Great Dane Dialogue: approaching with an open mind
By Gianna Difulio | September 21, 2026
University at Albany alumni Bria Nickerson recently returned to campus not as a visitor, but as a mentor. Her experiences were able to be shared with students through Great Dane Dialogue, a series of campus-wide speeches to promote civil discourse amid polarized political landscapes.
Nickerson currently serves as the executive director for the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
“The younger people are the ones shaping our world. They are the next people who are going to be our leaders,” said Nickerson. “And I think meeting them, talking to them, being able to mentor them, when possible, means everything to me.”
Although the event is designed for first-year students, the rows were packed with audience members, students and professors alike, from front to back.
Nickerson stressed the importance of leading with curiosity, and “fostering an environment where people feel comfortable to ask a question,” saying that this is where meaningful dialogue and understanding begins.
This advice can be used far beyond a college campus.
Not only did the event involve a question-and-answer panel with Nickerson, but attendees were able to participate in interactive polls directly from their phones, sharing how they would react to different situations involving conflict.
These results helped drive the conversation, giving students advice based on responses and perspectives.
Great Dane Dialogue partners with the First-Year Experience Program, urging underclassmen to get involved on campus and use these skills to “unleash greatness,” aligning with the university’s motto.
“Students can really connect with faculty,” said event attendee Nicole Somersel. “And gain important insight into their future.”
Somersel is also an intern with the First-Year Experience Program, encouraging students to go to events, similarly to how she was helped as a freshman.
Out of all the events she has attended, Somersel said her biggest takeaway has been learning to be an understanding person. Even when it’s difficult, she said, it’s an important skill to have.
And while everyone may not agree, there is always room for one more conversation.
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