Arizona PBS presents 'The Futures of Democracy' podcast

Podcast co-hosted and co-produced by ASU Professor Nicole Anderson with Macquarie University's Julian Knowles

March 31, 2022

Arizona PBS presents "The Futures of Democracy" podcast, launching on March 30 and produced and hosted by Nicole Anderson, director of the Institute for Humanities Research at Arizona State University, and Julian Knowles, professor of media and music, and chair of media and communications at Macquarie University, Australia.

In this bi-weekly podcast series, world-renowned experts will examine the emerging challenges of possible futures for democracy in the 21st century. The project reflects upon the health and operation of our democracy as a common good in an environment that has profoundly shifted over the past 20 years. The "Futures of Democracy" podcast logo. It reads: "The Futures of Democracy; Nicole Anderson & Julian Knowles." Arizona PBS presents "The Futures of Democracy" podcast. Download Full Image

"Futures of Democracy" will launch an introduction on March 30, followed by an interview with ASU President Michael Crow on April 6.

The episodes will air bi-weekly with guests including USC scholar Kate Crawford and ASU experts such as Vice President and Vice Provost Peter Schlosser, Dean Patrick Kenney, Dean Jeffrey Cohen, and professors Adam Nocek, Nina Berman, Evan Berry, Ron Broglio, Richard Amesbury and Judit Kroo, discussing the recent challenges democracy faces in the 21st century.

The comparatively recent rise of social media, concentrations of communication infrastructure and media ownership, questions of internet governance, rights to privacy and access to data are issues that impact all citizens. Uncertainties about truth and evidence, increased racial and gender divisions and the overarching challenges to the environmental commons will also be explored in this new podcast.

In seeking the common good in democracy, the podcast is asking, is democracy in crisis or are we just at a turning point?

"The Futures of Democracy" is available on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and other popular hosting platforms. Project supporters include the Institute for Humanities Research and Arizona PBS Public Broadcasting Service.

Mina Lajevardi

Marketing and Communications Specialist, Sr., Institute for Humanities Research

602-543-6492 Mina.Lajevardi@asu.edu

ASU day of philanthropy surpassed last year's total gifts to support students, faculty

A cutout sign that reads, "Sun Devil Giving Day" is held up in front of Tempe's "A" Mountain in the background.

This month, Sun Devil supporters donated more than 4,300 gifts to support Arizona State University programs and students and faculty, surpassing last year’s total of 3,700 gifts.Sun Devil Giving Day raised more than $825,000 on March 17 for donor-selected causes through online, offline and Aramark point-of-sale transactions at ASU dining and retail locations.“Private support is critical to inc...

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ASU day of philanthropy surpassed last year's total gifts to support students, faculty

March 31, 2022

This month, Sun Devil supporters donated more than 4,300 gifts to support Arizona State University programs and students and faculty, surpassing last year’s total of 3,700 gifts.

Sun Devil Giving Day raised more than $825,000 on March 17 for donor-selected causes through online, offline and Aramark point-of-sale transactions at ASU dining and retail locations. A cutout sign that reads, "Sun Devil Giving Day" is held up in front of Tempe's "A" Mountain in the background. Download Full Image

“Private support is critical to increasing access to education, advancing research and extending opportunities for ASU students and faculty,” said Bill Kavan, vice president of engagement and outreach at the ASU Foundation for A New American University. “Every dollar donated makes a difference toward fulfilling ASU’s charter.”

This year’s universitywide day of philanthropy included shoutouts from Al Roker, weatherman and anchor for NBC News' “Today” show, Arizona's Family meteorologist Ian Schwartz, U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and others.

Several existing donors offered matching gift opportunities to bolster philanthropic contributions. This year, 31 donors offered a matching contribution option, up from 11 matches last year.

Desert Financial Credit Union provided a $5,000 match and also made an additional investment of $25,000, both investments supported the Student Crisis Fund. The Student Crisis Fund provides emergency financial support to students facing unforeseen hardship.

The ASU Foundation’s Next Generation Council, an advisory group made up of ASU alumni who earned degrees since 2002, matched up to $50 per gift from any ASU graduate of the past 20 years. Their total matching contribution was $10,000.

Longtime ASU supporters Craig Barrett, former CEO and chairman of Intel, and Ambassador Barbara Barrett, former U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, committed to matching dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, in gifts made to the Mark Jacobs Scholarship Endowment.

“Sun Devil Giving Day raises awareness of the significance of private support and the multitude of causes donors can support, and fundraising continues year-round,” Kavan said.