Ford School celebrates 30 years of PPIA

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) program-a program designed to build diversity in public service.

The University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy has proudly supported PPIA since its inception in 1981 and has been one of just a handful of policy schools to host the educational initiative every summer. To celebrate this milestone and recognize the many people who have contributed to the program at the University of Michigan over the years, the Ford School hosted an anniversary celebration on Friday, July 22.

Dr. Matthew Davis, who has taught in the PPIA program for several years, moderated a panel discussion with three distinguished Ford School and PPIA alums. Sukhi Dosanjh (MPP '01), Carol Kim (MPP '99), and Alfonso R. Salazar (MPP '95) reflected on the impact of PPIA on their own careers and shared career insights with this summer's seventeen Ford School PPIA students.

During the reception that followed, current and former PPIA students, staff, and faculty had the chance to hear from those who have played a key role in the continued success of the Ford School's program. Paul Courant, John Chamberlin, Carl Simon, and former Ford School dean, Rebecca Blank all made remarks about the legacy of the program, the history of the University of Michigan's commitment, and their hopes for the program's future.

The celebration continued as this summer's PPIA session wrapped up that night with the annual Closing Banquet. PPIA and Ford School alum Dudley Benoit (MPP '95) returned to Ann Arbor to offer his reflections on the PPIA program as the featured dinner speaker.

[Read more about U-M's PPIA celebration]