Maxwell School News and Commentary

The Maxwell School celebrated four champions of public service at the inaugural Awards of Excellence in Washington, D.C. 

Howard “Howie” Phanstiel ’70 B.A. (PSc)/’71 M.P.A. and Gloria Somolekae ’94 Ph.D. (PA), will be awarded honorary degrees during Commencement exercises for their distinguished accomplishments in their professional careers and in service to others.

Simon Weschle, assistant professor of political science, is this year’s recipient of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Award for Teaching and Research. The award will be presented at the Maxwell School’s Graduate Convocation on Friday, May 13. 

The 2022 One University Awards were held Friday, April 22, in Hendricks Chapel. The annual event honors members of the Syracuse University community who are making a difference through academics, scholarship, creative work and dedicated service.

Celebrated broadcaster Michael T. Tirico, one of the most recognizable faces and voices in television sports coverage, will deliver the alumni keynote address at the 2022 College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony.

Michael "MP" Geiss has been named one of the University’s Class of 2023 Senior Class Marshals. Geiss will represent his graduating class and lead the student procession during the 2023 Commencement ceremony.

Four Maxwell School students have been selected to participate in the highly competitive Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) junior summer institutes. PPIA fellows are rising seniors who are committed to pursuing a master’s degree in public policy or international affairs and a professional career in public service. 

The Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity Divinity in Chicago published a book symposium on "Ars Vitae: The Fate of Inwardness and the Return of the Ancient Arts of Living," written by Professor Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn, in its periodical Sapientia. 

She will receive the Maxwell Spirit of Public Service Award at the inaugural Awards of Excellence on April 7 in Washington, D.C.

Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs ranks #1 in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Public Affairs Schools rankings. This year, Maxwell shares the top ranking with Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.