Fels in the Community

Fels Institute of Government is pleased to announce that our keynote speaker for the Fels Class of 2022 graduation will be the honorable Patrick J. Murphy, who has maintained his commitment to serving our nation for the past 28 years.

Govern for America (GFA) is a nonprofit working to build the next generation of public sector leaders to create more diverse, effective, and responsive government.

Fels is pleased to announce that our keynote speaker for the Class of 2021 graduation is Dr. Lisa Cook, Professor of Economics and International Relations at Michigan State University.

Olanipekun-Lewis, who is currently teaching in the Master of Public Administration program, looks forward to using her role to strengthen the relationship between Philadelphia and the Free Library. 

David Gergen, former presidential adviser during the administrations of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, shared memories of his work at the White House and stressed the importance of public and volunteer service.

Fels Faculty Director Matthew Levendusky co-wrote an opinion article recently published in USA Today titled “Why there's hope Joe Biden's quest to unify America will work.”

Congratulations to Fels Professor Lauren Russell and Chuxuan Sun on their recently published research paper, The Effect of Mandatory Child Care Center Closures on Women's Labor Market Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Richard Cordray, politician, lawyer, and writer joined the Fels community to share his experiences in public service, arguing cases before the Supreme Court, and as a “Jeopardy!” contestant.

As hundreds from the Penn community watched this virtual discussion, Senator Elizabeth Warren answered questions from Fels MPA students, shared her thoughts on the presidential election and the path forward, and offered advice about pursuing a career in public service.

The Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shared her experiences in public health with Penn students and community members.

Marci Hamilton, Fels Institute of Government Professor of Practice, has faced down institutional child abuse for decades—and she is just getting started.

The 82-year-old Fels Institute of Government’s signature Public Policy in Practice workshops continues the legacy of providing students with a practical program in public administration.

Bonner Scholars, Leaders, alumni, and staff are now eligible for Fels admission benefits. 

Fels Full-time and Executive MPA students visited Washington, DC, on October 25 (Career Day) to learn about different career paths and connect with alumni in the DC area. 

Marci Hamilton prepares to share her legal and leadership experiences with Fels students. 

Economist Lauren Russell teaches students to put research into practice.

A Public Policy in Practice event featured Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, in conversation with Fels Distinguished Fellow Elizabeth Vale.

Claire Robertson-Kraft is inspired by the way Executive MPA students tackle challenges in public leadership.