The Alumni College features panel discussions and lectures by faculty members and alumni on cutting-edge scholarship, Carleton initiatives, and other timely issues. The first day of Alumni College in 2020 focuses on two themes: Identity, and Sustainability.

During Reunion weekend, Alumni College lectures delve into Carleton’s history and explore Carleton’s future as a leader in the liberal arts. Below are this year’s presentations. Several sessions will be recorded and the videos featured on this page. 

Friday, June 19

8:30 – 9:30 am

Coming Out Stories, presented by Helen Raizen ’70, Bob Ward ’70, Glenn Tasky ’80, and Lisa Nordeen ’90.
Weitz Center for Creativity Cinema 

Climate Change, presented by Kim Smith, Prof. of Environmental Studies and Political Science, Dan Maxbauer, Asst. Prof. of Geology and Toivo Kallas ’70.
Weitz Center for Creativity Kracum Perfomance Hall

Engage in a conversation about climate change from the perspective of a geologist, environmental policy expert and a microbiologist and biotech startup founder.

10:00 – 11:00 am

The Other Story: The African-American Experience at Carleton, presented by Liz Davenport McKune ’70, Jennifer George ’70, Linda Butler Spight ’70, Diane Perry ’70, Siri Sat Nam Singh ’70, and Jorge Banuelos ’20.
Weitz Center for Creativity Cinema

A conversation on the African-American student experience on campus then and now. 

Title IX at Carleton: A Safe and Supportive Campus, presented by Laura Riehle-Merrill, Title IX Coordinator and Nora Peterson, Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator.
Weitz Center for Creativity Kracum Perfomance Hall

Carleton has recently strengthened its approaches to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct. Join Title IX Coordinator Laura Riehle-Merrill and Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator Nora Peterson for a discussion of the College’s updated efforts to ensure a safe and supportive campus environment.

1:15 – 2:15 pm

From Three Feet on the Floor to #MeToo, presented by Clara Hardy, Prof. of Classics, Ruth Weiner, Emerita Prof. of English, Theater, and Andrea Robinson, Director of Residential Life
Weitz Center for Creativity Cinema

A discussion about gender relations and residential life at Carleton over the past 50 years through the lens of the Women’s and Gender Studies program. 

Investing in Carleton’s Future, presented by Martha Larson, Manager of Campus Energy and Sustainability and Fred Rogers ’72, Vice President and Treasurer.
Weitz Center for Creativity Kracum Perfomance Hall

Martha Larson, Manager of Campus Energy and Sustainability, Alex Miller, Sustainability Program Coordinator and Fred Rogers ’72, Vice President and Treasurer talk about the investments Carleton is making for its future. 


Saturday, June 20

8:30 – 9:30 am

Entrepreneurship, presented by Profs. of Economics Bruce Dalgaard and Nathan Grawe and entrepreneurs from 2005.
Weitz Center for Creativity Kracum Perfomance Hall

Learn how a Carleton Liberal Arts education prepares one for a life of entrepreneurship.

Citizen Science, presented by Tun Myint, Associate Professor of Political Science.
Weitz Center for Creativity Cinema

With over half a century of power struggles between local communities and the state on the control of natural resources such as rivers, land, and forest in Thailand, the conception of data, knowledge, and science has gone through critical interpretation as a more open framework of governance structures emerged after the 1997 economic crisis. In the Eurocentric view, science is perceived to belong only to official and academic research practices and is taken as the ultimate authority in decision making. This conventional view of science considers local knowledge and citizen science as inferior. In this presentation, Professor Myint will address whether the Eurocentric view of science is hindering local-global actions in addressing environmental changes and climate change. In addition, Myint will discuss several implications of citizen science and the impacts on democracy worldwide.