In the Fall of 1982, twenty-five students took a chance on a startup institution and became the first Master of Public Management class at what was then the School of Public Affairs. In the forty years since, the first graduating class of twelve has been joined by some 3,400 more graduates, we've grown to a student, faculty, and staff community of more than 600, and our teaching and research has expanded as issues of public policy lie at the heart of society's great challenges.
As we mark our 40th Anniversary, we face a vastly different world and set of governance and policy challenges. Public issues are no longer just for governments to solve, but demand the engagement and leadership of all sectors. Cultural and geographic boundaries have blurred. Structures and systems that have perpetuated inequitable outcomes need to be replaced. A new public square that guarantees inclusive governance needs to be built.
Given all this, what role should public policy schools play? Join us as we reflect on all that our community has achieved over the decades, and we explore what this next forty years of policy and policy education holds for us.
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Share Your Story
Our community of alumni, students, faculty, and staff—past and present—is more than 4,000 strong, and we would love to share your stories about your time at the School and your work serving the public good.
Did you meet your partner at SPP? Did an internship help shape your career? Do you still keep in touch with your professors? Whatever your story is, we invite you to share for an opportunity to be included in community spotlights on the School website, social media and in our newsletters.