Harris School of Public Policy Impact Report

Letter from the Dean

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Our annual Impact Report offers a glimpse at some of the notable achievements made possible by meaningful support from alumni and friends like you.

The 2023-2024 academic year was marked by innovation and notable firsts at Harris. Our 54 faculty members, research centers, institutes, and labs produced indispensable, pioneering work in fields such as politics and governance, socio-economic inequality, energy and the environment, education, public safety, and conflict. Their efforts – and those of our broader community – made a positive social impact, advancing evidence-informed solutions to urgent policy problems. 

We launched several noteworthy initiatives this past year. The inaugural Harris Policy Innovation Challenge gave students the opportunity to propose wide-ranging solutions to Chicago’s $35 billion pension liability, a problem in our backyard that has vexed policymakers for decades. Harris also launched the Democracy Innovation Fund, an initiative that addresses issues at the heart of democracy – polarization, ineffective governing institutions, the quality of our discourse, and a culture of intolerance for differences of opinion. And we established the Technology & Society Initiative, an effort that leverages evidence and analysis to inform technology governance and to harness technology to find solutions for society’s challenges. I look forward to working with you as we evolve these exciting new programs for next year and beyond.

Thanks to your generous support, our students benefitted from vital career-building opportunities. As one example, the Congressional Modernization Fellowship provided paid internship experience for students to work with members of Congress to increase government efficiency. These real-world opportunities are essential for setting a strong foundation for our students as they prepare to embark on the next phase of their change-making careers.

On a personal note, I enjoyed seeing so many of you at Harris Reunion Weekend. I was gratified by your generosity and belief in the future of public policy at Harris. In honor of its 30th reunion, the Class of 1994 established and endowed a scholarship fund as part of our school’s milestone class gift program. And encouraged by a significant alumni challenge gift of $100,000, we held the most successful Giving Day in our school’s history, inspiring 158 of you to raise more than $150,000 for our students. These contributions make a profound impact. 

Thank you for your investment and dedication to strengthening Harris. There is important work ahead; your support is deeply appreciated and has a tangible difference for Harris, our students, and ultimately, public policy.

Sincerely,

Ethan Bueno de Mesquita

Dean and Sydney Stein Professor Harris School of Public Policy

The University of Chicago

Stories of Impact

The power of philanthropy enables the Harris Community to create meaningful change across policy sectors around the world. Here is a collection of stories showcasing how your support has strengthened the Harris School as a training ground for serious-minded and passionate policy makers. 

Harris Reunion Weekend 2024

On May 2–3, Harris welcomed 359 alumni, students, faculty, and guests to the  Keller Center for a weekend full of celebrating accomplishments, learning from faculty, and joyfully reconnecting with classmates. Attendees reflected on the value of their Harris training and many shared that they returned home feeling energized  to continue important policy work. The Class of 2004 had the highest percentage of classmates attend Harris Reunion Weekend and surpassed their class fundraising goal. We are so grateful to our reunion volunteers, attendees, and donors – thank you!

[Alum]inaries 

Generations of Harris alumni have benefited from philanthropic contributions accelerating research, teaching and engagement. Here’s a look at what alumni have contributed to the world because of the support provided from Harris alumni and friends, like you. 

lu·​mi·​nary: A person of prominence or brilliant achievement.

Harris [Alum]inaries: Harris Alumni from around the world who are making significant contributions to the world of public policy. 

Troy Boyd, AM'19

Captain David Cox, MBA'00, MPP'00

Rebecca Feinglos, MPP'17

Ali Fendrick, AM'19

Mitch Gross, MPP'98

Kim L. Hunt, MPP'04

Natasha Mathur, MSCAPP'19

Asher Mayerson, MBA'21, MPP'21

Jean Lin Pao, MPP'91

Cassie Wilcox, MPP'19

Acknowledgements

In recognition of our most generous supporters, we have established the Harris Society, a donor recognition society exclusive to Harris. Alumni and friends who contribute annually play a crucial role in providing transformative educational opportunities for future generations. Their generosity offers essential resources that enhance our community by directly supporting student life, faculty research and retention, and the policy initiatives and centers that drive Harris’ global influence. Together, we are building a brighter future.

Harris by the Numbers

Passion alone doesn't create impactful policy; it requires data and measurable results. At the Harris School of Public Policy, we treat policy development as a science. Our faculty and students bring a rigorous, data-driven approach to global policy issues. Here is a snapshot of Harris at the start of the 2023-24 academic year.