Econversations is a weekly informal gathering of Davidson students and faculty to talk about economic topics. The format is open, the discussion is fluid, content is largely driven by the interests of participants, and intellectual debate is encouraged. Econversations was started by Prof. Shyam Gouri Suresh and Noah Bricker ('14) who wanted to continue economics discussions outside of the classroom and office hours. In Spring 2013, Econversations was featured in Davidson Journal.
Econversations meets every week outside Davis Café in the Alvarez Student Union from 3:50pm to 4:50pm.
Econversations has been an exciting part of Davidson life for many students. Participants from years past have some great things to say about their Econversations experience:
"Econversations was one of the best parts of my Davidson experience. The opportunity to engage with highly intelligent students and professors on the most vexing economic issues of our time is truly unique. It made me a better thinker, debater, and informed human being. It is the quintessential liberal arts experience."--Noah Bricker ('14).
“During my senior year, Econversations served as an opportune way to openly discuss and critique intriguing ideas with my peers under the brilliant facilitation of Dr. Suresh. It was the sort of discussion that should probably follow any classroom lecture as it guaranteed a deeper understanding of economic theories. I enjoyed every second of it, and would highly recommend Econversations to anyone looking to engage in a productive dialogue on economic concepts and their application to current affairs.” -Jason Oteng-Nyame (’17)
“Econversations is a great mid-week break from the craziness of a Davidson schedule. It provided an awesome opportunity to get together and chat about ways that economics comes into our every day lives. Now a Masters student at the London School of Economics, I get to apply those conversations every day in classes around foundations for sustainable development in countries around the world.” -Alyssa Bryan (’17)
“The discussions I had with people during Econversations were not all that different from many I had on a daily basis at Davidson. Except that at Econversations I was never the only person at the table interested in having them. I always found the conversation thoughtful and engaging as well as unapologetic and rigorous. I came to really look forward to the informal weekly meetings and found that they not only got me energized about economics, but a myriad of different issues impacting our world today.” -Peter Donahue (’18)
“Econversations was a highlight of my Davidson experience. It deepened my knowledge of economics, helped me explore my passion for the subject, and provided an outlet for me to connect academic curiosity with real world topics. The only thing better than having the conversations was getting to spend time with the professors and students around the table. When I think about the best qualities of Davidson College, I can’t help but think about Econversations.” -Houston Downes (’18)
