Welcome to the final episode of this summer’s Memory Lane discussions. I’m pleased Dorothy Jones agreed to sit down with me. She doesn’t like talking about herself, but her passion for her family, the power of education to improve lives and the importance of social justice makes this conversation a wonderful cap to the series.

Fewer than 100 days remain before the November Presidential election and still fewer days before municipal contests are decided. In this Pandemic Politics, commentator Nate Bauer, Director of the UA press, says in national polls presumptive Democratic candidate Joe Biden remains in the lead, but in certain Red States, including Alaska President Trump is on top. 

On this episode of Memory Lane, I visit with Dennis Stephens, professor Emeritus of Library Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I have been looking forward to talking with Dennis. First, I love libraries, with a special fondness for the Elmer E. Rasmuson, but Dennis is also a piper in the Fairbanks Red Hackle Pipe Band, a group that has brought a lot of stirring music to local events over the years. 

These Memory Lane conversations are part of University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Summer Sessions programs.

Earlier this month the Supreme Court decided states can pass laws requiring electoral college delegates to vote for their party’s presidential candidate. The ruling set off a fresh wave of discussion about the value of the electoral college. In with analysis are UAF political scientist Alexander Hirsch and UA Press director Nate Bauer.

University of Alaska Fairbanks political scientist Alexander Hirsch and director of the University of Alaska Press Nate Bauer examine some key races for the US Senate.

Even as congress examines how federal pandemic dollars for businesses were allocated, Alaska funders and groups are assessing the impact the pandemic has had on non-profits. Ron Inouye, who serves on the Golden Heart Community Foundation board, discusses the challenges facing many not-for-profit agencies and services.

Welcome to the fourth Memory Lane discussion. This week we visit with Ron Gatterdam, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 

As our nation prepares to celebrate its independence, its history is sparking fierce debates. Protests about police brutality towards African-Americans has expanded to include the racial legacy of the Civil War and the celebration in monuments of Confederate leaders. That, in turn, has led to a deeper examination of our founding fathers who were slave holders. In with analysis are Alexander Hirsch, political science professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Nate Bauer, director of University of Alaska Press.

When it comes to analyzing candidates, is it better to look at favorability or preferability? Our political mavens, Alexander Hirsch, political science professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Nate Bauer, director of the University of Alaska Press tackle that question.