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Undebates

About

IGPA has joined forces with partners from NPR Illinois, Illinois Public Media, Columbia College, the Chicago Sun-Times and the University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership to collaborate on an event series called “Undebates: A Three-Part Public Discussion Series on Hot Topics in the Presidential Election” that we hope will foster passionate but rational discussion of important issues in Illinois during the 2024 election season. We intend to bring together respected journalists and scholars to engage in thoughtful conversations that will hopefully foster a more informed electorate.

Each event will have two sessions:

Session 1: A small group of attendees will be invited to come an hour in advance of the main panel for small group discussions from both sides of the aisle. Facilitated by the moderator.

Session 2: Main panel filled with an experienced moderator (typically a local journalist), and experts on the topic (scholars, practitioners, journalists).

The three event series will be open to the public. Refreshments will be available free of charge for all attendees. Attendees are welcome to and encouraged to interact with the experts and ask questions.

Dates and topics below:

Dates and topics

Event 1 – Urbana (Foreign Policy), Wednesday, September 11

  • Konstantin Sonin: John Dewey Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Expert on Russian Political and Economic Affairs
  • Dick Farkas: Professor of Political Science at DePaul University. Expert on Russian and Eastern European Politics, Revolution, and Terrorism.
  • Nicholas Grossman: Teaching Assistant Professor at UIUC. Expert on U.S. Foreign Policy, with a focus on Gaza and Ukraine
Moderator: Brian Mackey, Illinois Public Radio, Host of The 21st
Venue: Technology Room @ iHotel, 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820
Small discussion start: 5:15 pm CT
Panel: 6:00 – 7:30 pm CT
Parking & Directions:
  • Driving: Enter the iHotel lot on the facility’s north side off of St. Mary’s Road across from the State Farm Center. Placing 111 St. Mary’s Road into your GPS will direct to the correct lot. Parking is free. Enter the west wing doors under the overhang. You will see signage for the event.

  • Bus: The iHotel is serviced by three stops via CUMTD. St. Mary’s Road at iHotel, First & St. Mary’s, or First at iHotel. Fares are $1 per ride, or free for those with a university iCard, or free if riding within the UIUC campus iZone.

Event 2 – Springfield (Reproductive Health), Tuesday, September 17

  • Robin Fretwell Wilson: Mildred Van Voorhis Jones Chair in Law, University of Illinois College of Law
  • Careyana Brenham, MD: Professor, Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education, Office of Graduate Medical Education
  • J. Ricardo Loret de Mola, MD: Chair and Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Director of St. John's Hospital Women’s Services, Director of the SIU Fertility and IVF Center
  • Sara Jane Peal: J.D. Candidate at U of I Member of Exceptions and Misconceptions Research Team at University of Illinois College of Law
Moderator: Sean Crawford, NPR Illinois
Venue: Center Ballroom, UIS Student Union, 2251 Richard Wright Dr, Springfield, IL 62703
Small discussion start: 5:15 pm CT
Panel: 6:00 – 7:30 pm CT
Parking & Directions:

Event 3 – Chicago (Immigration), Thursday, October 3

Moderator: Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin, Columbia College Chicago
Venue: Columbia College – Film Row Cinema, 8th floor 1104 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL
Small discussion start: 5:30 pm CT
Panel: 6:00 – 7:30 pm CT
Parking & Directions:
  • “Park 1” outdoor lot at 525 South Wabash (adjacent to Columbia’s campus building, 33 East Ida B. Wells).  RATES: 2 hours $8, 6 hours $12, 10 hours $15.  312-922-4128.

Any questions? Contact Alyssa Cooper, Senior Coordinator, Institute of Government & Public Affairs, acoope7@illinois.edu, 217-333-3438.

 

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