Institute Insider

May 5 | Humphrey Public Leadership Awards
6 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center

The 2009 Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards dinner will take place on Tuesday, May 5, at the McNamara Alumni Center. The annual Humphrey Public Leadership Awards honor individuals, organizations, or projects that contribute to the common good through public leadership and service. Recipients of the 2009 public leadership awards are Mike McCurry, White House press secretary during the Clinton Administration; Lou Bellamy, founder and artistic director of Penumbra Theatre Company; Mary Lee Dayton, kindergarten teacher, women’s rights activist, and community volunteer; and Jim Campbell, former chairman and CEO of Wells Fargo Bank.

A reception begins at 6 p.m., with the dinner and program at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit a student scholarship initiative. Contact Lorna Schmidt at schm1184@umn.edu or (612) 626-1837 for ticket and sponsorship information.

May 6 | Rethinking Public Health in a Reformed Health System
Noon–1:30 p.m., Cowles Auditorium

Anne Haddix, chief policy officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will discuss "Rethinking Public Health in a Reformed Health System" on Wednesday, May 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium. The White House and Congress are rapidly moving toward legislation that will create universal health care coverage for Americans. Yet whether this course of action will ultimately improve health is debatable. The leading causes of death begin with behaviors that have their origin far outside the health care system. This program will explore the changing role of public health. Haddix will discuss how public health provides community and societal level actions that prevent such behaviors, how public health can leverage available community resources to close the gap between coverage and utilization in underserved populations, and the role public health has in monitoring health and progress in the population while maintaining awareness of emerging health threats. All are invited to attend.

May 6 | Regional Planning and Policy Discussion
12:45–2 p.m., 184 Humphrey Center

Professor John Bryson and Barbara Crosby will present "Understanding Strategic Planning and the Formulation and Implementation of Strategic Plans as a Way of Knowing" on Wednesday, May 6, from 12:45 to 2 p.m. in Room 184 Humphrey Center. This talk is part of the Regional Planning and Policy Brownbag Discussion Series. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend.

May 6 | Norway and the U.S." Engaging the New "New" World
4 p.m., Cowles Auditorium

Join us for a public forum with Benson K. Whitney, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway, on Wednesday, May 6, at 4 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium. The 21st century relationship between the U.S. and Norway faces a rapidly changing environment, including a "new" modern Norway and a dynamically changing geo-political scene which challenges the overall trans-Atlantic alliance. Do we still need each other? How can we keep this relationship strong? In "Norway and the U.S.: Engaging the New 'New' World," Ambassador Whitney will reflect on these issues and share some of his experiences as a U.S. ambassador serving two presidents. This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested. To register, visit www.micglobe.org or call (612) 625-4421. A reception in the Humphrey Atrium will follow the program. This event is sponsored by the Minnesota International Center, Honorary Norwegian Consulate General (Minneapolis), Freeman Center for International and Economic Policy, Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Club of Minnesota.