, Founder & CEO, Odyssey Marine Exploration (New College alumnus)
Mark Gordon, President, Odyssey Marine Exploration
Wed, Feb 4, 2009: “Charles Darwin at 200: The Concise Story of an Extraordinary Man”
Tim Berra, Professor Emeritus, Department of Evolution, Ecology & Organismal Biology, Ohio State University
Meg Lowman, Ph.D., Professor of Biology & Environmental Studies, New College of Florida
Underwritten by TREE Foundation
Wed, Mar 11, 2009: “Crystal Balling the Economy”
Robert “Tim” McGee, Ph.D., Director of Macro Strategy and Research, U.S. Trust, Bank of America