By Regina Duffy

During the month of October, Falvey Memorial Library was proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with several campus partners to present the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election Virtual Event Series. This series was planned in hopes that it might inspire meaningful (and respectful) conversations as well as encourage voting by all members within the Villanova Community and beyond.

There were three virtual events in the series, which were focused on a variety of topics related to the presidential race. We were honored to welcome five faculty experts from across Villanova, including Camille Burge, PhD, Matthew R. Kerbel, PhD, Danielle Gadson, PhD, Billie Murray, PhD, and Tim Horner, DPhil, who each shared their unique perspective.

While the events may be over, you can check out the event recordings below if you would like to learn more as we reach and pass Election Day on Nov. 3.

Camille Burge, PhD, on “Examining the Roles of Race and Emotions in the 2020 Election”

First up in the series was Camille Burge, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, who discussed “Examining the Roles of Race and Emotions in the 2020 Election” on Thursday, Oct. 8, 1-2 p.m. During the talk, Dr. Burge addressed how we are all feeling during this pandemic as well as our collective emotional reactions to a number of issues, including police brutality, #BlackLivesMatter, protests, #MeToo, hyperpolarization, and more.

You can view Dr. Burge’s talk here: https://youtu.be/CyV99RrwAVQ

Matthew R. Kerbel, PhD, on “The State of the Contest, Election Day, and What Happens Next”

Next, was a talk by Matthew R. Kerbel, PhD, Professor, Department of Political Science, on Thursday, Oct. 22, 1-2 p.m. Dr. Kerbel gave an update on the state of the contest and spoke about what things could look like on Election Day and during the weeks afterwards. In addition, Dr. Kerbel described how in the midst of a pandemic and with an incumbent casting doubt on the legitimacy of the vote, Americans will be going to the polls to decide an election that could have more far-reaching consequences than any in our lifetime.

You can view Dr. Kerbel’s talk here: https://youtu.be/AcLGvP7-b6E

Faculty Panel on “The Meaning of an Election in a Pandemic Year”

Finally, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., a panel of faculty experts discussed the meaning of the election in a pandemic year. Billie Murray, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Communication, discussed how the recent movement for Black lives has influenced the 2020 election, and how such movements can also work to transcend electoral politics. Danielle N. Gadson, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, talked about how fodder for single-issue politics in past elections and the ubiquitous effects of public health policy will be a critical consideration this election year for every voting demographic. Tim Horner, DPhil, Teaching Professor, Center for Peace and Justice Education, Augustine and Culture Seminar Program, gave us a global perspective of the upcoming election.

You can view the panel event here: https://youtu.be/FBkkoqyjiek

This ACS-approved event series was co-sponsored by Falvey Memorial Library in collaboration with the Center for Peace and Justice Education, the Department of Political Science, the Department of Communication, the Department of Public Administration, and Let’s Vote Nova. 

Regina Duffy is a Communication and Marketing Program Manager at Falvey Memorial Library.