The Sesno Series
Endowed by GW alumni Ted Segal, B.A. ’03, and Meredith Perla Segal, B.Accy. ’05, the Sesno Series was created to honor the contributions of Frank Sesno, SMPA professor and former SMPA director, CNN reporter, anchor and Washington bureau chief.
These annual events aim to promote critical conversations around democracy, civil discourse, and public understanding while enriching the student experience at GW. The series will examine trends in democracy, culture, journalism, and media. We will feature thoughtful, compelling, and sometimes unusual public figures to provide insight and genuinely thought-provoking conversation.
Upcoming Events:
What Now, America?
This conversation will explore the most pressing questions confronting the country at a pivotal moment in American history. Can Republicans and Democrats address the extremes and find common ground? What can we do about political violence and its effect on politics, culture, and American democracy? At a time of polarization and shifting global power, what is America’s place in the world?
Expect a candid conversation probing the issues shaping our future and how we navigate these turbulent times.
Distinctive experience and perspective from Kristen Soltis Anderson, political pollster and CNN contributor; Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), B.A. ’77; and Marianna Sotomayor B.A. '15, M.A. ‘16, congressional reporter for The Washington Post.
This discussion will be nationally broadcast on C-SPAN.
Past Events:
Disruption, Discord, and Democracy: The Road Ahead
The third Sesno Series event, Disruption, Discord, and Democracy: The Road Ahead, was held in February 2025. Frank and former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu had a thought-provoking conversation, discussing President Donald Trump's eventful first month in office, the impact of the administration's sweeping cuts, and the status of the checks and balances fundamental to American democracy. Be sure to check out the recording of the event and a gallery of photos below.
Do you have an idea of who you'd like to see speak at future events? Let us know →
Disagree Better: How Politicians, the Public and the Press Can Turn Down the Heat
The second Sesno Series event, Disagree Better: How Politicians, the Public and the Press Can Turn Down the Heat, was held in February 2024. Frank and Governor Spencer J. Cox had an important discussion, alongside journalists Michel Martin and Jonah Goldberg, on the challenge of "disagreeing better" when it comes to identity, climate change, social media, news coverage, and more. This event also featured the thoughts and opinions of student voices. Be sure to check out the recording of the event and a gallery of photos below.
The Inaugural Sesno Series Event
The first ever Sesno Series event, A House Divided: How to Survive our Polarized Times, A Conversation with Cory Booker, was held in September 2023. Frank and Senator Booker had an inspirational discussion on the state of our democracy and the night also featured clips from an enlightening GW student focus group led by renowned pollster Frank Luntz. Be sure to check out the recording of the event, a gallery of photos, and the student focus group clips below.
Do you have an idea of who you'd like to see speak at future events? Let us know →
A Selection of Past Conversations with Frank Sesno:
