Join NCA in Chicago

Martha Watson,

Although we’re all still in throes of summer (and where I am in Nevada that means 105+ days), plans for the NCA convention in November in Chicago are complete.  Thanks to efforts of all the planners, reviewers, and submitters we have a wonderful array of panels and programs in every unit.  And we will also have some special events, including a 90^th birthday party for NCA complete with cake and, if we’re lucky, champagne.

In response to suggestions from members, this year we are repeating some successful innovations of the past and trying a new format, the discussion panel. 

Spotlight Programs

This year on Friday and Saturday from 11:00am-12:15pm we will have what I am calling Spotlight Programs.  Rather than having the 40+ programs we normally run in each slot, in these two slots we will have a limited number of panels designed to attract members from various divisions.  For example, one program this year will feature Patricia Hill Collins discussing Black sexual politics.  Another will feature women past presidents of NCA reflecting on the “turning points” that led to their becoming officers of the organization.  Panels on Ronald Reagan as the “great communicator” and on the implications of the patriot act for academics are among other choices.  We hope that everyone will find one or more of these panels attractive and that members will have the opportunity to explore new areas of interest.

Discussion Panels

The discussion panels are an innovation this year.  In response to members’ requests to be able to spend more time in a session talking about the papers, I have encouraged units to schedule many of their panels as discussion panels.  For these sessions, either papers or extended abstracts will be posted in advance.  Members will have an opportunity to read these before coming to Chicago and come to the session to interact with the panelists rather than simply hearing papers.  We hope this will increase the opportunities for the exchange of ideas and provide useful feedback to the panelists.

Of course, we will have the Carroll C. Arnold Lecture, always a highlight of the convention.  This year’s Arnold lecturer is Celeste Condit from the University of Georgia.  Since there’s a separate article on Prof. Condit in the August Spectra, I won’t say more except to encourage you to come to what is sure to be a fine lecture.

Anniversary Celebration

As most of you know, NCA was founded in Chicago in 1914.  Our convention this year marks our 90^th anniversary and we will have a special celebration.  We will have birthday cake and, as part of our festivities, we will burn the mortgage on our national office, which we have paid off in advance of its maturation date.  Surely, these are two reasons to celebrate.  This celebration will take place on Saturday evening following the NCA Presidential Address and Awards Ceremony.

Make your plans now to join us in Chicago.  Help us set a new record for attendance at the national convention and break the 5000 mark.  See you there.