Second Pioneer Symposium Takes Place on Veteran’s Day

It has been nine long months, but today the 2016 election comes to an end. The University of Denver is marking the conclusion of the election with the second Pioneer Symposium of the academic year. The theme for the Nov. 11 event is politics and service.

“The questions surrounding policy, cultural and political implications of the election are top of mind for many individuals,” says Brandon Buzbee, associate vice chancellor of University Advancement. “At DU we have thought leaders in our faculty who are well versed in international and domestic policy issues. This symposium we are featuring many of these thought leaders to provide perspective and insight in what is likely to be a moment of significant unknowns.”

The symposium’s welcome luncheon will showcase distinguished speakers and faculty from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies: Christopher Hill, dean of the school; Rachel Epstein, professor of international relations and co-director of the Colorado European Union Center of Excellence; and Nader Hashemi, associate professor and director of the Center for Middle East Studies. The three will be joined by retired Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., fifth commander of the United States Northern Command and 22nd commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

The lunch will be followed by faculty sessions featuring speakers from Korbel, the Daniels College of Business, the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Graduate School of Professional Psychology.

“Our hope is that alumni and members of the community who attend will gain added perspective and insight,” Buzbee says. “So many questions will linger until a new president is inaugurated, but our hope is the symposium gives individuals significant food for thought and a chance to reflect in light of academic research and thought leadership.”

After the symposium, the University will host a celebration for veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Damon Vine, DU’s veteran services coordinator, along with faculty members from the Sturm Center’s specialty in military psychology, will speak about their work addressing mental health for men and women who have served the country.

For more information on the presenters and a complete schedule, click here.