Alumni Chapter 2010 Signature Event and Awards
August 8, 2010
A final goodbye to Dr. Francis Fukuyama
The School of Public Policy (SPP) Alumni Chapter sees its mission as ensuring that the best aspects of the Mason experience are available to students long after they graduate. Through awards recognizing SPP faculty, students, and alumni for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service and its communication efforts, the chapter keeps alumni in the know about SPP-sponsored academic and career-advancing events. Throughout the year, it organizes gatherings like the Signature Event to knit all of us together in the pursuit of actionable knowledge and advancement.
More than 175 alumni, students, faculty and staff were in attendance for this year’s Signature Event.
“The Signature Event provides a unique opportunity for the SPP Alumni Chapter to connect former and current students,” says SPP Alumni President Sarah Bonner. “This year’s dinner was the largest yet and calls attention to the growth of community on campus. When students graduate, we help them to stay connected to the resources and community of SPP. The professional network can be just as valuable as the degree.”
This year’s keynote speaker was American philosopher, political economist, and author Dr. Francis Fukuyama. Fukuyama is the founding director of the School of Public Policy’s International Commerce and Policy (ICP) program.
The Signature Event was the official farewell for Fukuyama as he leaves the D.C. region for the West Coast. A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to him at this special event. Fukuyama’s speech, titled “American Exceptionalism: Then and Now” was an insightful presentation that provided an enlightening discussion for all in attendance. As part of the Signature Event, several SPP students and faculty were honored.
Andro Gigauri and Behnaz Bonyadian were presented this year’s SPP Alumni Chapter Distinguished Student Awards and Professor Mark J. Rozell was presented the chapter’s Distinguished Faculty Award for his participation in and support of many chapter activities.
A version of this article can be found in the April 2010 SPP Currents.
Adam Tabaka, Special to The Stylus
Dr. Fukuyama talks about American Exceptionalism at the SPP Alumni Dinner. Also pictured: SPP Alumni President, Sarah Bonner Photo by Angham Ali