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  • Current Status and Future of the Global Plastics Treaty (Presented by UCI, Global Ocean Forum)

    The Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI) and Global Ocean Forum (GOF) will host the webinar “Current Status and Future of the Global Plastics Treaty” on Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. EST. The webinar will assemble an international group of experts to explore the progress, as well as the failures, toward addressing plastic pollution on a global scale while assessing its various implications.

    Key points of action include identifying and addressing the stumbling blocks to treaty adoption, considering the implications of addressing the entire plastics life cycle, ensuring national commitments and transparency, forming explicit guidelines for establishing baselines, addressing international trade measures, respecting Indigenous rights and knowledge systems, and ensuring a science-based approach while endorsing a living treaty.

    Panelists will include: Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution Executive Secretary Jyoti Mathur-Filipp; Monterey Bay Aquarium Chief Conservation and Science Officer Margaret Spring; Ocean Voices Programme Head of Science Policy Research Marjo Vierros; and Center for International Environmental Law Senior Legal Campaigner (Upstream Plastics Treaty) Daniela Durán. The session will be moderated by UCI Director Tony MacDonald and GOF Executive Director Miriam Balgos. Scroll below for speaker bios.

    GOF and UCI logos

    The webinar will be the second installment of an Ocean and Climate Action series that the UCI and GOF are jointly organizing in alignment with the U.N. Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development Vision 2030. The webinars aim to mobilize civil society around critical ocean and climate action identified in the report on Assessing Progress on Ocean and Climate Action 2022-2023 (“ROCA” report). The ROCA report reviews progress made on climate and ocean initiatives, making it a useful tool for discussion of strategies for achieving climate goals moving forward. Click here to watch the first webinar, “Catalyzing Party and Community Action on Ocean, Climate and BBNJ,” held in April.

    The ROCA Report identified plastics as a key issue impacting global marine systems. Thus, the second webinar will discuss the Global Plastics Treaty and explore its implications for the management of land-based marine pollution.

    The webinar is free and open to the public. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration. For questions about the event, contact Aliya Satku at asatku@monmouth.edu.

    Panelist Bios

    Jyoti Mathur-Filipp

    Jyoti Mathur-Filipp

    Jyoti Mathur-Filipp is the executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution and head of the secretariat. Prior to this assignment, she served as director at the secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. She has held key roles in inter-governmental processes, leading the work on the new global biodiversity framework. With over 25 years of experience in international environmental diplomacy, she possesses extensive knowledge in environment, climate, and sustainable development networks. She began her career with UNDP and managed groundbreaking partnerships. Her diverse roles include consulting for UNFCCC and senior advisory positions at UNDP. Mathur-Filipp holds an MS and MBA and is an alumnus of esteemed educational institutions.

    Margaret Spring

    Margaret Spring joined the Monterey Bay Aquarium in 2013 to oversee its many conservation and science initiatives, including all ocean science policy work, the Seafood Watch sustainable seafood initiative and conservation research programs, including MBARI. From 2009 to 2013, she held leadership roles at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, first as chief of staff and then as principal deputy undersecretary for oceans and atmosphere. Prior to her tenure in the Obama Administration, Margaret led The Nature Conservancy’s California coastal and marine program. From 1999 to 2007, she served on Capitol Hill as senior counsel, then general counsel, to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where she advised members of Congress on ocean and climate issues and helped develop legislation on major science and policy topics. She is a graduate of Duke University Law School and Dartmouth College.

    Marjo Vierros

    Marjo Vierros is the Ocean Voices Programme’s director of coastal policy and humanities research, which undertakes interdisciplinary research on oceans issues. She is also a senior associate with the Global Oceans Forum and a Research Associate with the University of British Columbia Nereus Program. Previously she coordinated the Global Marine Governance Project at United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability and undertook research with its Traditional Knowledge Initiative. With degrees in biology, oceanography and marine biology, her career has included work with research, conservation and United Nations organizations in countries in the Caribbean, North and Central America, Bermuda and the Pacific. Her research interests include ocean governance and marine biocultural diversity.

    Daniela Durán

    Daniela Duran

    Daniela Durán is a senior legal campaigner focused on the upstream parts of the plastics treaty for the Center for International Environmental Law’s Environmental Health program. She is a Colombian campaigner, with relevant experience influencing national and international plastic policy. She worked as a public policy specialist for The Nature Conservancy, where she helped enhance the voices of Indigenous Peoples in international climate policy. She also served as a policy advocacy manager for MarViva Foundation, where she co-drafted and advocated for the approval of Colombia’s first law to reduce single-use plastic production. Daniela holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the Rosario University in Colombia, and a master’s degree in environment and development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she was awarded the Chevening Scholarship for global leaders and researched the frames used for plastic pollution in national policies.

    Moderator Bios

    Tony MacDonald

    Tony MacDonald

    Tony MacDonald is director of the Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI). He was previously the executive director of the Coastal States Organization (CSO) from 1998-2005. CSO, based in Washington, DC, represents the interests of the governors of the nation’s 35 coastal states and territories on coastal and ocean policy matters. Prior to joining CSO, Tony was the special counsel and director of environmental affairs at the American Association of Port Authorities, where he represented the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) at the International Maritime Organization on negotiations on the London Convention. Tony also practiced law with a private firm in Washington, DC, and served as the environmental legislative representative for the Mayor of the City of New York.

    Miriam Balgos, Ph.D.

    Miriam Balgos

    Miriam Balgos is executive director of the Global Ocean Forum and concurrent project manager-capacity development specialist of a GEF-funded project on Building and Enhancing Sectoral and Cross-Sectoral Capacity to Support Sustainable Resource Use and Biodiversity Conservation in Marine Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Formerly associate scientist at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, University of Delaware and the program coordinator of the Global Ocean Forum, Balgos led the Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy team in the organization and conduct of multi-stakeholder dialogues in integrated ocean and coastal management. Her research focused on integrated ocean and coastal management, marine protected areas, marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, and climate change adaptation. She co-authored and contributed to various publications including “A Comparative Analysis of Ocean Po

  • BSU Presents, Ebony Night: A Night in Harlem

    Join us for a night of Celebrating Black Excellence. This formal event will celebrate the accomplishments of the Black Student Union and honor students, staff, and alumni for their contributions and support this academic year. Ticket will include admission to the event, entertainment, and a buffet-style meal. Dress to Impress!

  • President’s Lecture on Music History and Contemporary America

    Featuring Acclaimed Historian Sean Wilentz Presenting “‘I Don’t Write Protest Songs’: Bob Dylan, 1963”

    Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music Announces Second Annual President’s Lecture on Music History and Contemporary America

    Register for the Lecture (Required to Attend)

    WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) at Monmouth University is pleased to announce the second annual President’s Lecture on Music History and Contemporary America, to be held on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. in Pollak Theatre on the campus of Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Ave., West Long Branch, New Jersey.

    The event, which is free and open to all, will feature acclaimed historian Sean Wilentz. Wilentz, George Henry Davis 1886 Professor of American History at Princeton University, will present “‘I Don’t Write Protest Songs’: Bob Dylan, 1963.”

    As Wilentz notes, “To this day, Bob Dylan’s early work gets tagged as political or topical or protest music, despite his own protests about it. He has always refused to be categorized as a protest singer or a political spokesman or anything else other than a songwriter and performer. ‘I don’t write protest songs,’ he declared to the audience at a Monday night hootenanny at Gerde’s Folk City in 1962. Yet that renunciation served as Dylan’s introduction to his first-ever public performance of ‘Blowin’ in the Wind,’ a song that within months would become an anthem of the burgeoning civil rights movement. Although he spoke only for himself, the shifting politics of Dylan’s early output expressed a strong point of view that was essential to his emergence in Greenwich Village, perhaps the most rapid leap into genius of any artist in modern times. That development accelerated early in 1963, led to an extraordinary burst of creativity beginning in the middle of the year, and culminated in a landmark concert at Carnegie Hall on Oct. 26, the end of the beginning of Dylan’s long career.”

    Wilentz’s lecture, drawing on rare and in some cases uncirculated recordings from the time, will assess the tension and energies behind this exceptional formative period in Dylan’s art. Copies of his book, “Bob Dylan in America,” will be available for purchase and signing after his talk.

    Hosted by Monmouth University President and BSACAM Board of Directors Chair Dr. Patrick F. Leahy, this second installment in the annual lecture series comes on the heels of the release of the Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” In Leahy’s words, “I am so pleased to welcome Professor Wilentz as the featured speaker for our Second Annual Lecture on Music History and Contemporary America. As one of the leading voices in the study of U.S. political and social history, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music, Professor Wilentz’s insights will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of Dylan’s influence on the connections between music, politics, and the social forces that have shaped our nation’s history.”

    And as BSACAM Curator Melissa Ziobro notes, “We at the BSACAM are thrilled we can continue to bring nationally recognized scholars to our campus for the benefit of our students and the entire community, both on campus and beyond.”

    While the event is free and open to the public, advance registration is required. For group reservations, email Ziobro directly at mziobro@monmouth.edu.

  • Pysanky: Learn the Art of Ukrainian Egg Decorating

    Class Schedule: Tuesday, April 15 | 6 – 8:30 PM
    Come celebrate the spring at Monmouth University with this unique opportunity to learn the seasonal ancient art known as Pysanky. Pysanky, also known as Ukrainian eggs, is an ancient folk tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. This meditative and communal experience is unlike any other art process and for many this workshop marks the beginning of a spring time family tradition that can be passed on and enjoyed for years to come. This tutorial will cover the history and traditions surrounding Pysanky, a demonstration, and independent practice session. The instructor will provide a variety of eggs, dyes, and tools. Participants will turn real eggs into works of art using a wax resist method similar to batik. A great deal of patience and concentration is required to complete a single egg, but it is very rewarding to reveal your hard work when the wax layers are taken off. In-person attendance will be extremely limited.
    No prerequisite skills are required. Please bring a container or old egg carton to take home your creation. Ages 18+

  • Lead Like the Beatles

    Class Schedule: Thursdays – March 20 & 27 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    The need for today’s leaders to become expert with their use of “soft skills” is more pivotal than ever. Anyone approaching leading others in the setting of business, education, social groups, religious organizations, sports, and other forums will be called upon to utilize the right techniques and behaviors to exert influence. These far-reaching practices were mastered by the Beatles, and their abilities were one of the central reasons that they became highly successful and influential. You, too, can lead like the Beatles!

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Producing the Beatles

    Class Schedule: Thursdays – March 6 & 13 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    Based on his acclaimed podcast, Producing the Beatles, Jason Kruppa explores the music of the Fab Four from the perspective of the one person whose point of view has never been properly and thoroughly examined: their producer, George Martin. Using innovative techniques to break down their recordings, we’ll discover how the Beatles went from learning their way around the studio to becoming masters of the art of recording, with their producer working side by side with them each step of the way. And finally, with re-recordings and detailed recreations of Martin’s orchestral scores that allow us to hear individual instrument parts,, we’ll learn how his arrangements enhanced and shaped the Beatles’ music.

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Writing Memoir

    Class Schedule: Wednesdays – February 19 & 26 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    This two-session virtual course taught by Mike Farragher (’88), author of four books. The course builds on the wildly popular Intro to Memoir Writing workshops with an emphasis on character development, dialogue, and scene setting that will make any story a page turner. Practical lessons are interspersed with writing prompts to get the creativity going during this two-week course. No prior writing experience needed and all levels welcome!

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Yacht Rock! (Part II)

    Class Schedule: Thursdays, April  24  & May 1 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    All aboard! By 1980, Yacht Rock artists ruled the charts with their mixture of jazz, R&B, and smooth production. Which artists picked up the torch from the 1970s artists, and how did sounds change? What led to the decline in popularity of the genre? How did Yacht Rock make a comeback that led to the 2024 HBO documentary, a Sirius XM channel, and much more? Plus, the class will endeavor to create the ultimate Yacht Rock playlist and answer the question: what qualifies as Yacht Rock? Explore the history of the genre through multimedia presentations and class discussion.

    This two-session virtual course, taught by Kit O’Toole, explores the origins and rise of Yacht Rock, the smooth R&B and jazz-inspired genre.

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Yacht Rock!

    Class Schedule: Thursdays, January  23 & 30| 7:30 – 9:00 PM
    This two-session virtual course, taught by Kit O’Toole, explores the origins and rise of Yacht Rock, the smooth R&B and jazz-inspired genre.
    The term “Yacht Rock” exploded in popularity since the eponymous satirical web series debuted 20 years ago. But what exactly is the genre? How did it start, and which songs qualify as Yacht Rock? The first of two courses examines the roots of the genre—where did it originate, who were its founders, and how did it in popularity? Part one explores Yacht Rock from its earliest years through 1980. The class will sail the R&B and jazzy seas of smooth sounds through multimedia presentations and class discussion.
    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Best of Hans Zimmer

    Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Long Branch. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Hans Zimmer at Pollak Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight.  

    The Listeso String Quartet will be performing various compositions by Hans Zimmer, including ‘Discombobulate’ from Sherlock Holmes, ‘This Land’ from The Lion King, the Pirates of the Caribbean Suite, and many more!