Recent Posts
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The loss of a wise man
A nice article on the late Regents Professor G. Edward Schuh.
Twenty years ago, I was awarded a fellowship that called for traveling to Bolivia, Colombia and other Latin American countries.
The first person I called for advice was G. Edward Schuh, a University of Minnesota economist who had distinguished himself with work in South American countries.
MinnPost.com
May 8, 2008
Staying involved eases transition back to civilian life
Dennis Donovan is quoted in this article about a University student's transition back to civilian life.
Biorn attends monthly meetings for Warrior to Citizen, a grassroots initiative to create space for acceptance of veterans and encourages every level of communities to embrace veterans during reintegration, said Dennis Donovan, a research fellow at the Humphrey Institute and lead organizer of Warrior to Citizen.
Minnesota Daily
May 8, 2008
Ex-justice urges judges not to take the money if they run
Sandra Day O'Connor's recent speech at the Humphrey Institute is profiled.
Judicial independence is the crown jewel of democracy, but easier to damage or destroy than most can imagine, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said at a luncheon Friday at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.
Star Tribune
May 2, 2008
Vikings' undrafted signees are talented
Advisory council member Tom Swain is featured in Sid Hartman's column. He was recently honored with the University's Outstanding Achievement Award.
One of the great things Tom Swain's family and friends established and funded six years ago, on Swain's 80th birthday, was two fellowships per year at the Humphrey Institute for mid-career professionals seeking a Master of Public Affairs degree. Twelve people have completed the program on those scholarships.
Star Tribune
May 8, 2008
Obama pulls ahead in delegate count
Professor Larry Jacobs was the featured guest on Midday with Gary Eichten. He talked about the 2008 presidential race.
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama won a decisive victory in North Carolina, while Hillary Clinton won Indiana on a thin margin. Midday explores what the results mean as the campaigns get ready for the next primary elections in Nebraska and West Virginia.
Minnesota Public Radio-Midday
May 7, 2008
Has Obama slipped?
Professor Larry Jacobs is quoted in this article about the ongoing race between Senators Obama and Clinton for the democratic nomination.
"Hillary is looking for evidence to lead the superdelegates to look past the numerical advantage that Barack Obama has and will have," says Lawrence Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, at the University of Minnesota. "A win in Indiana and/or a win or close second in North Carolina will put wind in those sails."
Christian Science Monitor
May 6, 2008
MPS officials look to Cincinnati
Senior Fellow Joe Nathan is quoted in this article about the efforts of Milwaukee Public Schools to improve their urban schools.
Joe Nathan said the successes in Cincinnati resulted not only from discipline policy changes and a move to smaller high schools, but also from strong collaboration between the district and union officials, a commitment to meaningful professional development for staff and the involvement of the local business, social services and higher education communities.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
May 4, 2008
Former justice O'Connor urges changes in judicial elections
Former justice O'Connor urged changes in judicial elections at the Humphrey Institute. The event was cosponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.
O'Connor told an audience at the Humphrey Institute that this state should not take its impartial judiciary for granted.
"Here in Minnesota, the judicial election system has not yet had the kind of problems that we see in other states," she said. "This is good news because what it means is that you have time to make some changes that are careful, well-considered and deliberate to avoid that kind of problem in the future. It's already on your border in Wisconsin."
Minnesota Public Radio
May 2, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Columnist Julia Steiny looks at Minnesota’s plan to save money and improve schools
Senior Fellow Joe Nathan is quoted in this column about Rhode Island's public schools.
Joe Nathan said, “Your problem [of too many districts] would be solved under open enrollment. Ours was a very clear experience of school districts changing practices and consolidating because the parents can leave. It put power in the parents’ hands. So, in some cases, districts consolidated, but in others they got together and cooperated so that they could offer more options that would be attractive to the families.”
Providence Journal
May 4, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Humphrey Institute commencement on May 18
The Humphrey Institute commencement ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at Ted Mann Concert Hall. Journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro will deliver the commencement address. A reception will follow.
Front Runners workshop on May 14
Front Runners will hold its next monthly series of networking, inspiration, strategizing, skill building, and peer support workshops for women interested in changing the world through electoral politics. Women candidates and elected officials will talk about their campaign experiences from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, in Freeman Commons (205 Humphrey Center). All are welcome. There is no charge to attend.
Events this week - May 5-May 12
May 8 | APSIA graduate admissions fair
5-7 p.m., Humphrey Center atrium
The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) will host a graduate admissions fair for prospective students from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, in the Humphrey Center atrium. Admissions officers from 20 of APSIA’s member schools—including the Humphrey Institute—will be available to answer questions about master’s and doctoral degree programs in international affairs. All are welcome. There is no charge to attend. The APSIA graduate fair is presented in partnership with the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs’ admissions office. For more information, contact the Humphrey Institute at hhhadmit@umn.edu or (612) 624-2909.
May 9–10 | Conference on the single payer health system
The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance will co-host a conference on “The True Workings of Single Payer Health Systems: Lessons or Warnings for U.S. Reform,” May 9 and 10 at the Humphrey Institute. Visit www.politicsandgovernance.org/events/singlepayer.html for more information.
Sandra Day O'Connor speaking in Twin Cities today
A preview on the recent luncheon that featured retired justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is in Minneapolis today and speaking at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. The topic is impartiality and the courts.
Star Tribune
May 2, 2008
Against the Current: Developing the Civic Agency of Students
A commentary from Senior Fellow Harry Boyte on students and civic engagement.
Lessons about who teaches civic agency and how it is taught go to the heart of challenges facing higher education.
Change magazine
May/June 2008
Study: Public opinion isn't advancing health reform
Professor Larry Jacobs talks about his new research on health care and public opinion in this story.
In an article published in the current edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, University of Minnesota political scientist Larry Jacobs reports that while Americans have broadly agreed on the need for health care reform for nearly two decades, public opinion has made little difference in the outcome of past reform efforts.
Minnesota Public Radio-All Things Considered
April 30, 2008
In remembrance of Ed Schuh
The Humphrey Institute's former dean, friend, and mentor, Regents Professor Ed Schuh, passed away over the weekend. He was in the care of family and friends and will be deeply missed. Professor Schuh was well-respected and very accomplished in his career. He was enjoying praises from his most recent honor from the University of Minnesota, the 2008 President's Award for Outstanding Service. This prestigious award is presented each year in the spring and honors those who have gone well beyond their regular duties and have demonstrated an unusual commitment to the University community, an award truly deserved by Professor Schuh.
University Senate election May 5-23, Marjorie Schalles running for civil service rep
An election will be held from May 5 to May 23 for a civil service representative on the University Senate. Marjorie Schalles, the dean's executive secretary, has thrown her hat into the ring. She is one of three people running for the position. Those eligible to vote in this election should receive an e-mail this week with more information. Click here to read about all the candidates. Good luck, Marjorie!
View poster displays by "Transforming Public Policy" students on May 12
The Humphrey Institute community is invited to view poster displays of team projects prepared by students in "PA 8001 Transforming Public Policy" from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. on Monday, May 12, in the Humphrey Forum. The projects focus on U.S. food aid policy, children’s health, prisoner reintegration, childcare, a sustainable transportation system for Minnesota, and literacy as a key to immigrant integration.
CHANCE, Jane Addams School, and Humphrey student Adam Maleitzke honored for community contributions
Humphrey Institute community members were recognized as outstanding community partners by the University of Minnesota's Campus Community Coordinators Alliance (CCCA) at the University's second annual Public Engagement Day, Tuesday, April 22. Congratulations to the Jane Addams School for Democracy, CHANCE, and Humphrey Institute graduate student Adam Maleitzke. All were recognized for their efforts to build community-university partnerships that serve the common good.
Dennis Donovan receives 2008 Outstanding Community Service Award from the U
Dennis Donovan, research fellow in the Center for Democracy and Citizenship, has received the 2008 Outstanding Community Service Award from the University of Minnesota. Established in 1999 by President Robert H. Bruininks, the award recognizes members of the University community who have devoted their time and talent to make substantial, enduring contributions to the community and to improving public life and the well-being of society.
HHH front desk graduation party on May 9
Four front desk student workers will graduate this May or summer and move on to bigger things: Greg Luecht, Aaron Marquette, Nancy Parker, and Megan Weyenberg. And conference center worker Adam Hennings will study abroad this summer and fall (returning in 2009). Please join us to thank them for their service to the Humphrey Institute and to wish them farewell at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 9, in Freeman Commons (205 HHH). Refreshments will be served.
Continue reading for a few farewell notes from our student workers:
After turning down endless impressive job offers, Megan has decided to pursue her one true passion of interpretive dance. Her summer will be dedicated to perfecting her innovative dance moves. Watch for her on the next season of Fox's So You Think You Can Dance where she plans to take over the dancing world by storm.
With two Bachelor of Arts degrees in her hand, one in history and another in global studies, Nancy believes that she is now qualified to become a reality television star. Nancy will start out by doing some dating shows, but her ultimate goal is to become a part of the Real World cast. After the Real World, she plans on doing different Real World/Road Rules challenges and never getting a real job.
Upon graduation with a bachelor of science in kinesiology, Greg will be moving to The Golden State (California). He plans to enjoy the NorCal culture in San Francisco while being a surfer dude getting a tan.
After Aaron graduates with a degree in sociology and a minor in anthropology, he will be moving to sunny San Diego. He hopes to be the manager of a Kiss memorial band, and in his spare moments he will perform magic tricks on the beach in the hopes of making a few extra dollars to help pay for his rent.
Ariel Dumas leaving the Humphrey Institute
Ariel Dumas is leaving the Humphrey Institute to perform in "Shakespeare on the Cape," a summer acting company based in Cape Cod, Mass. The summer show schedule will include The Tempest, School for Wives, and Triumph of Love. Ariel is excited to go live and perform on the Cape for four months, but she will miss the the Humphrey Institute. Her last day will be Friday, May 16. Learn more about the acting company at www.shakespeareonthecape.com.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Flowers in the atrium May 5-9
The flowers in the atrium this week are courtesy of Jessica Horning to celebrate the closing of another year with great colleagues.
Bridge comments put Pawlenty in tough political position
Professor Larry Jacobs comments on the recent statements about bridge funding made by Sen. John McCain.
"Either the Governor is right, or John McCain is right," said Larry Jacobs, director of the Humphrey Institute's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. "They're clearly on parallel universes."
Jacobs said it looked like Pawlenty and McCain had different talking points today. And it stayed that way throughout the day, as McCain once again talked about "pork-barrel" projects.
