Graduation Brings Excitement and New Opportunities for Harris School Students
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June 14, 2012
More than 125 men and women completed their journey as students at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy by crossing the stage of Mandel Hall to receive their hood during a ceremony held on June 9.
Alisa Miller (MPP/MBA’99), delivered this year’s address and shared the story of her own journey to Harris, to the public sector, and, eventually, to the job of her dreams. Miller, who is the CEO of Public Radio International, encouraged the graduating students to forge their own way, despite the difficulties that might arise.
“Be uncomfortable as you pursue your dreams,” advised Ms. Miller with a smile. “There are not always well-worn paths for you to take in public policy. Thus, you must create your own GPS to navigate the difficult twist and turns that lie between you and your goals.”
Members of the class of 2012 now embark on their future as public policy leaders. While their paths will diverge as they pursue opportunities across the country and around the world – some to the public sector, others to the non-profit and private sectors, and many to continue their scholarship – the students found that their time at Chicago Harris prepared them for the next step in their lives.
“The great thing about the Harris experience is the pragmatism of the school,” opined Janelle Johnson (MPP’12) who will be pursuing a career in intelligence and Middle Eastern foreign policy in Washington D.C. “You get to sit and talk with brilliant people—students and faculty alike—about practical ways to make the world a little better. We don't just learn how to think about policy changes, but to how specific changes will impact different segments of society.”
“I am looking forward to starting in a new position with the City Colleges of Chicago in the Office of Community Relations,” said Maureen Lopez Fitzpatrick (MPP’12). “Harris has helped prepare me for my new role at the intersection of organizing and public policy. I am grateful for my two years at Harris and the opportunity to stay connected with the alumni community!”
After receiving their diplomas and hoods, the new graduates were addressed by Harris School Dean Colm O’Muircheartaigh.
“We may have confused you in the early stages…but the reason was so you could do better when you finally went out to begin your careers,” said Dean O’Muircheartaigh to applause and laughter. “Harris School students want to change the world. That’s the place where public policy is implemented, after all. Our hope, as you go out, is that you use the understanding we have given you to change it in a good way.”
"This program made me into a new man,” beamed Thomas Day (MPP’12) who recently accepted a position as a research associate at the Paulson Institute where he will develop historical case studies on Chinese foreign direct investment in the United States “There were plenty of times at the beginning of this program when I didn't think I was going to make it through—that I wasn't smart enough to hang with my classmates through such rigorous coursework. Two years later, I see the world and myself in an entirely new way."
-- by Scott Kenemore
