What I am thankful for..

With current students, Camila Urbina and Charlene Cordero at Sciences Po on recent APSIA recruiting fair in Paris

Thanksgiving gives us a chance to hit the pause button, relax and reflect on the year behind with thoughts and plans for the year ahead. Hopefully through these reflections, we find time to be mindful of all that we have to be thankful for. Today I would like to say Thank You to the amazing faculty and staff I have worked with over the years at Maxwell. I have been truly blessed to have been able to work so closely with some of the most amazing minds in the public policy and international affairs … and they are not just amazing scholars — talented and intelligent beyond measure — they are caring, decent, and dedicated people that I am honored to call friends and colleagues.  I have worked with numerous colleagues over these past twenty years  and each holds a special place in my heart for what they have brought to my life – to this school  – and to our students..

And as for the students – I am thankful for knowing them as well.  Even though they never stay long enough in my opinion! Graduation is always bittersweet, but I am glad for the time I have getting to know them while they join us here in Syracuse.  (A Message to Our Graduates – July 2016)

I enjoyed a dinner with Maxwell alumi in Berlin! Shown here with (l-r) Manuel, Freddie, Chiara, Vanessa, Constance and Diana.

But luckily in my position, I am able to get out and about and see our students and alumni every chance I can.  Being able to stay in touch and reconnect is always fun.  (Connecting with our Alumni – September 2015)   Earlier this month, I was able to see a number of current students and alumni on an APSIA recruiting trip through Europe.  In Berlin I had dinner with alumni (and friends):  Manuel works for the Association of German Public Sector Banks; Chiarra is a current MAIR/MPP student with the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin through the Atlantis program;  Vanessa is with Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, and Diana is an Advisor in international cooperation with Deutsche Gesellschaft Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).  We were also joined by Constance a BA Geo alum.

With Yoichi Arai, MPA 2002

In Paris,I was able to spend time with our current students Charlene Cordero and Camila Urbina (photo above – both currently studying at Sciences Po and interning in Paris) – but I also got a surprise visit from Yoichi Arai from the class of 2002. Yoichi was a Government of Japan Fellow when he studied at Maxwell. He continues to work for the Japanese Government, based in Paris, encouraging international business development and exchanges via CLAIR, the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations.

So, as I hit pause, I am thankful for all my former and fellow colleagues and students at the Maxwell School.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  Enjoy.. and don’t forget to take a minute to reflect upon all you have to be thankful for this holiday season !

The office will close early this afternoon, and our entire staff will return on Monday, eager to assist you with any questions or needs you may have.