Dear Campus Community,

I invite you to what I am sure will be an informative, incisive event focused on the aftermath of the upcoming midterm national elections. The event – which we are calling “The Truth Effect – Silicon Valley’s Take on the Mid-term Elections” – takes place here on campus in the Student Union Theater on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 6:30pm. All are welcome, and admission is free.

Midterm elections in the United States are held in November every four years near the midpoint of a president’s four-year term of office. The 2018 midterms on Nov. 6 are among the most highly-anticipated in recent memory, coming at a time of deep divisions and political passions among the electorate.

San José State University’s legacy of student activism and social change makes us the ideal venue for convening an important conversation about the midterms, their outcomes, and what it all means for the future of the country and our region.

We are delighted to welcome a distinguished group of political experts to share their post-election thoughts and analysis. They include:

• Cindy Chavez, Supervisor, District 2 (SJSU alumna)
• Fred Keeley, former Assembly member, District 27, and Treasurer, Santa Cruz County (SJSU alumnus and current lecturer)
• Evan Low, Assembly Member, District 28 (SJSU alumnus)
• Rachel Michelin, President and CEO, California Women LEAD
• Matt Mahan, President and CEO, Brigade
• Jessica Speiser, Chief Outreach Officer, Voter Circle
• Melinda Jackson, Chair, SJSU Dept. of Political Science
• Terry Christensen, SJSU Professor Emeritus, former Chair, Dept. of Political Science

The first panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Christensen, will look at the outcome and impact of local and state elections.

The second panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Jackson, will look at the impact of social media and tools used to galvanize support and enthusiasm among voters.

Times are difficult for many people across the country, and the calls for change are on the rise. Whether the issue is inequality, food insecurity, student safety, housing costs, or any other of the host of challenges currently facing our region and nation, San José State University remains as a place that encourages serious dialogue and listens to myriad voices in hopes of finding solutions. I hope you will join us on Nov. 15 for “The Truth Effect.”

If you have any questions about the event, please e-mail sjsupres@sjsu.edu.

Dr. Mary A. Papazian
President