“What good is a private college or university
UNLESS it is serving a great national purpose?”
-John F. Kennedy

A university provides breadth of view, research skills, and critical analysis, all necessary and valuable for a foundation for effective public leadership.  The Institute of Politics and Public Service offers more professional insights and skills necessary for successful careers and wise public service.  The goal of the Institute is to enrich and promote the quality of civic life and leadership, which it seeks to do by inspiring students to consider careers in public service, by providing specialized leadership training, and by building bridges between the campus and the worlds of politics.

By sponsoring speakers the Institute models civil discourse and promotes public affairs as a career of honorable service.  This dinner series provides close contact with officials, where students learn to interact on a personal basis with political leaders.  Between January and May, 2008, the Institute sponsored Wil Inboden from the National Security Council staff, Kent Hill from the Agency for International Development and former Senator Gary Hart. 

Through its Insider Insights Seminar the Institute helps students learn the realities and insights for success in their first years after graduation, within the principled context of the common good and ethical dealings.

The Institute also seeks to build a bridge to the professional world of politics by sponosring students to attend the Outreach Confernece of the American Association of Political Consultants.

The Institute offers Mentorships to bring slected students into close relationwith a professional in the career field of their choice.

The Institute is also the bridge between the university and the Kyoto Prize Symposium.  The Institute organizes the Symposium's national press conference on campus and hosts a small and private lunch with Inamori Foundation board members, the Laureates, and select reporters and students.