"Policy is serious work for serious people. At Harris, our students, faculty, and alumni bring evidence, clarity, and purpose to the most pressing issues facing society, and work to turn promising ideas into meaningful action. I am deeply grateful to the Harris community for the generosity that makes this work possible." 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 leaders. Image New Nobel Laureate for Groundbreaking Research Harris Professor James A. Robinson won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for research on how political and economic institutions shape global prosperity and inequality. His work has influenced generations of scholars and leaders worldwide. Supporting Harris means supporting influential, field-driven research that advances understanding and offers insight into urgent global challenges. James A. Robinson shares 2024 Nobel Prize for research on global inequality Image Harris Policy Innovation Challenge At the 2024–25 Harris Policy Innovation Challenge, MPP students won the $10K prize for a bold plan to turn Michigan Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly cultural corridor with public space, artist housing, and a reimagined Pedway. It’s a powerful demonstration of how alumni generosity helps turn academic excellence into real-world application. Read more about how Harris students are shaping the future of Chicago. Image A Successful Giving Day 2025 Giving Day 2025 was a success—thanks to you! Inspired by generous alumni challenges from Pamela Peak, MPP’05, and Bofei Ma, MPP’15, over 160 donors raised $45K+ to support Harris and its mission. The generosity of Harris alumni & friends fuels innovation, prepares future leaders, and empowers us to tackle urgent challenges that affect communities around the world. Who - or what - will you write policy for? [VIDEO] New Fellowship: Harris Social Impact Fellowship Established in 2024 Established in 2024 through the inspiring generosity of those who believe in the Harris School’s mission, the Harris Social Impact Fellowship marks a bold new chapter at the University of Chicago—one dedicated to developing technically skilled leaders committed to advancing social good. This prestigious 11-month program is designed for recent college graduates with strong technical backgrounds. It begins with intensive academic training in data analytics, economic analysis, and evidence-based policy-making, followed by a nine-month placement with mission-driven partner organizations. Through immersive work and capstone projects, fellows apply their skills to real-world challenges while gaining hands-on experience. The program emphasizes professional development, community building, and long-term engagement, and provides a competitive stipend along with full access to UChicago’s world-class resources—offering not only rigorous preparation, but also a lasting foundation for impact-driven careers. Learn more about the Harris Social Impact Fellowship Dean Bueno de Mesquita Meets with Harris Alumni Across Five Cities In 2024, Ethan Bueno de Mesquita was named dean of the Harris School of Public Policy. To connect with the Harris community, he traveled over 4,800 miles to host events in five cities, where more than 200 alumni—from the Class of 1983 to recent graduates—came together across all class years and degree programs. Learn more about the Dean's Tour (Video) Policy For: Alumni Spotlights Hear from Harris alumni turning their passions into policy that shapes communities and drives impact. Harris Reunion Weekend 2025 Reunion Weekend at Harris, held May 1–4, 2025, brought together alumni from across generations to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the enduring spirit of our community. From thought-provoking conversations led by Dean Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, Professor James A. Robinson, and Assistant Professor Erin Kelley, to the heartfelt recognition of alumni achievements at the awards dinner, the weekend was filled with moments of inspiration and connection. The festivities culminated with a joyful celebration at Aster Hall, where milestone reunion classes gathered in honor of their shared Harris experience. Continued alumni engagement helps make this tradition stronger every year—we’re grateful to our reunion volunteers, attendees, and donors! Alumni Awards 2025 As part of Harris Reunion Weekend 2025 Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, Dean and Sydney Stein Professor, and the Harris Alumni Council Awards Chair Heather George, AM’19, presented Ashlee B. Gabrysch, AB'07, MPP'13, with the CC DuBois Alumni Service Award; John Peller, MPP'00, with the Career Achievement Award; and Roberto Velasco-Álvarez, MPP’17, with the Rising Star Award. Read more about the 2025 Alumni Award Winners Celebrating the Impact of the Bartlett Fellowship Now in its 13th year, the Bartlett Fellowship has supported nearly 100 students from the Harris School of Public Policy to work in the fields of environment, energy, and climate. Through a unique partnership between the Harris School and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), Fellows gain access to transformative internships and hands-on experience. The impact of the program spans the globe—from Beijing to Mexico City—where today’s policymakers and analysts are applying the Harris School’s deep knowledge of environmental policy to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This year we celebrated the enduring impact and generosity of the Jay Bartlett, SM'06, family for sustaining this opportunity for Harris students since 2012. Read more about the influence of the Bartlett Fellowship [Alum]inaries Generations of Harris alumni have advanced research, teaching, and public impact—thanks to the philanthropic support of 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. Prentice Butler, AB'02, CLA'17, AM'20 Hong Zhang Durandal, MPP'16 Alaina Harkness, AM'06 Samantha Kent, AM'20 Sarah Claudy Lemonick, MPP’19 Kaleb Nyquist, MPP’19, MDV’19 Adal Regis, AM'22 Congrats to the Class of 2025 Fueled by the generosity of Harris alumni and friends, the Class of 2025 engaged in rigorous academic work, contributed to impactful research, and participated in initiatives that embody the spirit and mission of the Harris School. We are confident their Harris toolkits will serve them well as they move forward in the world of public policy, guided by the same principles that unite our community of scholars and changemakers. Acknowledgements Alumni and friends who give annually to Harris provide pivotal resources to drive our mission. Philanthropy supports student life and financial aid, faculty research and retention, and the centers and institutes that contribute to Harris' global impact. In recognition of our most generous supporters, we have established the Harris Society. Members of the Harris Society are part of a community committed to Harris’ future as a preeminent training ground for policy leaders. By making an annual gift at the Harris Society level, you can provide Harris with the greatest flexibility in responding to the needs of our community. Harris Society Learn more 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 2024-25 academic year. Image 0 Degree Programs Degree Programs Image 0 Research Centers Research Centers Image 0 Countries Represented Countries Represented Image 0 Master/PhD Students Master/PhD Students Image 0 Faculty Faculty