SIU Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

Ever wonder what true statesmanship looks like? Institute Director John Shaw takes us back to the era of Lee Hamilton in his latest offering from the Chicago Tribune. Hamilton was a congressman that embodied fairness, integrity, and a deep respect for Congress' role as an independent branch of government. From challenging secretaries of state—Republican and Democrat alike—to putting the national interest above party loyalty, Hamilton's approach was a masterclass in leadership and accountability. At a time when partisanship often overshadows patriotism, Hamilton’s model offers a powerful reminder of what Congress should be. Full story | https://bit.ly/3CrswH0

Political science professor and author Lindsey Cormack dropped this staggering nugget of knowledge on us when she joined the Institute on Dec. 3 to talk about a wide range of topics relating to her new book, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It). Watch our conversation - https://bit.ly/4ihTeSH

In his monthly column for the Chicago Tribune, Institute Director John T. Shaw highlights statesmanship in unexpected places and shares the inspiring stories of two mayors—Shawn Reilly of Waukesha, WI, and John Giles of Mesa, AZ—who risked their political careers to stand against Trump and prioritize democracy over party loyalty. Their courage reminds us that true leadership means putting principles above personal gain. Read their powerful stories and let their example inspire us all. Read - https://bit.ly/4fHJDmt

Had the pleasure of being apart of the Power of Internship panel at the Paul Simon Public Policy Insitute yesterday. These internships can be a pivotal opportunity for students, so apply if you can! If you want more information you can contact Dr. Linda Baker [email protected]!

Once again, I'm very grateful to the editorial page of the Chicago Tribune for publishing an essay I wrote about statesmanship. In this piece, which was inspired by attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, I offer the hope?that the extraordinary political?rhetoric delivered by this new generation of leaders can be coupled with practical governance skills to result in the statesmanship we need to solve huge problems including climate change, soaring national debt, racial tensions, and income inequality.? #statesmanship

I really enjoy my regular radio conversations about American and Illinois politics with Joan Esposito on WCPT AM Chicago's Progressive Talk. Joan is smart, fun, knowledgeable, and wonderfully inquisitive.? Earlier this week, she and I had a terrific conversation about the Democratic National Convention and the coming fall campaign.?We had both attended the DNC and enjoyed comparing notes. My voice was a little shaky due to Covid, but I think I was able to convey the energy, optimism, and magic that pervaded the DNC.?#DNC24 #Election2024 #DNC

Former Ottawa Mayor Robert Eschbach was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award for his more than two decades of visionary, practical and effective leadership as mayor and his continuing work to make his community strong, vibrant and optimistic

#SIU alumni Dwight Cox received a bachelor's degree in political science with a specialization in international relations with a minor in criminal justice (2021). ???? He was our 2020 Alexander Lane Intern. "My time with the institute has taught me the importance of giving back and policy making through the state level. It has also gave me better self confidence in my own work and personal brand. " "Since graduating from SIU, I joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc, served with the nonprofit, City Year, where I was a mentor/teacher assistant to a middle school in Sacramento California. I then was a event manager for a local nonprofit that focused on getting young men of color to and through college. I am now currently working with Enterprise Rent-A-Car going through their manager trainee program."

This week I had the good fortune and privilege to speak with an amazing leader who works relentlessly to make our world better: Louise Richardson DBE, president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Before Carnegie, Dame Louise taught at Harvard and served as the first woman to lead both the University of St. Andrews and Oxford University. A world class scholar and administrator, she argues passionately about the transformative power of education and the urgency of identifying, and confronting, the root causes of our deep political polarization. For a dose of hopefulness and inspiration, please watch this conversation:

In case you missed it! Watch our conversation with the president of Carnegie Corporation of New York, Louise Richardson DBE. Richardson talks about the transformative power of education and the opportunities and responsibilities confronting philanthropy. Watch now! ?? https://ow.ly/pSgS50SEKO1