Signature Events
The Paynter Lecture on the Theory and Practice of Politics
James Madison College celebrates the life of founding faculty member Jack Paynter annually with the Jack Paynter Endowed Lecture, funded generously by gifts from former students, friends, family, and colleagues. The Paynter lecture brings renowned speakers to James Madison College to discuss historical, philosophical, social, legal, and political subjects in the spirit of Jack's career and intellectual curiosity. Learn more about Professor Paynter's legacy here.
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Previous Paynter Lecture Speakers
2024 - Dr. Robert C. Bartlett, Professor of Hellenic Political Studies at Boston College, with respondent Dr. Emily Pears, Assistant Professor of Government at Claremont McKenna College. "Demagogues & Democracy" Livestream available here
2023 - Dr. Rogers Smith (JMCD '74), Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania; Wallace Jefferson (Urban '85), former Texas Supreme Court Justice; and Dr. Lee Epstein, Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of Southern California. Livestream available here
2022 - Dr. Susan Collins, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame, "The Spartans and the Ancient Regime: Political Order in a World of Conflict".
2019 - Dr. Forrest Nabors, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, "The Missouri Compromise and the Coming of America's Peloponnesian War."
2018 - Richard Cordray (JMCD '81), first Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate 2018, "Consumer Protection and Economic Inequality in America".
2016 - M. Richard Zinman, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, James Madison College, Michigan State University, "Democracy Nobility, and Philosophy: Nietzsche and the 'Pathos of Distance'" Livestream available here
2015 - Arthur Melzer, Professor of Political Science, Michigan State University, "Philosophy and Secrecy: The Forgotten Practice of Esoteric Writing" Livestream available here
2014 - Michael McConnell (JMCD '76), Professor of Law, Director of Law Center, Stanford University Law School, "Turning the Clock Back?: What Did the Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment Think About School Segregation?"
2013 - Michael Zuckert, Nancy Dreux Professor of Political Science, University of Notre Dame
2011 - Peter Ahrensdorf, Professor of Political Science, Davidson College
2010 - Paul Stern (JMCD'75), Professor of Political Science, Ursinus College
2008 - David Blight, Professor of American History, Yale University
2006 - Peter Lyman (1940-2007) Professor, School of Information at UC Berkeley and JMC faculty member
Parade of Honors
For over thirty years, JMC has hosted Parade of Honors as an annual banquet to recognize students for their various academic and service achievements throughout the year. While the event has evolved since it's inception, the purpose is to honor students who have received scholarships or awards either at the College, University, or Nationally.
Research Showcase
As the next generation of practitioners, policy makers, scholars, and leaders in public and international affairs, JMC seniors are invited to present their scholarly work at the annual JMC Research Showcase. Since 2013, the showcase features panels and presentations that highlight the research-based achievements of Madison students.