Over the past 15 years I have been able to work with bright, dedicated students who are willing to go through a truly rigorous academic program and to give up two or more years of their lives and thousands of dollars in order to better society.

It has been a real kick, and they have made my professional life a joy. I have seen the School grow from a population of 84 to 240; from (roughly) one-fifth to the entire first floor of the building; from one to about a dozen tenured faculty; and most importantly from a small Committee to a School of national and world renown.

Partly, this is due to the increased visibility of the public policy field over the last 15 But by far the most powerful influences on the reputation and growth of the School during my career have been Irving B. Harris, the deanships of Robert Michael, and Deputy Dean Charles Glaser. Without this group, the School never would have flourished so successfully. Their vision, dedication and commitment are exemplary of all that the Harris School strives to achieve.

Irving Harris embodies the guiding principles of the School to which he gave his moral support, financial assistance, and most significantly, his name, which we have endeavored to live up to. He, like the students, has dedicated his time, money, energy, and formidable intelligence to help the world become a better place.

Under Robert Michael’s leadership, the School acquired one of the country’s finest faculties and tripled the student population. He exemplifies the School’s commitment to “problem driven” research and excellence in teaching. Charles Glaser has been a substantial influence. While Acting Dean, he increased the faculty and kept the School’s growing character intact. His exquisitely analytic mind and deep sense of fairness have been relied upon by all. I must also thank Richard Taub for suggesting I apply for the job and the School’s faculty and staff for their constant cooperation and helpfulness. Most particularly, I thank Phyllis Brust and Ellen Cohen for their wit, sense, and good advice, and my “other half,” friend, and teammate, Crystal Johnson, for her patience, wisdom, common sense, competence, and affection, which made it possible for me to do my job effectively and comfortably.

Thank you all for the many happy years, and I think without question, it is now true that those who think seriously about contributing to society recognize the value and accessibility of a public policy degree.