What Others Say

Here is what folks are saying about presentations by the Race Project team:

[Drs. Caliendo and Mcilwain] were very interesting and so well-spoken.  I found the discussion to be extremely thought-provoking. [T]heir presentation was well-received. (Danielle Moser, student, Penn State University-Berks, Reading, Pennsylvania)

“Our students’ eyes were opened.” (Phyllis Kurland, Nassau Community College, Garden City, New York)

“I rarely get to dialogue or discuss race, and it was a real breath of fresh air to hear [Dr. McIlwain's] perspective, especially in relation to the ’08 election.” (Will Thompson, Student, Lewis & Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho).

“Our college always looks forward to the presentations of Drs. Caliendo and McIlwain. Whether it’s a discussion of political campaign communication or a controversial topic like “Who can use the N-word?”, our students always enjoy their presentations and learn a great deal from the experience. We try to invite them to campus once a year! (Dr. Michele Ramsey, Penn State University – Berks)

“As we close in on an historic presidential election on November 4, I can’t think of a more prescient or provocative professor and commentator than Dr. Caliendo. He is especially cognizant of the covert and overt manner in which race has shaped political discourse and election outcomes. Moreover, he is a prolific scholar, dynamic lecturer, and is able to weave together the most current and occasionally complex political news and dynamics in an accessible manner.” (Dr. Kevan Yenerall, Clarion University)

“. . . Myself, and I know others felt that it was a shame that we had to end a very engaging discussion when we did…The video [Dr. McIlwain] put together, [his] questions and [his] perspective, and the discussion [he] led were all incredibly interesting, provocative, and important.” (Lisa M. Stulberg, New York University)

“. . . [Dr. McIlwain's] talk was just the thing we needed to start off the year with a bang…it was engaging!” (Ana Patel, Packer Collegiate Institute)

“. . . One student in attendance, who has completed two tours in Iraq since 2003, told a faculty member in our department that all of the money he had spent to attend Penn State University up until this point was completely “worth it” solely because he got to experience Dr. Caliendo’s presentation and that even if he got nothing else out of attending college after this point, he would feel it was money well spent because he had the opportunity to learn from, and interact with, with Dr. Caliendo. This student’s response speaks to the importance of Dr. Caliendo’s presentations in terms of content, but also to his incredible ability to interact with students while both on stage and off.” (Dr. Michele Ramsey, Penn State University – Berks)

Here is what some producers and hosts are saying about media appearances by the Race Project team:

“Professor Stephen Maynard Caliendo has been a fantastic guest and a pleasure to work with when we’ve had him on WGN. His in depth yet understandable explanations to both the show’s host and callers questions combined with his on-air presence makes us want to have him on again an again!” (Lindsey Theis, producer “WGN Overnight,” WGN radio, AM 720, Chicago)

“Stephen has been a political contributor for CBS 2 News in Chicago [since 2007]. Stephen brings a comprehensive, easy-to-understand perspective to our political coverage. He has been instrumental in helping us cover everything from the campaign announcements, debates — even the bank bail-out package. Stephen’s unbiased reports help viewers understand not only what happened but what to expect next. He [was] a major asset to our coverage during a very interesting political year [2008].” (Chris Selfridge, executive producer,” WBBM CBS2 TV, Chicago)

“Dr. Stephen Maynard Caliendo is my first call when anything on the national political scene breaks. I have always found my conversations with Stephen informative and thought provoking with a hint of humor. Stephen is able to comment on race and politics with intelligence and eloquence.” (Gary Zidek, Assistant Director of News/Public Affairs, WDCB public radio, FM 90.9, Glen Ellyn, IL)

“[Stephen Maynard Caliendo is] one of the most knowledgeable and insightful political analysts around.”(Steve Kraske, political correspondent, The Kansas City Star, and host “Up to Date,” KCUR public radio, FM 89.3, Kansas City, MO)