Friday May 22, 2026

Track 1: The Stories Around Us: A Video Production Workshop

Abstract: We all come from towns and cities bursting with impactful stories that are just waiting to be filmed. But sometimes it can be difficult to find them. Using my company’s past projects as inspiration, I want to help attendees brainstorm potential town & gown video content and give them a blueprint for bringing these ideas to life.

Presenter: Tony Thompson, Scholarly Assistant Professor - WSU Murrow College of Communication | Co-Founder - Dryland Media

Track 4: Signals and Safeguards: Strengthening Town–Gown Public Safety Through Cyber Readiness Partnerships

Abstract: Cyber threats increasingly disrupt public safety systems shared by universities and their surrounding communities. This session highlights UGA CyberArch, a cybersecurity clinic, that is committed to strengthening the cyber readiness for local governments, school districts, hospitals, and small businesses. Participants learn how confidential, student-supported cybersecurity risk reviews improve early warning signals, operational safeguards, trust, and resilience, while advancing shared town–gown responsibility for protecting critical digital infrastructure and essential public services across diverse campus and community environments statewide and beyond today.

Presenters: Jeremy Daniel, CyberArch Program Manager, and Divesh Gupta, CyberArch intern, University of Georgia

Track 5: Moving Out and Giving Back: A look at Georgetown University's Move Out Drive

Abstract: Since 2006, Georgetown University and local community charities have partnered to collect over 85 tons of donated goods each spring from students and community members who want to make a difference to families living throughout the DC region. Through essential internal and external partnerships, this environmental and social justice initiative, known as the "Move Out Drive”, has become a successful community wide signature program.

Presenters: Gwendolyn Coleman, Director, Office of Neighborhood Life, and Cory Peterson, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement and Local Government Affairs, Georgetown University

Track 5: How The Big Event Builds Community Impact Through Student Service

Abstract: The Big Event Texas A&M unites thousands of student volunteers in a single day of service dedicated to strengthening the local community. This session will explore how a strong, people-first culture has driven theorganization’s growth and success, enabling it to scale impact while maintaining meaningful connections with both students and residents. Attendees will gain insight into how intentional culture-building, leadership development, and community partnerships can create a sustainable and impactful service model.

Presenters: Jack Anderson, Director, Reagan Whipkey, Associate Director, The Big Event

Track 2: From Reactivity to Capacity: Strengthening Town-Gown Communities Through Nervous System-Informed Leadership

Abstract: Town-gown communities operate under constant pressure, from student mental health crises to public safety and political scrutiny. Chronic stress can narrow decision-making and weaken collaboration across institutions. This keynote introduces a practical, neuroscience-informed framework for reducing reactivity and increasing leadership capacity in high-stakes environments. Participants will learn how regulation strengthens cross-sector partnerships, improves crisis response, and builds sustainable town-gown relationships.

Presenter: Lizette Warner, Adjunct Professor, University of Texas, Dallas

Track 5: Getting Back on the Rails: Renewing Student-Community Connections

Abstract: Professionals tasked with supporting student-community relationships face numerous challenges, from finding common ground among competing viewpoints to motivating students to engage with their community despite the many demands on their time and attention. In this interactive session, participants will collaborate with peers to identify some of the most challenging issues in town-gown relations and discuss strategies for addressing them.

Presenters: Nickie McDaniel, Community Liaison, Austin Kibler, Off-Campus Housing Specialist, and Jaclyn Upshaw-Brown, Assistant Director for Off- Campus Student Services, Texas A&M University

Track 5: Are you interested in hosting an ITGA conference?

Abstract: Multiple prior ITGA conference chairs will share information regarding hosting the International ITGA conferences and state-wide conferences. Panelists will discuss the bid process, fundraising, logistical considerations, highs & lows, and what they learned. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions.

Presenter: Todd Kamanash, Associate Dean of Students for Conduct & Community Engagement, Kent State University

Track 5: Got Furniture? View the blueprint for Furniture Amnesty Day in Manhattan, Kansas

Abstract: In most college towns as leases turnover, you’ll find couches, recliners, and more left on the. Manhattan found a solution. For 15 years, the Manhattan, Kansas State University, and non-profit organizations have annually coordinated Furniture Amnesty Day, which allow local residents to donate furniture no longer needed so that others in the community can select from the donated goods for free. Learn the how this widely successful event takes place each year.

Presenters: Jared Wasinger, Assistant City Manager, City of Manhattan; Grant Hill, Deputy Chief of Staff, Kansas State University