David Brooks Event
On August 24th, the College of Arts and Sciences hosted New York Times columnist and PBS Newshour commentator David Brooks at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (PAC) for a College of Arts and Sciences Community Lecture. In 2015, Mr. Brooks was one of the first writers to review the Broadway Musical “Hamilton.” In conjunction with the Broadway Alaska productions of “Hamilton,” Mr. Brooks gave a lecture focused on aspects of the musical, Alexander Hamilton’s vision for the United States, and the continuing impact of higher education. David Brooks’ talk was surprisingly funny, touching on his personal life and early career. It was also enlightening. He characterized the challenges our country is facing as economic and moral, and described Alexander Hamilton, one of our country’s most prolific founders, as having written on both topics. Brooks explained why he thinks the moral challenges our country is facing are more severe than the economic ones, and how some simple remedies, such as giving our full attention to one another, can greatly improve our relationships with others and help us bridge the moral divides in our country.
This event came together thanks to CAS’s very own faculty member and former NPR correspondent, Elizabeth Arnold, who helped the college connect with Mr. Brooks invited him to Alaska. It was held in the Discovery Theater in the PAC, which featured a CAS take-over event in the PAC lobby areas and was followed by a VIP reception and meet-and-greet with David Brooks. Over 700 UAA faculty, staff, and members of the Anchorage community attended the event. CAS Dean McNulty opened the lecture, introducing Mr. Brooks, and then David Brooks took the stage for his presentation.
Dean McNulty commented in her opening remarks that “at UAA, our dedicated faculty and staff work to challenge our students - to stretch their way of thinking and to learn new perspectives. My hope is that events like this will challenge the Alaskan community in the same way.”
History Professor Ian Hartman was in attendance at the event, and reflected on David Brooks’ lecture.
“David Brooks provided insightful, historically informed commentary to a packed house at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts. At times funny, and other times deeply serious, Brooks shed light on the quintessential issues that confront our democracy. Framing his talk around the insights of Alexander Hamilton, Brooks found much to celebrate in the nation's past and hopeful optimism for the future, despite his clear recognition of the many challenges that confront the nation and world. The event was very successful, and I very much hope it will be the first of many such public lectures."
Jo Michalski, a community member and major supporter of the arts in Alaska, had this to say about the event, “It's been quite some time since Anchorage had the opportunity to hear a lecture from someone like David Brooks. I am so glad that CAS took on this project and partnered with the PAC to make it happen. David Brooks was funny and thought provoking and the positive energy of the crowd was palpable. I'd say this event was a major success for UAA and Anchorage.”
We’re so thankful to everyone that attended the lecture and to all the sponsors and supporters that made this great community event a reality. Specifically, thank you to the Atwood Foundation and the Carr Foundation for their generous financial support of this event; thank you to Alaska Public Media for sponsoring the promotion of this event; thank you to our travel sponsors Alaska Airlines and The Hotel Captain Cook; and thank you to the PAC for your partnership in hosting this event.
