Reunions 2021
Discussions & Discoveries

Tuesday, May 18
12:00pm –1:00pm EDT

William Monroe Trotter (1872–1934), editor of Boston's long running Guardian newspaper, was a Harvard Phi Beta Kappa graduate, the son of a formerly enslaved Union Army Lieutenant, and the most significant African American activist between the Age of Booker T. Washington and the New Deal. Professor Greenidge’s award-winning Black Radical: The Life and Times of William Monroe Trotter (2019) received the J. Anthony Lukas Award from Columbia University and the Nieman Foundation. It also received the Gomes Book Prize from the Massachusetts Historical Society, and it was shortlisted for both the Cundill History Prize from McGill University, and the Stone Book Award from the Museum of African American History in Boston and Nantucket. As a New York Times notable book of 2019, Black Radicalis the first biography written in over fifty years about this seminal figure in American history who is often overshadowed by contemporaries like W.E.B. Du Bois. Learn about Trotter, and the history of Black Boston, from Tufts' own professor in the new Department of Studies in Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora.

Presented by Kerri K. Greenidge, Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Professor, Department of Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora Studies and Interim Director of the American Studies Program 

Wednesday, May 19 
12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT 

Humans are living longer lives than ever before and so it is critical to understand the process of aging. It has become increasingly recognized that successful aging is not just about physical health but also about our social lives. Chimpanzees are our closest living relative and lead long and complex lives making them an ideal model to better understand our own patterns of social aging. 

Presented by Zarin P. Machanda, Usen Family Career Development Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology; Director of Long-term Research, Kibale Chimpanzee Project 

Thursday, May 20
12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT 

More Americans than ever are interested in politics and worried about our political future. But many of us don’t know what we are supposed to do, so we end up spending hours and hours scrolling through social media and feeling upset. Learn about Professor Hersh’s research on this topic, which led to his new book, Politics is for Power. In this talk he will take us down the path of “political hobbyism”–doing politics for short-term emotional and intellectual gratification—to real political action, whereby citizens actually make a difference in their community and country.  

Presented by Eitan Hersh, A05, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science; Associate Professor, Civic Studies, Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life.  

Friday, May 21
12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT 

Drawn from the unique Engineering course, “Ethical Issues in Computer Science,” and geared towards all of our Jumbos, regardless of technical and engineering expertise, this webinar will look at real-world examples of algorithmic bias, its causes, and its ethical dimension. 

Many modern decision-making processes are supplemented by algorithmic techniques.  Whether or not a job application is forwarded for human review, for instance, is often now something that large companies entrust to automated computational analysis.  Such systems are used in many other very important contexts, including financial, medical, and legal decision-making.  In some cases, however, serious questions have arisen about appearances of bias in the outputs of the algorithms at the core of the systems.  How might such biases arise, even when researchers and developers seek to prevent them?  How can we detect and eliminate such issues, and what are the ethical responsibilities of those who build and employ such systems?

Presented by Martin Allen, Associate Teaching Professor, Computer Science Director of Online Programs, Computer Science

Monday, May 17 
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. EDT 

When you think about the breaking news, what comes to mind — newspapers, or newsfeeds? Primetime or podcasts? Have you ever wondered how topics are selected in Forbes, or the decision behind what's highlighted on ABC, FOX, or MSNBC?

Hear the lead straight from the source as we explore the Future of Journalism. The rundown includes discussions with alumni leaders across the fields of media and journalism, highlighting our evolution in news consumption, changes in the industry, and our expanding concept of media — what’s important, what gets covered, and why?

Panelists: 

Queenette Karikari, A10, producer, Fox News 
Noah Kirsch, A15, staff writer, Forbes Magazine 
Mike Del Moro, A11, booking producer, MSNBC’s Morning Joe 

Moderated by Kirit Radia, A05, senior assignment editor for international news, ABC News 

Wednesday, May 19 
8:00pm – 9:00pm EDT 

Get a behind the scenes look at what it’s like to work with a star, create award-winning films, or develop groundbreaking stories. Your classmates will offer you an inside look into the entertainment industry, from world-renowned programming to representing award-winning artists. 

Come join us as we walk the red carpet with your fellow Jumbos and learn about their journeys from Tufts to the bright lights. 

Panelists: 

Jon Levin, A75, Head of motion picture and television development and production division, Fourward 

Andrea Nelson Meigs, A90, Partner and Agent in the Talent and Literary Department, United Talent Agency (UTA) 

Pier Nirandara, A15, Vice President, Film & TV, A-Major

Joshua Seftel, A 90, Emmy-winning filmmaker 

Thursday, May 20
4 pm - 5 pm EDT

Curious about what your classmates have been up to since graduation? Catch up with fellow Jumbos and friends during our multi-industry reunion panel. Join us to hear stories and perspectives from alumni working in business, media, government, and healthcare. Our panelists are excited to share their unique career journeys along with favorite memories and experiences from their time on the Hill.

Panelists:

Neil Hare, A91, President, Global Vision Communications
Chris Stone, A91, Executive Sports Editor, LA Times
Andrew Howell, A91, A22P, Partner, Monument Policy Group
Lara Oboler, J91, Interventional Cardiologist, Lenox Hill Hospital

Friday, May 21 
4:00 pm – 5pm EDT 

Join us for our recorded presentation, Gamechangers: Tufts Women in Professional Sports. We will be joined by Sonia Raman, J96, assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies, and Sika Henry, A05, veteran of the triathlon circuit. Learn about their athletic endeavors, adversities they have overcome, leadership influences, and of course how their time at Tufts made them the leaders they are today!

Panelists: 

Sonia Raman, J96, Assistant Coach for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA

Sika Henry, A05, competitive triathlete and corporate analyst for Ferguson Enterprises

Moderated by Lisa Lax, J86 and Nancy Stern Winters, J86, co-owners of Lookalike Productions.