September 27, 2024/Midnight
Erie, Pa.– Dr. David Kozak, a distinguished former professor of public policy at Gannon University, was honored on Wednesday September 18th with a reception in Gannon’s Old Main Building. This was followed by a guest speaker event in Yehl Ballroom.
Students initially expressed uncertainty about what to expect from Ornstein during the reception. They had the opportunity to question him about the state of America’s political scene. Still, some seemed surprised to hear Ornstein’s critical, partisan positions on the Supreme Court and Donald Trump.
The reception accommodated up to 50 people and over 100 guests for the speaker discussion through sponsorship from Erie Insurance, Mr. Thomas B. Hagen, and Gannon University. Gannon Alumni, Erie community leaders, faculty, students, and President Dr. Iwanenko met Ornstein.
After the reception, Ornstein provided a brief history of the “tribalization” of American politics. He urged the audience to “never make linear projections” because of the unpredictable nature of politics. He also referred to sociologist Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s concept of “defining deviancy down.” Ornstein argued that since the late 2000’s there has been a “deterioration of [social] norms” in Congress which caused deep division between the two political parties.
Following this, Ornstein and Gannon’s Dr. Bloodworth, engaged in conversation regarding the upcoming 2024 Presidential election as well as Ornstein’s experience working with members of the federal government, such as Former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden.
Luke Bratton, a student who attended the event noted that the “discussion was very educational” and “hearing the perspectives of various scholars on topics they have devoted their lives to study is an honor and privilege that Gannon grants us…” He also expressed hope for similar events to be held in the future.
Furthermore, Kristin Talarico, a former student of Dr. Kozak and Senior Project Manager at Erie Insurance announced the creation of the Dr. David and MaryAnne Kozak Gannon READS Program Endowment. Gannon University regards the READS Program as an “enhance[ment of] the first-year student experience at Gannon by providing a common book to read and discuss.” The program culminates at an event late in the fall semester where the chosen book’s author is brought to Erie for discussion. Dr Kozak expressed his support for the program and its mission through a pre-recorded tape shown to the audience.
Dr. Jubulis noted that Dr. Kozak often employed unusual teaching methods. For example, Dr. Jubulis mentioned Dr. Kozak’s reputation for calling authors of class materials when inquiries arose during lessons, revealing Dr. Kozak’s exceptionalism and presence within the public policy community.
To close the night, an audience member asked Ornstein: “I am an 18-year-old voter, why does my vote matter?” In response, he urged youth to not doubt their power because they have “more on the line for a longer time” than older voters. He also left the audience with a piece of advice to think of at the polls: “if you lose sight of all freedoms, they may not come back.”
