Pulitzer Prize Centennial Celebration among Graham Center events this March

March 10: School-to-Prison Pipeline with American Bar Association President Paulette Brown
The “school-to-prison pipeline” refers to policies and practices that push school children, especially at-risk children, out of classrooms and into the criminal justice system. This pipeline reflects the prioritization of incarceration over education. On March 10 at 6 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora, ABA President Paulette Brown will explore how inadequate resources, ineffective discipline policies and an increased reliance on law enforcement has resulted in a funneling of students into the juvenile justice system. Introductory remarks with be given by Alachua County School Superintendent Dr. Owen Roberts.
March 14: Pulitzer Prize Centennial Celebration: Secrets of Award-Winning Journalism
Celebrating 100 years of excellence in journalism and the arts, the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida will host Paul Tash, chairman and CEO of the Times Publishing Company, on March 14 at 6 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora as part of the Pulitzer Prize Centennial Celebration. The Tampa Bay Times is Florida’s leading newspaper and has won 10 Pulitzer Prizes. Tash will bring his years of experience to the Bob Graham Center with the hopes of inspiring a new generation of journalists and revealing the secrets of award-winning journalism. Tash is chairman of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, a school for journalists and media leaders. He is past chairman of the Pulitzer Prize board and former board member of the Committee to Protect Journalists. He currently serves on the board of the Associated Press and is a member of the Florida Council of 100.
March 22: An Author’s Evening with special guest David McCullough
Join the University of Florida Bob Graham Center for Public Service, former Governor Bob Graham and the UF Alumni Association for “An Author’s Evening with David McCullough” to benefit the Bob Graham Center for Public Service as they celebrate their 10th anniversary. Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough will discuss his latest #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wright Brothers on March 22 at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. VIP reception guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with David McCullough and Bob Graham, preferred seating at the lecture and an autographed copy of The Wright Brothers.

The VIP Reception begins at 5 p.m. with the lecture to follow at 6 p.m. Register by March 4 on the Bob Graham Center website, www.bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu.

March 29: Reconciliation in a Post-Conflict Society
Special guest Rev. Gary Mason of Belfast, Ireland will speak at the Bob Graham Center on Tuesday, March 29 at 6 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora. Rev. Mason will share his experiences with leading the reconciliation process with those involved in sectarian conflict. A Methodist minister, Mason directs a conflict transformation organization based in Belfast called “Rethinking Conflict.” He has played an integral role in the Northern Irish peace process and is credited with developing the largest faith-based redevelopment project in Western Europe which is considered the model of coexistence and shared space. Mason has lectured in political and academic forums throughout Europe, South Africa, the Middle East and the U.S. on lessons learned from the Irish peace process.

Rev. Mason has visited Jewish historical sites in Europe in order to develop his understanding of the Shoah and of Jewry’s European history. He has made a personal and professional commitment to developing a deep understanding of Jewish history and culture.