SCSU Department of Economics

09/03/2026

📢 Social Security Explained

When should you claim Social Security benefits? How is the program funded? What factors affect the benefits you receive?

Join us for Social Security Explained, presented in partnership with AARP, for an informative discussion about one of the nation's most important retirement programs.

Whether you're planning for retirement, helping a family member navigate benefits, or simply interested in public policy, this session will provide practical information and answer common questions about Social Security.

📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 9:00-10:30 a.m.
📍 St. Cloud State University

✅ Free to attend
✅ Open to the public
✅ Registration requested

🔗 Register here: https://www.aarp.org/events/details.social-security-explained.zknfjd45pp5

Presented by AARP MN and the SCSU Center for Economic Education.

09/02/2026

📚🤖 How is artificial intelligence changing the publishing industry?

A recent article in Business Central Magazine by Hannah Fairman, Associate Director of the Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute, and Lynn MacDonald, Co-Director of the St. Cloud State University Center for Economic Education, explores how AI is transforming content creation and publishing.

Drawing on research from a University of Minnesota economist, the article examines economic questions surrounding productivity, information quality, incentives, and the future of creative work in an AI-driven world.

Read the article here: https://issuu.com/businesscentral/docs/september_october_2026/28

08/20/2026

📈 What do economic statistics miss?

SCSU Economics alumna Alli Bily ('19) and Dr. Lynn MacDonald explore that question in their recent Business Central Magazine article, "What the Numbers Miss."

Their piece examines how economists think about the visible and less visible impacts of disruption, from changes in spending patterns to the role of social capital and community connections.

We're proud to see our alumni applying economic thinking to important real-world issues.

Read the article here: https://issuu.com/businesscentral/docs/ja26_bc_webfiles/24

08/11/2026

A gathering of economists is always a good sign! Great to celebrate with colleagues, friends, and family as this new economics major heads off to her next adventure. Congratulations!

07/03/2026

Congratulations Lucas! So exciting to see success stories about our econ alumni!

05/13/2026

💡 What happens when an SCSU Econ student becomes a published co-author?

We’re excited to share a recent article in Business Central Magazine, co‑written by SCSU Economics faculty member Lynn MacDonald and recent graduate Max Subra 👏

Max developed this work as part of his senior project on cryptocurrency, and it’s exciting to see that research reach a broader community audience.

This is what we value in SCSU Economics:
📊 applying economic thinking to real-world issues
🎓 mentoring students as collaborators
🌍 sharing ideas beyond the classroom

Congratulations to Max on this accomplishment—we’re proud to see student research in action!

👉 Read the article here:
https://issuu.com/businesscentral/docs/may_june_2026/24

05/08/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 graduates!

05/05/2026

🎥✨ Econ in the spotlight—on the road! ✨🎥

Did you catch PBS Almanac: On the Road when it stopped right here in St. Cloud, MN? We’re proud to share that the episode featured some incredible Central Minnesota scholars—including our very own King Banaian (SCSU Economics) alongside Louis Johnston (CSB|SJU Economics), unpacking big economic ideas with local relevance.

Even better, the segment also highlighted SCSU faculty Rob Galler and Chris Lehman, showcasing the depth and breadth of expertise right here at St. Cloud State.

📺 This is what public economics looks like: local voices, accessible ideas, and meaningful conversations beyond the classroom.

👉 Watch the video & celebrate SCSU’s presence in regional public media!

St. Cloud road show, State of the State address, Rural healthcare

05/01/2026

Check out these photos of some of our SCSU econ students as they presented their senior projects. Congratulations to Brooke, Davy, and Max!

04/30/2026