Last Friday, September 8, 2023, SPP was joined by US Congressman Jim McGovern and Massachusetts Senator Jo Comerford to help kick off the 2023-2024 academic year. Welcomed by SPP Director Jane Fountain and introduced by SBS Dean Karl Rethemeyer, the speakers opened the year with remarks on the importance of public service, the need for action across all levels of government, willingness to work across boundaries and disagreements, and the importance of seeking truth when discussing and debating policy issues. Congressman McGovern's plea to "not just do great; do good" was well received by the SPP audience.
SPP thanks Congressman McGovern, Senator Comerford, and Dean Rethemeyer for taking the time to open another year of public policy education at UMass Amherst.