News

Pulitzer-Winning Historian to Commemorate 60th JFK Assassination Anniversary with Lecture on UE campus

The University of Evansville's Department of History, Politics, and Social Change is proud to welcome Dr. Fredrik Logevall for the 21st annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture. The Lecture will be in Eykamp Hall in the Ridgway University Center at UE on Friday, November 10 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

John F. Kennedy was one of the iconic political figures of the 20th century, a man known around the world by his initials, and tragically assassinated sixty years ago. From a young age, Kennedy had been fascinated by the nature and demands of leadership, especially in a democracy, and by the nature of political courage. Later, as a U.S. senator, he wondered aloud about how elected officials could reconcile their sense of the national interests with the often capricious demands of their constituents. The question, Kennedy suggested, went to the core of democratic governance. How should we consider JFK and his role in American and world politics, particularly during this time of rising threats to democracy both at home and abroad? In the 21st annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture, Pulitzer Prize-winning Harvard historian Fredrik Logevall will mark the 60th anniversary of JFK's death by exploring Kennedy's consequential leadership and why it matters for our current moment.

Dr. Fredrik Logevall is the Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs and Professor of History at Harvard University. He is a specialist in U.S. politics and foreign policy. Logevall was previously the Stephen and Madeline Anbinder Professor of History at Cornell University, where he also served as vice provost and as director of the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies. He won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for History for his book Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam. His most recent book, JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 (2020), was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. It has been called "An utterly incandescent study of one of the most consequential figures of the twentieth century" and "a powerful, provocative, and above all compelling book." Logevall's essays and reviews have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Politico, Daily Beast, and Foreign Affairs, among other publications.

"Professor Legevall is one of the world's leading historians of John F Kennedy and it is an enormous privilege to bring him to the University of Evansville to deliver the 2023 Fiddick Lecture and interact with students in class," said Dr James MacLeod, UE professor of history and director of the Fiddick Memorial Lecture Series. "Given the fact that the lecture will mark 60 years since JFK's untimely death, and Tom Fiddick's lifelong interest in the study of Kennedy, this lecture topic is particularly appropriate."

Thomas C. Fiddick, for whom the Fiddick Memorial Lecture is named, served as professor of history at the University of Evansville from 1963 to 2002. In his 39 years at the University, he was a dedicated teacher, a productive scholar, and a tireless fighter in the cause of justice. His book, Russia's Retreat from Poland, 1920: From Permanent Revolution to Peaceful Coexistence, is still considered to be the best book on this topic. Tom's untimely death on the day of his retirement in 2002 stunned the entire UE community, especially his many former students. It was from the former students' efforts in particular, with the support of Dr Fiddick's friends and the University, that the annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture was established.

"For over twenty years, the Fiddick Lecture has been one of the best events of the year, as we get to celebrate the career of a truly outstanding faculty member here at UE," MacLeod added. "Tom Fiddick was a wonderful friend, a brilliant scholar and an incredible teacher who made a life-transforming impact on generations of students."

Distinguished Historian Sally Roesch Wagner to Deliver Fiddick Lecture on November 5

The UE Department of History, Politics, and Social Change will welcome Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner for the 19th annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture on Friday, November 5. The lecture will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, located on the second floor of Ridgway University Center on the UE campus. The event is free and open to the public with a book-signing afterwards. For those who are unable to attend in person, the lecture will be live streamed. 

The 19th annual Fiddick Lecture is a centennial celebration (delayed by one year due to COVID-19) of the passing of the 19th Amendment, which gave American women the right to vote. Focusing on the women's rights movement over three centuries, Dr. Wagner’s lecture examines the movement's changing agenda, why it has happened, and how we can move forward today with United States democracy and the very existence of life on the planet hanging in the balance. 

Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner was awarded one of the first doctorates in the country for work in women’s studies (UC Santa Cruz), and she is a founder of one the first college-level women’s studies programs in the United States (CSU Sacramento). Dr. Wagner has taught women’s studies courses for 50 years, and she currently teaches for Syracuse University’s Honors Program. 

A major historian of the suffrage movement, Dr. Wagner has been active on the national scene. She appeared in and wrote the faculty guide for the Ken Burns documentary Not for Ourselves Alone. A prolific author, Dr. Wagner’s anthology The Women's Suffrage Movement, with a foreword by Gloria Steinem (Penguin Classics, 2019), unfolds a new intersectional look at the 19th century women’s rights movement. Sisters in Spirit: Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Influence on Early American Feminists (Native Voices, 2001) documents the surprisingly unrecognized authority of Native women who inspired the suffrage movement. It was followed by her young reader’s book, We Want Equal Rights: How Suffragists Were Influenced by Native American Women (Native Voices, 2020). Among her awards, Dr. Wagner was selected as a 2020 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction, one of “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” by Women’s E-News in 2015, and she received the Katherine Coffey Award for outstanding service to museology from the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums in 2012. 

“Professor Wagner is one of the leading historians of Women’s Suffrage in the country, and it is an enormous privilege to bring her to the University of Evansville to deliver the 2021 Fiddick Lecture and interact with students in class,” said Dr. James MacLeod, professor of history and director of the Fiddick Memorial Lecture Series for UE. “On the hundredth anniversary of one of the greatest steps forward in American history, it is important that we reflect and learn some of the lessons of the passing of Women’s Suffrage. Gaining the vote was a hugely important moment for American women, but the women’s rights movement has evolved significantly over the years, and there can be few better-qualified people to tell us this fascinating story than Sally Roesch Wagner.”  

Thomas C. Fiddick, for whom the Fiddick Memorial Lecture is named, served as professor of history at UE from 1963 to 2002. In his 39 years at the University, he was a dedicated teacher, a productive scholar, and a tireless fighter in the cause of justice. His book, Russia's Retreat from Poland, 1920: From Permanent Revolution to Peaceful Coexistence, is still considered to be the best book on this topic. Tom’s untimely death on the day of his retirement in 2002 stunned the entire UE community, especially his many former students. It was from the former students’ efforts in particular, with the support of Dr. Fiddick’s friends and the University, that the annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture was established. 

“The Fiddick Lecture is one of the best events of the year, as we get to celebrate the career of a truly outstanding faculty member here at UE,” MacLeod added. “Tom Fiddick was a brilliant scholar and an incredible teacher who made a life-transforming impact on generations of students.” 

Masks will be required while indoors on the UE campus. To stream the lecture live, visit evansville.edu/live

Richard Maass Publishes Book

UE associate professor of political science Richard Maass, PhD, has written a book titled The Picky Eagle that is being published by Cornell University Press.

In The Picky Eagle, Maass explains why the United States expanded westward to the Pacific but not north into Canada, south into Mexico, or overseas more than it did, focusing on the roles of democracy and xenophobia in limiting U.S. leaders' ambitions. It contains 23 historical case studies of U.S. foreign policy decision-making between 1775 and 1898.

Maass joined the UE Department of Law, Politics, and Society in 2014 after earning his PhD at Notre Dame and teaching as a visiting professor at Cornell. He studies international relations and political theory and is one of the University of Evansville’s 2016-17 Global Scholars. He has published research on annexation, US foreign policy, terrorism, and Cicero’s political thought. The Picky Eagle is Maass’s first book.

The book will be released on May 15 and can be preordered online from all major booksellers. Use code 09FLYER to save 30% when ordering directly from Cornell University Press or by calling 800-848-6224.

More information about The Picky Eagle can be found on the Cornell University Press website.

book image.

Robert Dion Interviewed About the 2016 Presidential Election

Robert Dion has been in the news recently both locally and internationally in response to increased attention to the presidential election. Just before the Iowa Caucus voting, he was featured in an in-depth segment with Brad Byrd on Eyewitness News.

He was also interviewed by the French business publication, Les Echos, regarding the candidacy of Hoosier politician, Pete Buttigieg. Professor Dion has been teaching about American Politics at the University of Evansville since 2001 as a faculty member of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society.

Robert Dion Appears in National News Media

Robert Dion of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society was interviewed recently about the challenges faced by the presidential campaign of South Bend mayor, Pete Buttigieg. His analysis of the campaign was featured in a long article that first appeared in the Indianapolis Star and then was picked up by USA Today. That article can be found here.

He was also a guest on the SiriusXM political broadcast, “The Big Picture,” last week discussing the same subject. “The Big Picture” appears on the non-partisan political analysis channel called POTUS, and it is hosted by Olivier Knox, who is the chief Washington correspondent for SiriusXM and is also the president of the White House Correspondents Association.

Maass signs with University of Michigan Press

Richard Maass, University of Evansville assistant professor of political science, has signed a contract with the University of Michigan Press for his second book, titled The United States and International Law: Paradoxes of Support across Contemporary Issues.

Co-edited with Lucrecia Garcia Iommi of Fairfield University, this volume will examine why the United States leads the creation and enforcement of international law in some areas while refusing to ratify major conventions on others. 

Robert Dion to be Invested as UE’s Igleheart Chair in Political Science

The University of Evansville has announced the upcoming investiture of Robert Dion as the newest holder of the Igleheart Chair in Political Science. The ceremony is planned for Saturday, March 2, at 4:30 p.m. in Neu Chapel on the UE campus. It will be part of a weekend of academic celebrations that will also include the inauguration of the University’s new president, Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz.

Dion is the chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society in the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences. He has taught American politics at the University since 2001. Before coming to UE, Dion held full-time teaching positions at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and at Wabash College. He earned his doctorate from Indiana University-Bloomington, for a dissertation focused on techniques of persuasive political communication. He also holds a master’s degree in American politics from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) in French and political science from Wabash College.

At the University of Evansville, Dion has received the United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award and the Sydney and Sadelle Berger Award for Service, and he has been named a Global Scholar by the Institute for Global Enterprise. He serves as an associate researcher for the Observatoire sur les Etats-Unis at the University of Quebec in Montreal.

Outside the classroom, Dion serves as the longtime chair of the Evansville Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission and is a member of the Indiana State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He is quoted regularly in news stories about political developments in Indiana or in the United States, and he has appeared frequently on radio and television news programs, including several French-language broadcast outlets.  

The Austin Igleheart Chair in Political Science is the culmination of a long relationship between the Igleheart family and the University of Evansville. John L. Igleheart supported bringing Moore’s Hill College to Evansville in 1919. In the late 1950s, the Igleheart’s son, Austin S. Igleheart, approached President Melvin Hyde about establishing a chair in government at Evansville College. The result was the establishment of the Igleheart Chair in Political Science, which was created to promote the study of government, particularly local government and political science. The chair is awarded to a faculty member who has demonstrated an understanding of the importance of teaching excellence in the field of political science. The chair is also responsible for promoting student internships and forums of interest to political science majors and the wider community.

Robert Dion giving a lecture.

Dion reelected chairperson for Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission

Robert Dion, University of Evansville department chair for Law, Politics, and Society, was recently reelected as the chairperson for the Evansville - Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission, the local civil rights agency.

Professor Dion has held this position since 2004, making him the longest-serving chair of any city or county civil rights commission in the state of Indiana. During that time, he has served as an appointee of the city government and of the county government and has been named to his post by officeholders of both political parties.

The Human Relations Commission has been in Evansville since 1948, and it became part of county government in the 1980s. Among its duties are the investigation and resolution of discrimination complaints and the promotion of harmonious community relations.

Maass presents research at ISA-Midwest

Richard Maass, assistant professor of political science, presented research from his forthcoming book, Annexation: How Democracy and Xenophobia Limited U.S. Territorial Expansion, at the annual conference of the International Studies Association-Midwest this past Friday in St. Louis. 

Maass presents research at international security conference

Richard Maass, University of Evansville assistant professor of political science, participated in the recent annual joint conference of the International Security Studies Section of the International Studies Association and the International Security Section of the American Political Science Association, at Purdue University. 

Maass chaired a panel on "Global Order and US Hegemony under President Trump," participated in a roundtable discussion of the recent book "Twilight of the Titans: Great Power Decline and Retrenchment" by Paul MacDonald and Joseph Parent, and presented research emerging from his own forthcoming book "Annexation: How Democracy and Xenophobia Limited US Territorial Expansion."

UE to Host State of Indiana Appeals on Wheels on November 1

The University of Evansville will play host to a traveling oral argument before the Indiana Court of Appeals on Thursday, November 1. This program, known as Appeals on Wheels, will begin at 11:00 a.m. in Eykamp Hall, Room 251, Ridgway University Center on UE’s campus. It is free and open to the public.

At this event, an oral argument will be presented for the Case of Ashley D. Reid versus the State of Indiana (18A-CR-00493). The procedure will unfold just as it would for an argument held in the Court’s Statehouse courtroom. A bailiff will call the court into session, robed judges will enter, and lawyers for each party will present arguments to the judges and respond to the judges' questions.

Following the argument, the audience will be invited to participate in a question and answer session with the judges and attorneys.

Please note the following important courtroom etiquette and procedure for Appeals on Wheels

This Oral Argument is a formal process with legal and procedural protocols, which includes the behavior and conduct of the audience.

Attendees should observe the following rules during the event:

  • NO cell phones, cameras, talking, eating or drinking.
  • This location will be serving as a courtroom and the audience should dress appropriately; this includes no hats and business casual attire would be the minimum standard.
  • The bailiff will call the Court to order by banging the gavel and asking everyone in the room to rise or stand.

Any questions about audience protocol should be directed to the Center for Career Development:at career@evansville.edu. 

“This event is just another example of the high-level educational opportunities we provide to students at UE,” said Robert Dion, chair of UE’s Department of Law, Politics, and Society. “They don’t just read about the legal process in a book, instead they get to witness a real legal proceeding firsthand and have the opportunity to interact with those involved—all on the UE campus.”

The goal of Appeals on Wheels is to help Hoosiers learn more about the judiciary's role in Indiana government. They also provide opportunities for Court of Appeals judges to meet and talk with the public in relatively informal settings.

The Court has conducted more than 400 Appeals on Wheels between its 2001 centennial and June 2013, although the program predates the centennial.

The event at UE is sponsored by the Department of Law, Politics and Society with support from the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations and the Center for Career Development.

Robert Dion interviewed by Radio Canada about Brett Kavanaugh

Last week’s Senate vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as the next associate justice of the Supreme Court attracted loads of national and international media attention, including from our neighbors to the north. Robert Dion, chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society, was the subject of a lengthy live interview in French on a national radio broadcast Sunday morning

The reporting looked at the likely political repercussions of Kavanaugh’s accession to the court. 

The Radio Canada public affairs program, Desautels le dimanche, can be accessed on the Radio Canada website.

Since the school year began, Professor Dion has been interviewed repeatedly by the Indianapolis Star and the Associated Press, among others, about the upcoming midterm elections, and he has appeared on the news broadcasts of all three local television stations

Ian Manuel to speak at UE on October 22

Ian Manuel will speak at the University of Evansville on Monday, October 22. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall room 251 within Ridgway University Center. Manuel will be discussing his experience of being sentenced to life imprisonment as a juvenile and his eventual release through the help of his victim turned advocate and the Equal Justice Initiative.

Manuel was 13 years old when he was sentenced to life for shooting Debbie Baigre, a young, white woman. He served 26 years of his sentence, much of it in solitary confinement due to his young age. Baigre became his supporter and friend, advocating for his early release. On November 10, 2016, Manuel was released from prison at the age of 40. His case paved the way for other groundbreaking legislation prohibiting life sentences for juveniles convicted of non-homicide offenses (Graham v. Florida, 2010). All juveniles sentenced to life in prison at that time in the US for non-homicide cases were children of color.

Manuel’s remarkable story is included in the bestselling book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, written by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative.

This event is co-sponsored by the University’s Psychology Club, Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the Department of Law, Politics, and Society.

Robert Dion helps prepare report on voting rights in Indiana

Robert Dion, department chair for Law, Politics, and Society at the University of Evansville, recently participated in the preparation of a report on the status of voting rights in the state of Indiana. That report will be formally presented on Wednesday, September 12, at a meeting of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in Washington, D.C.

The work is the result of a series of fact-finding hearings held across the state by members of the Indiana State Advisory Committee (SAC) to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Professor Dion, who is the longtime chairperson of the local civil rights agency, the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission, received a federal appointment to the Indiana State Advisory Committee in 2014.

Those interested in reading the report and seeing its recommendations may read it here: www.usccr.gov/pubs/2018/07-25-IN-Voting-Rights.pdf.

University of Evansville Announces Berger Awards for 2018

University of Evansville professors Laura Dwyer and Robert Dion were honored recently with the 2018 Sydney and Sadelle Berger Awards for Scholarly Activity and Service. They were presented with the awards by Charlie Berger during UE’s Fall Conference.

UE associate professor of management Laura Dwyer was given the Berger Award for Scholarly Activity. Dwyer has significantly contributed to the research community. She is a prominent scholar and teacher specializing in the areas of organizational behavior, human resources, decision making, and leadership.

Dwyer has a strong interest in publishing in peer-reviewed pedagogical journals in the areas of business education and higher education. Of particular interest is Dwyer’s research titled “Leadership self-efficacy and managers' motivation for leading change.” This research has received 416 citations since its publication in 2002 in the Journal of Organizational Behavior

Dwyer continually shares her knowledge by delivering seminars and workshops at Harvard Business School, Northwestern University, and University of Colorado.

She has received UE’s Schroeder School of Business Dean’s Service Award, the Dean's Research Award, and the Dean's Teaching Award twice. Dwyer has also received a Teaching Fellows Grant from the Center for Teaching Excellence.

UE associate professor of political science and chair of law, politics, and society Robert Dion was the recipient of the Berger Award for Service. Dion is committed to serving UE and the community and to promoting diversity and equal rights for all people.

He has been chair of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission for several years. He has been a featured speaker at statewide meetings of all Indiana human rights agencies and a delegate to conventions of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies. Dion is a longtime member of the Evansville Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series board.

At UE, Dion has received the United Methodist Exemplary Teaching Award and serves on several committees and boards, including the Diversity Lecture Series board and the MLK Day Committee. He chairs UE’s Constitution Day committee and works with We the People, a national program dedicated to teaching secondary school students about the US. Constitution.

He is regularly interviewed by local, statewide, national, and international news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Le Monde, the BBC World Service, The Guardian, and Radio Canada.

Maass presents research at international conference

Richard Maass, assistant professor of political science, presented research at the international "Space, Society, Politics" conference at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University on June 21

Maass's presentation included research from his book, Annexation: How Democracy and Xenophobia Limited U.S. Territorial Expansion, which is forthcoming from Cornell University Press. 

Maass signs book contract with Cornell University Press

Richard W. Maass, assistant professor of political science, has signed a contract with Cornell University Press for the publication of his book, currently titled Annexation: How Democracy and Xenophobia Limited U.S. Territorial Expansion (title may change).

The culmination of nearly 10 years of research and writing, this book examines why the United States annexed the territories it did (e.g., Louisiana, Florida, California) and equally importantly, why it did not annex the territories it didn't (e.g., Canada, Mexico, Cuba). Based on 23 case studies of U.S. foreign policy decision-making between 1775 and 1898,

Maass argues that the pattern of U.S. territorial expansion was most constrained not by material factors, but rather by the domestic political and normative consequences of annexing large alien populations.

With a final manuscript deadline set for January 2019, expect the book to be available later next year.

Dion interviewed about Martin Luther King, 1968, and upcoming elections

Robert Dion, chair of the University of Evansville's Department of Law, Politics, and Society, was interviewed by the Indianapolis Star and the Associated Press this week regarding the upcoming Indiana primary election. He also appeared on Channel 25  to discuss ways that the tumultuous year of 1968 affected American politics. 

As one of the co-sponsors of UE's observance of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Professor Dion also was part of the news coverage of that event on Wednesday.

Robert Dion Attends Hearing on Voting Rights in Indiana

Robert Dion, department chair for Law, Politics, and Society, was in Indianapolis recently to attend a public meeting examining the status of voting rights in Indiana. 

The meeting was convened by the Indiana State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, of which Dr. Dion is a member. 

Over the course of a full day, the committee heard testimony from government officials, policy advocates, legal experts, and academics regarding the civil rights implications of the current electoral process in the Hoosier state. A complete report of their findings will be submitted later this year, along with policy recommendations. 

Professor Dion was recently elected to another term as the chairperson of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission, which is the local agency that investigates and resolves claims of discrimination.  He is the longest-serving chair of any local human rights commission in Indiana.

People sitting at a long table

UE to Host Day-Long Political Science Mini-Conference on Tuesday, March 20

A partnership between the University of Evansville’s Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series and UE’s Department of Law, Politics, and Society will bring to the community a series of stimulating conversations about the contemporary political scene and the challenges it presents. Scheduled events highlighted below will culminate in an evening conversation with Former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar and President Thomas A. Kazee. The day-long series of events are in recognition of Kazee’s career as both president and political scientist.

The following events are free and open to the public on Tuesday, March 20:

State of our Union: Insights from Political Science An American Politics Panel Discussion
2:00 p.m., Eykamp Hall, Room 252, Ridgway University Center, University of Evansville

  • Dr. Robert Dion, Chair, Department of Law, Politics and Society, University of Evansville
  • Dr. Marvin Overby, Professor, American Politics, University of Missouri
  • Dr. Patrick Sellers, Professor, Political Science, Davidson College

Kazee will moderate the panel discussion and contribute his own personal insights as a political scientist. Professors Overby and Sellers are well-regarded scholars of American politics as well as former students of Kazee.

State of our Union: Making Sense of Current Affairs
7:00 p.m., Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center, University of Evansville

A keynote conversation between Senator Lugar and President Kazee for the Spring 2018 Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series. Seats may be reserved online.  

While on campus, Senator Lugar will also engage UE students in an invitation-only session titled, “State of our Union: Leaders of Tomorrow – A Student Conversation with Senator Lugar.”

Other events include a conversation between President Kazee and University of Southern Indiana President Linda Bennett at the Rotary Club of Evansville’s noon luncheon.  The focus will be “The Changing Landscape in Higher Education.” Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will moderate the conversation. Information on obtaining seats can be found online at www.evansvillerotary.com

The Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series was made possible in 1997 through an endowment from the late Patricia H. Snyder, trustee and longtime friend of University, to bring speakers or performers of renown to Evansville at no cost to the public.

For event questions, please contact snyder@evansville.edu.

Dion interviewed by IBJ about upcoming Indiana senate race

Robert Dion, chair for law, politics, and society, was recently interviewed by the Indianapolis Business Journal. The topic was the upcoming Republican primary that will decide who will challenge Democratic US Sen. Joe Donnelly in the fall.

You can read the entire article on the IBJ website.

Indianapolis Star interviews Robert Dion

The Indianapolis Star recently interviewed Robert Dion, chair for law, politics, and society, about Mike Pence, conversion therapy, and Adam Rippon. You can read the entire article on the Indianapolis Star website.

Senator Richard Lugar and UE President Thomas Kazee To Speak at UE's Snyder Lecture on March 20

The University of Evansville will present a keynote conversation between former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar and UE President Thomas A. Kazee for the Spring 2018 Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series on March 20, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. 

The conversation, titled “State of our Union: Making Sense of Current Affairs,” will be held in Eykamp Hall within Ridgway University Center on the UE campus and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. 

This event is free and open to the public and guests will be seated on a first-come first-served basis. Seats may be reserved online here.  

This event is presented in partnership with the University of Evansville Department of Law, Politics, and Society as part of an all-day series of current events and political science events and discussions, in honor of the retirement of Dr. Thomas Kazee and his academic career as a political scientist. 

The Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series was made possible in 1997 through an endowment from the late Patricia H. Snyder, trustee and longtime friend of University, to bring speakers or performers of renown to Evansville at no cost to the public.

For event questions, please contact snyder@evansville.edu.

Robert Dion interviewed by Indianapolis Star

Indiana’s largest newspaper, the Indianapolis Star, recently interviewed Robert Dion, chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society. The topic was Governor Eric Holcomb’s involvement with the failed bias crimes bill. You can read the article with Dion’s quotes on the Indianapolis Star website.

Robert Dion interviewed by Radio-Canada

Robert Dion, chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society, was recently interviewed by Radio-Canada. During the live interview, Dion discussed with French listeners the likely after-effects of the State of the Union address. You can listen to this interview on the Radio Canada website.

Professors Kretz and Dion Participate in Forum to Combat Racial Intolerance

The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission hosted a panel discussion and community forum Thursday night to discuss effective ways to respond to racial incidents and other forms of bias.

Lisa Kretz, assistant professor of philosophy, was one of the five panelists who shared ideas about how to promote understanding and effect social change. Robert Dion, the longtime chair of the Human Relations Commission, was the moderator for the evening’s discussion.

Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, a UE alum, also spoke at this event about support for a community free of discrimination.

Eyewitness News reporter visits Robert Dion's class on media and politics

A reporter from Eyewitness News recently sat in on Robert Dion’s class on media and politics to listen to their discussion of the recent State of the Union speech. Dion, chair for law, politics, and society, said the goal of the class is not to debate politics, but to discuss the effectiveness of techniques used by Trump and former presidents.

You can watch the Eyewitness News story on their website.

UE political science professor joins IFEWU board of directors

Young Kim, director of international studies at the University of Evansville, has been appointed to serve on the board of directors for the International Foundation of Ewha Womans (sic) University. Founded in 1886 by the American Methodist Episcopal Church, Ewha Womans University is a private women’s university in Seoul, South Korea.

Ewha Womans University is renowned as one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea and the world's largest female educational institute. As a UE partner university, Ewha welcomes UE students of all majors and disciplines to its short-term summer programs and regular semesters. A wide variety of courses taught by professors from all over the world are offered. ''

As a visiting lecturer, Kim taught comparative politics at the Ewha’s international summer college. As a board member, he supervises about 165 funds established by individuals or groups in the foundation. The foundation’s annual support is about $900,000.

Robert Dion interviewed on Canadian national radio broadcast

Robert Dion, University of Evansville department chair for law, politics, and society, was recently interviewed about his assessment of the first year of the Donald Trump administration on Radio-Canada. The interview was conducted in French and broadcast nationwide on the noon news program, “Midi Info,” hosted by Michel C. Auger

The 15 minute segment featured an exchange of views between Dion and Professor Michael Krauss of George Mason University. This was a repeat performance of sorts, because the two professors were interviewed one year ago, right after the 2016 presidential election. 

To listen to the broadcast, visit the Radio-Canada website: http://ici.radio-canada.ca/premiere/emissions/midi-info/segments/entrevue/45845/trump-donald-election-premier-anniversaire-presidence-etats-unis.

Professor Robert Dion Quoted in Indianapolis Star Article

University of Evansville political science professor Robert Dion was quoted in a recent article in the Indianapolis Star. The article is about a new campaign ad for Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner that stars Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.

You can read the article at: www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2017/10/25/new-ad-indiana-gov-eric-holcomb-thanks-illinois-house-speaker-creating-hoosier-jobs/798383001/

Dion speaks to eighth graders about presidential powers and U.S. Constitution

Professor Robert Dion spoke to eighth graders at Christ the King School last week about presidential powers and the U.S. Constitution. UE President Tom Kazee spoke to the same class last month about the powers of the legislative branch.

The students are preparing to compete in the We The People program, which focuses on teaching young people about how the Constitution works and the importance of being engaged citizens.

Robert Dion teaching a class in front of UE students

Robert Dion featured in Indiana Historical Society exhibition

The Indiana Historical Society recently unveiled its newest exhibition, Be Heard: LGBT Experiences in Indiana. The display is the culmination of years of work done by Indianapolis photographer Mark Lee in gathering oral histories from a wide variety of people across the state, including Robert Dion, chairperson of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society at the University of Evansville

The exhibition chronicles the many challenges faced by LGBT Hoosiers and their allies over the years, along with some of their signature triumphs. It will be on display at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis until November 4.

Professor Dion will be teaching a course on Gay and Lesbian Politics (PSCI 390) next spring.

More information on the exhibition can be found here:  www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/be-heard-new-exhibit-chronicles-lgbtq-experiences-indiana-n800291.

Maass presents research to American Political Science Association

Richard Maass, assistant professor of political science, presented research to the annual conference of the American Political Science Association on Thursday, August 31, in San Francisco.

His paper, titled "The Norm Against Conquest: Origins, Expectations, and U.S. Foreign Policy," investigated why the United States bound itself to refrain from conquest (unlike many areas of international law where U.S. leaders have refused to bind their country).

Police Commissioner during Boston Marathon Bombing to speak at UE's Snyder Lecture

The University of Evansville’s Patricia Snyder Lecture is set for Thursday, October 12, at 7:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center. The speaker will be former Boston Police Department commissioner Ed Davis, who was at the forefront of the emergency response to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the arrests that followed. 

The topic of Davis’s lecture will be “Policing in America: The Changing Landscape of Our Cities & Law Enforcement’s Role in Protecting Our Communities.”

This event is free and open to the public but registration is required. Reserve your seat online here. 

Davis’s experience during the Boston Marathon bombings was depicted in the feature film, Patriots Day, which starred Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Bacon, and John Goodman as Commissioner Davis. 

Davis is currently president and CEO of the business strategy and security agency, Edward Davis LLC. He has built a stellar reputation on his experience in interagency collaboration and law enforcement on local, state, national, and international levels. His insight in cyber security and anti-terrorism, as well as his expert knowledge in crisis management and strategic planning translates across industries. Davis’s unique approaches to terrorism, cyber security, and policing have been adopted both nationally and internationally in Singapore, London, Northern Ireland, Jordan, and Israel.

The Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series was made possible in 1997 through an endowment from the late Patricia H. Snyder, trustee and longtime friend of University, to bring speakers or performers of renown to Evansville at no cost to the public

Dion was featured speaker at Indiana We The People Summer Institute

Robert Dion, University of Evansville chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society, was a featured speaker at the Indiana We The People Summer Institute held at Indiana University in Bloomington from July 9-13. 

The event, sponsored by the Indiana Bar Foundation with funding from the Indiana General Assembly, brought together high school and middle school government teachers from Indiana and neighboring states for intensive training on the U.S. Constitution and how it affects modern politics. 

Professor Dion gave a three hour presentation examining how and why presidential powers have expanded since the American Founding, along with a critical look at how the system of checks and balances has responded to this expansion. 

Other speakers included John Kaminski, director of the Center for the Study of the American Constitution at the University of Wisconsin, David Adler, president of the Alturas Institute, and Robert Leming, national director of the We The People program of the Center for Civic Education.

Robert Dion receives 2017 Making Democracy Work Award

Robert Dion, chair of the University of Evansville's Department of Law, Politics, and Society, was the recipient of the 2017 “Making Democracy Work” Award at the annual meeting of the League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana last weekend. 

"As both an educator and an advocate, Dr. Dion has advanced the ideas of democracy, good governance and civil rights in our community," the League stated. "He helps make democracy work by sharing his expertise and insights, prompting us to think, and helping us understand and respond to the complex, confusing, challenging and - currently - often frustrating political system that is the United States democracy." 

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that works to empower voters and encourage participation in the democratic process, and the Making Democracy Work award is their signature program for recognizing community leaders who advance these aims. Previous recipients include Chief Justice Loretta Rush of the Indiana Supreme Court, State Senator Vaneta Becker, and Representative Gail Riecken.

Kim presents research at the University of Hong Kong, China

Young C. Kim, associate professor of political science and director of international studies, recently presented at the conference of the International Studies Association in Hong Kong, China, on June 16.

In his paper titled "Democratization in Sub-Saharan Africa," Kim attempts to find answer to the question of why Sub-Saharan African states vary greatly in their levels of democracies although their democratic transitions happened almost simultaneously.

Maass talks Russian hacking with WNIN

Richard W. Maass, assistant professor of political science, was recently interviewed by 88.3 WNIN FM about reports that Russian hackers targeted US election systems. Check out the interview on WNIN’s website.

Robert Dion appears on Canadian national radio program

Robert Dion, chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society at the University of Evansville, was interviewed last weekend on Radio-Canada, regarding the first months of the Trump presidency.

The live interview, which lasted about 10 minutes, was conducted entirely in French and aired on the Sunday morning news program hosted by Michel Desautels. You can listen to the broadcast on Radio-Canada’s website.

Maass presents research at International Studies Association

Richard W. Maass, assistant professor of Political Science, presented research on two panels on Saturday, February 25, at the annual conference of the International Studies Association.

One of the papers, "Salami Tactics and the Future of US-Russian Relations," was previously an Andiron lecture at UE. The other, "Testing Hypotheses on Great Power Annexation," utilizes an original dataset constructed in part with the help of a UE ARSAF grant.

Maass publishes correspondence in International Security

Richard Maass, assistant professor of political science, has a correspondence on "NATO Non-expansion and German Reunification" published in the newest issue of International Security.

The correspondence, with Joshua Shifrinson, concerns Shifrinson's recent article "Deal or No Deal? The End of the Cold War and the US Offer to Limit NATO Expansion."

In it, Maass discusses interrelated historical, causal, and moral questions surrounding potential links between the 1990 US pledge not to expand NATO and recent Russian foreign policy.

Maass interviewed on refugee ban by 14News and Eyewitness News

Richard Maass, assistant professor of political science, was interviewed by both 14News and Eyewitness News on the subject of President Trump's recent executive order. The order suspends the refugee program for 120 days, bans entry for 90 days for citizens of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, and bans entry indefinitely of Syrians seeking refugee status.

Maass emphasized that terrorist groups claim to fight on behalf of much broader populations that actually reject their violence, and that the most effective counterterrorism policies discriminate between the terrorists and those broader populations. In contrast, policies that discriminate against those broader populations end up helping the terrorists recruit.

Maass also wrote an article on the subject in the aftermath of the November 2015 Paris attacks. It was later named Best Post of the Year by the International Studies Association's Online Media Caucus.

Maass discusses Trump foreign policy on 44News

Richard W. Maass, assistant professor of political science, discussed the foreign policy of the incoming Trump administration on 44News with Tommy Mason Thursday morning. The discussion focused on relations with Russia and China, and whether the changes Trump has advocated offer better opportunities to the United States or its rivals.

Young Kim publishes paper in International Area Studies Review

Young Kim, Igleheart Chair in Political Science and director of international studies, recently published a paper titled “Anti-Americanism in East Asia: Analyses of college students’ attitudes in China, Japan, and South Korea” in the peer-reviewed academic journal, International Area Studies Review.

He has conducted a cross-national survey in China, Japan, and South Korea. The research was able to be done thanks to the financial support of the Austin S. Igleheart Family Endowment and the Global Scholars Program of the Institute for Global Enterprise at the University of Evansville.

Robert Dion speaks to Owensboro Area World Affairs Council

Robert Dion, department chair for Law, Politics, and Society, gave a lecture in Owensboro on Thursday night, entitled, “Post-Election Analysis:  Making Sense of the Changing Electorate.”

He was invited to be a part of the ongoing lecture series sponsored by the Owensboro Area World Affairs Council, an organization that describes itself as “committed to empowering citizens to participate in world affairs through dialogue and education, providing information and expertise on current international, political, economic, and social issues, [and] helping people relate their local concerns to global issues.”

The talk was held at Owensboro Community and Technical College in Kentucky.

Maass presents research at international security conference

Richard Maass, assistant professor of political science, presented two research papers this past weekend at the annual ISAC-ISSS conference, co-hosted by the international security sections of the American Political Science Association and the International Studies Association.

One of the papers - "Salami Tactics and the Future of US-Russian Relations" - is familiar to the UE community from Maass' November 2015 Andiron lecture. The other uses his dataset of great power annexation attempts to test hypotheses regarding when states pursue annexation.

Robert Dion appears on Canadian radio to discuss presidential election

Robert Dion, chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society, was a featured commentator this weekend on a special broadcast dedicated to understanding the U.S. presidential election.  The program, Desautels le dimanche, airs nationwide for two hours on Radio Canada every Sunday morning.   

Dion joined the Canadian broadcast from the downtown studios of WNIN in Evansville, and his appearance was broadcast live and in French.  The show devoted over 90 minutes to the presidential election and covered a wide array of subjects.

Robert Dion interviewed about the Indiana election

Robert Dion, chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society, appeared in the Indianapolis Star yesterday in an article about the outside money being spent in the Indiana Senate race. He was also interviewed this week for a story that looked at the role of labor unions in the gubernatorial election.

Young Kim elected vice president of IASS

Young Kim, associate professor of political science and the director of international studies, was elected to be the vice president (president elect) of the Indiana Academy of Social Sciences during the 87th IASS Conference at Purdue University Northwest on October 7.

The IASS established in 1929 is one of the oldest regional academic organizations in the state of Indiana and, indeed, the country. When UE hosted the IASS annual meeting last year, more than 160 faculty and students from universities in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, China, India, Iran, Malaysia, and South Africa attended.

As the vice president, Kim will serve for the IASS for the next three years.

Dion discusses VP debate and Governor Pence with media

Robert Dion, department chair of Law, Politics, and Society, appeared on an “In Depth with Brad Byrd” segment on WEHT Eyewitness News Tuesday night. The topic was the vice presidential debate, featuring Indiana governor Mike Pence. The story can be found on the TriStateHomepage.com website.

Dion was also featured yesterday in a statewide story about Governor Mike Pence by Indiana Public Media. 

Dion discusses presidential debate on Canadian radio broadcast

Robert Dion, chair of the Department of Law, Politics, and Society, was interviewed on Radio-Canada on Tuesday and gave his impressions of the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

The interview was broadcast live nationwide on the Midi Info program and was conducted entirely in French. 

The interview was available online and starts at about 12:27 and lasts for about eight minutes.

President Kazee reacts to presidential debate on Eyewitness In-Depth

University of Evansville president Thomas A. Kazee joined Brad Byrd for an in-depth discussion following the presidential debate on Monday, September 26.

Maass presents research at American Political Science Association

University of Evansville assistant professor of political science Richard Maass presented a research paper titled "Command and Conquer: Ideologies of Superiority, Democracy, and Annexation" at the annual conference of the American Political Science Association in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 3.

Maass's paper examines how similar ideologies of superiority can produce different foreign policies when filtered through different domestic institutions, using case studies of Nazi Germany and the US during the Mexican-American War.

Young Kim publishes article

A research article by Young Kim, associate professor of political science, was recently published in the Journal of Peace Studies. The title of his article is "Causes of Gender Inequality in the Muslim World.”

Global Scholars for 2016-17 Announced

The Institute for Global Enterprise has announced the Global Scholars for the 2016-17 academic year. They are: Jeffrey Braun, department chair and professor of physics; George Iber, professor of education; Richard Maass, assistant professor of political science; Valerie Milholland, adjust professor of art; and Gail Vignola, academic director of the writing center.

Each Global Scholar will receive a stipend and travel allowance.

Visit this website to read a brief description of each project.

As Global Scholars, the recipients of this award will engage in scholarship, curriculum development, and activities related to preparing our students and community for global leadership, citizenry, and success.

The Global Scholars program is supported by the John H. Schroeder Global Scholar Endowed Fund and the Lilly Endowment.

Maass Publishes Book Review on US Rise to Power

UE political science professor Richard Maass had a book review published in the Spring 2016 issue of Political Science Quarterly. In it, he reviewed Power and Restraint: The Rise of the United States, 1898-1941 by Jeffrey Meiser. In it, Meiser explains how institutional characteristics and anti-imperialist norms limited the ability of expansionists within the US government to pursue their goals during the early twentieth century. 

Robert Dion interviewed on latest developments in presidential race

Robert Dion, associate professor of political science, was recently interviewed by Brad Byrd during Channel 25's In-Depth segment. Topics discussed included the latest fallout in the presidential race, whether the Republican race could see a brokered convention, and the impact local primaries could have on the nominations.

Robert Dion interviewed on 2016 presidential race

Robert Dion, associate professor of political science, was recently interviewed by Brad Byrd during Channel 25's In-Depth segment. Dion discussed the Iowa Caucuses and the 2016 presidential race.

Eyewitness In-Depth: Dr. Robert Dion Talks Sen. Rand Paul's Presidential Run

Robert Dion, associate professor of political science at the University of Evansville, joined Eyewitness News' Brad Byrd to discuss Senator Rand Paul's presidential candidacy and shared reactions to his recent interview on the "Today" show.
 

UE to Host Event Announcing Indiana Civic Health Index Results

Former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton, director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University, and former Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard will announce results of the 2015 Indiana Civic Health Index at the University of Evansville on Friday, April 3. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. in Room 162 (Harkness Hall), Schroeder School of Business Building, and is free and open to the public.

The 2015 Indiana Civic Health Index is a report that shows how actively citizens engage in their communities and reveals overall civic health through key measurements:
•           Participation in group associations
•           Donation of time and talent through volunteerism
•           Level of confidence in institutions—such as the media or schools
•           Frequency people eat dinner with their family
•           Voter registration and turnout
 
The forward of the report provides an explanation on the importance of civic health: “The American experiment is a testament to a diverse group of people working together… It is this “civic fabric” that holds our country together and makes it strong. Civic involvement does not simply happen however. It takes each generation to demonstrate and teach future generations what it is to be an active, engaged, and enlightened citizen … (the report) seeks to once again measure just how successfully we are doing on this score…Some of these trends are positive and things that we can continue to build on… while others are cause for concern and areas we need to improve.”

The report includes details on community involvement, volunteerism, social connectivity, voter registration and turnout, political involvement and confidence in public institutions. It details how Indiana compares to the rest of the nation and across geographic lines (urban, suburban and rural).

The first Indiana Civic Health index was published in 2011. Four years later, the publication shows the importance of education and the increase in civic participation as education levels increase. The report also explains the improving relationship between civic and economic health.

The full report is available at www.inbf.org. The Indiana Bar Foundation, Indiana Supreme Court, National Conference on Citizenship, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, Indiana University Northwest and Indiana University Center for Civic Literacy are project sponsors.

For more information on the report, contact Indiana Bar Foundation Executive Director Charles Dunlap at (317) 269-7861 or cdunlap@inbf.org; or Center on Congress at Indiana University Outreach Specialist Phil Duncan at (703) 209-2005 or pduncan@civicatalyst.com. For more information on the April 3 event at the University of Evansville, call 812-488-2241 or 812-488-2236.

University of Evansville President Thomas Kazee Issues Statement on Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Dr. Thomas Kazee, president of the University of Evansville, issued a statement today regarding Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. 

The statement reads:

“I have been asked in recent days by many of those in the University of Evansville family about my position on the recently passed Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).  So let me take this opportunity to explain how I see the issue in terms of the University, the state of Indiana, and the public welfare.  University presidents should not, in my judgment, express personal opinions on matters of public significance without careful consideration of the relevance of the issue for their institutions.  Some issues, however, are especially salient not only for the society at large but have the potential to significantly impact the University, and RFRA is one such example.

A core commitment of the University of Evansville is to nurture a climate of respect, understanding, and appreciation of difference.  Moreover, as an institution we oppose practices and policies that can lead to discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.  It is from this foundational premise that I join those voices around the state, including Evansville’s Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, major Indiana corporations such as the Eli Lilly and Cummins, and the presidents of a growing number of Indiana universities who are deeply concerned about this legislation.

I respect Governor Pence’s argument that RFRA is designed to promote religious freedom and prevent government overreach, but this legislation cannot be divorced from the broader context of the national discussion about laws which arguably permit discrimination.  I think we can all agree that we want Indiana to be a welcoming and inclusive state.  Unfortunately, RFRA fuels the perception that we are intolerant and thus is damaging to the public welfare and to the University of Evansville.  I urge the Governor and the state legislature to reconsider this action or, failing that, pass legislation, as has been done in other states, to ensure that the law is not used as a tool for discrimination.”

Maass Has Article on War of 1812 Published in Diplomatic History

Richard W. Maass, assistant professor of political science, has published an article appearing in the January issue of Diplomatic History, the top journal of that field. Titled "'Difficult to Relinquish Territory Which Had Been Conquered': Expansionism and the War of 1812," Maass' article aims to finally put to rest the myth that the United States launched the War of 1812 to annex Canada. It is available online here: http://dh.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/01/06/dh.dht132.abstract