Founded on the premise that good public policy is best achieved when policymakers have access to high quality information, political processes are open and well-understood, and citizens are informed and active participants, The Harkin Institute seeks to create opportunities for thoughtful policy discourse in a nonpartisan environment.

The Sussman Lecture Series hosts a notable public policy figure to discuss topical current events with a small audience. The series was established by the late Richard Sussman (AS’51), in memory of his late wife Lila. Tickets are required and seating is limited to provide an intimate experience for attendees.

Spring 2025 Sussman Lecture: Students Are Humans First with Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab

The Harkin Institute is thrilled to announce our Sussman Lecture, “Students Are Humans First” with Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab originally planned for last fall, has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2025. Dr. Goldrick-Rab will discuss the challenges students face in meeting their basic needs while earning a college education. She explored this topic in her award-winning book, Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream. The book documents the failures of policymakers and higher education institutions to make college affordable. Her scientific studies identifying and addressing college students’ basic needs for food, housing, childcare, transportation, and health supports sparked the internationally-known #RealCollege movement and inspired federal and state data collection and legislation, as well as countless privately-funded programs.

Our most recent Sussman lecture: Spring 2024

 

“Pain and Politics in the Heart of America” with Dr. Jennifer Silva

The Harkin Institute is excited to announce this Spring’s Sussman Lecture, “Pain and Politics in the Heart of America” with Dr. Jennifer Silva. Dr. Silva will discuss the economic, social, and cultural challenges currently facing America’s working class and how those challenges have impacted the ability of the working class to achieve the American Dream. Dr. Silva has written two books surrounding these topics, Coming Up Short: Working-Class Adulthood in an Age of Uncertainty and We’re Still Here: Pain and Politics in the Heart of America.