BINGHAMTON, NY - A panel of three Binghamton University alumni – all of whom are political experts frequently quoted by national news media – will discuss "Our political system on life support" at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Watters Theater, on campus. The event is part of the speaker series TIER Talks (Talks that Inspire, Educate and Resonate), presented by M&T Bank and the Binghamton University Alumni Association, and is a signature event for Homecoming 2016. This event is free and open to the public.

This timely and lively discussion will focus on the American political climate and upcoming presidential election. Speakers will cover a variety of topics including partisanship, the effect of social media on political discourse and voter disengagement.

The speakers and their topics are as follows:

Jean W. Harris ’82, MA ’86, PhD ’94

Professor, Political Science and Women's Studies, University of Scranton

Coordinator, Ready to Run Northeast Pennsylvania

"Political Illiteracy and Government By and For Career Politicians"

Matthew R. Kerbel ’80

Professor and Chair of Political Science, Villanova University

"Partisanship in America. Can Social Media Be The Fix?"

David A. Schultz ’80, MA ’86

Professor of Political Science, Hamline University

"The Cause and Consequences of Political Polarization in America: 1976-2016"

TIER Talks, presented by M&T Bank, engages alumni and faculty who are thought leaders to provide the University and global communities with insights into hot topics in a manner that both informs and energizes. Audiences come away from TIER Talks with a deeper knowledge base and a desire to understand more about themselves and the world around them.

For more information about Homecoming 2016 activities, visit homecoming.binghamton.edu. Although there is no cost to attend TIER Talks, guests are encouraged to register through the Homecoming website. Questions can be directed to the Alumni Engagement office at 777-2424 or alumni@binghamton.edu.