The Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs connects Colby to the world of public affairs and inspires active citizenship to explore creative, interdisciplinary approaches to complex challenges.
Through hundreds of events featuring world leaders, innovative thinkers, influential politicians, and cutting-edge academics, the center has set a high standard for public affairs programming at a liberal arts institution.
Founded in 2003 with a generous gift from Colby Trustee William Goldfarb ’68, P’00, the center contributes to the intellectual life of the College in varied, significant ways. Through research grants, internship opportunities, and course development stipends, it makes a vital difference in the lives and educational experience of Colby students.
Goldfarb Community News
On Oct. 27, 2018, David Shribman, editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and member of the Lovejoy Selection Committee, wrote a moving piece reflecting on the tragic Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting.
2017 Lovejoy Recipient, Alec MacGillis continues to explore the regional inequality in America and its consequences. In September he released a piece on Dayton, Ohio, as a companion to the Frontline documentary “Left Behind America” that he spent the past year helping with.
Flagship Events
The Goldfarb Center coordinates four flagship events. Although each has a unique purpose, all have the goal of providing students opportunities to interact with award recipients and national leaders in journalism, academia, public affairs, and judicial service.
Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism – Annual
William R. and Linda K. Cotter Debate Series – Annual
Senator George J. Mitchell International Lecture Series – Annual
The Mitchell Series brings a prominent policy leader to campus each spring for a lecture and a dinner designed to foster interaction with students, faculty, and members of the greater Waterville community while honoring former U.S. Senator, statesman, international negotiator, and Waterville native George Mitchell.
