The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Gov. Deval Patrick to Speak at Fall Kickoff

Headshot of Deval Patrick

Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will be the special guest speaker at the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy fall kickoff on August 28.

Patrick will speak to the School of Public Policy community about the importance of public service during tumultuous times and the crucial role the students will play in shaping the policy that will define our future. 

"We're very excited that Governor Patrick is joining us to celebrate the start of a new academic year," said School of Public Policy Director Alasdair Roberts. "He exemplifies our school's commitment to public service and social justice."

Patrick was first elected governor of Massachusetts in 2006. The first African American to hold the position, he served two terms. During his tenure, Patrick worked to expand affordable health care to more than 98 percent of state residents and to bring the state to a twenty-five-year high in employment, launched initiatives stimulating clean energy and biotechnology, won a national Race to the Top educational grant, and made signficant investments in Massachusetts’ public schools.

Born on Chicago’s South Side, Patrick became the first person in his family to attend college and then law school. He went on to work for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and for the US Department of Justice, where he was assistant attorney general and led the Civil Rights Division. After leaving the governor’s office, he launched Bain Capital’s Double Impact fund, which invests in mission-driven companies focused on social and environmental issues.

The School of Public Policy will welcome more than sixty new students — its largest incoming cohort ever — at its fall kickoff. They will be joined at the virtual event by returning students, faculty, and staff.

About the School of Public Policy: Established in 2016, the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy prepares students for leadership in public service. The program’s focuses include social change and public policy related to science and technology.

Contact: Maureen Turner, communications manager, School of Public Policy

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