Harris School Buzz... ........................................................................................................................

Perspectives in Politics
A new U.S. administration must bring change to the war in Iraq. This was the conclusion of a panel of experts examining challenges that will face a new president during the Harris School’s spring 2008 Dean’s International Council meeting held in Chicago, May 5-7.

According to Charles Lipson, professor at the University of Chicago Department of Political Science, the incoming president will have the difficult task of deciding what action to take next in a war whose first few years were “almost a total fiasco.” more >>

Spring Break Harris School Style
During this year’s March spring break, Harris School students traveled to Israel as part of a mini-course with Assistant Professor Ofer Malamud and Associate Dean for Administration Esty Gur. Now in its fourth year, the program serves as an exchange between the Harris School and Tel Aviv University.

“[Our] students get exposed to the academic aspects of discourse in Israel,” said Malamud. “But in addition I think [they] get exposed to the broader cultural and political issues that are associated with Israel.” more >>

Harris School Hosts Luncheon with Jordanian Ambassador
Speaking at a luncheon with members of the Harris School community, His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein, Jordanian ambassador to the United States and non-resident ambassador to Mexico, offered insight into the Arab-Israeli conflict and answered audience questions on a range of topics affecting the Middle East. more >>

Words of Wisdom from Women in Policy
Harris School students gathered at a downtown bar and grille last week for food, drinks, and an alumni panel discussion—organized by the student group Women in Public Policy—on working in the public policy arena.

The event featured Jean Heideman, MPP’99, director of the Day School and Child Psychiatry Outpatient Programs, Rush University Medical Center; Marie Trzupek Lynch, MPP’96, executive vice president of strategic planning, new ventures, and children’s services, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; and Katie McClain, MPP’04, Chicago city director, Clinton Climate Initiative, William J. Clinton Foundation. more >>

News from the Public Policy Students Association (PPSA)...
Auction Brings in Record Proceeds
PPSA held its annual public service auction on April 12 at the Harold Washington Library. The auction raised a record $24,000 for the Amy Bosman Memorial Fellowship Fund, which provides funding for unpaid, summer public service internships.

New Officers Announced
PPSA has announced election results for officers for the 2008-2009 academic year: Leslie Eldridge (President), Erin Barringer (Social Chair), Viktoria Strokova (Budget and Oversight), Jake Ament (Academic Committee), Meg Currie (Auction Chair), and David Small (Ombudsman).

Harris School Students Organize Annual Book Drive
Last month Harris School students organized the Fourth Annual Irving B. Harris Memorial Book drive in memory of the school’s namesake. The books benefit young children on Chicago’s south side through the Ounce of Prevention Fund’s EduCare Center promoting early childhood literacy. Students collected enough books and donations for nearly 800 books, which they delivered to the Center where they met with the children and their families. A special thank you to the alumni who contributed to the effort.

In the News

• James Heckman on early childhood education
  “Science, politics, and preschool,” Chicago Tribune, April 27, 2008.
• Susan Mayer on the effects of actions by Wall Street millionaires
  “The Growing Gap,” WTTW Channel 11, Chicago Tonight, April 21, 2008.
• Charles Wheelan on economic problems in rural America
  “Small Towns, Big Problems,” Yahoo!Finance, The Naked Economist, April 23, 2008.
• Harris School faculty collaborate with city on youth violence study
  “U of C, city team up to stop the violence,” ABC 7 News, April 11, 2008.
  “Daley Announces Anti-Violence Initiative; City Teams up with University of Chicago and Philanthropists,” WGN Radio, April 11, 2008.
  “Daley pitches youth violence program but specifics in short supply,” Chicago Tribune, April 10, 2008.
• Cultural Policy Center Hosts Policy Briefing on Cultural Heritage Protection after the Iraq War
  “Missing Iraq antiquities haunt experts,” Los Angeles Times, April 9, 2008.
• Charles Wheelan on the national debt
  “U.S. Looks Abroad to Borrow,” CBS Evening News, April 3, 2008.
  “American Debt Machine,” CBS Evening News, April 2, 2008.

Upcoming Events by City

Chicago: Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8
Alumni Weekend—On Saturday, June 7, join us for an UnCommon Core Lecture and the Harris School Reception. Beforehand, you can visit the 57th Street Art Fair, feast at the University Picnic, and participate in more UnCommon Core Lectures. Afterwards, you can dance the night away at the ChicaGO Party.      more >>

Chicago: Friday, June 6
6th Annual Minorities in Public Policy Alumni Award Dinner—In addition to the honoree, the evening will feature a keynote address by Will Burns, AB’95, AM (SOC)’98, Vice President, Conlon Public Strategies.      more >>

And check out what's coming up...