Maxwell School News and Commentary

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs is proud to announce its selection as an institute partner for the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Beginning in mid-June, the Maxwell School will host 25 of Africa’s bright, emerging public management leaders for a six-week Leadership Institute, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. 

The Maxwell School alumnus reflected on his life experiences and efforts to uplift others during a recent Renewing Democratic Community talk with Professor Chris Faricy.

The Maxwell School alumnus became the first Black president of the Student Government Association and helped form the Black Student Union.

“Being a Phanstiel Scholar means you’re being recognized for already demonstrating leadership in community service. It’s been a great honor, and it’s changed my life for the better,” says Maxwell senior David Bruen. The scholarship program was created by alumnus Howard Phanstiel '70 B.A. (PSc) /’71 M.P.A./’22 Hon. and his wife, Louise Phanstiel.

The program, which ran Jan. 23-27, was titled “U.S. Government and Politics: Policy and Decision Making” and offered participants an overview of U.S. political institutions, elections and federal systems; and touched on some of the most fractious issues facing U.S. policymakers today, including guns, immigration and the role of media.

After graduating with a degree in history from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences, Goekjian remained an engaged alumnus, a trusted advisor to leadership, and an active board trustee and philanthropist—all in service to his alma mater. Goekjian passed away on Dec. 9, 2022, at the age of 95.

The Forum on Early-Modern Empires and Global Interactions (FEEGI) awarded its 2022 book prize to Tessa Murphy, associate professor of history, for her book "The Creole Archipelago: Race and Borders in the Colonial Caribbean." 

O’Keefe, a Maxwell School alumnus and Syracuse University Professor, was at the helm 20 years ago when Columbia broke apart while returning from a space research mission. 

The legendary athlete will reflect on his past experiences, current challenges and work to uplift Black youth.

As a fellow, Lamis Abdelaaty, associate professor of political science, will work on her proposal, "The Emissary Speaks: Political Agency in Refugee-UNHCR Correspondence."