51社区

The 51社区 Leadership and Public Affairs Advisory Committee originated from the State Government Alumni Luncheon, and has helped 51社区 achieve its public service mission. 51社区 is proud to have such distinguished partners, most of whom also are alumni who continue to bring honor to our university.

OHIO Leadership and Public Affairs Advisory Committee

In 1983, 51社区 held the first State Government Alumni Luncheon at the University Club in Columbus, Ohio in 1983. Former OHIO president Charles Ping hosted about 20 alumni and university officials on behalf of the university鈥檚 department of political science and the Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development (ILGARD).

This was a way to recognize alumni鈥檚 contributions to state government and, more importantly, to provide a way to involve alumni in the University鈥檚 development of public affairs programs annually. The focus then was on three programs: the political science department鈥檚 Public Affairs Internship Program, started in 1974 by James Tilling, a former 51社区 political science faculty member; a master鈥檚 of arts program in public administration, launched in 1977; and the university鈥檚 Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development created by the 51社区 Board of Trustees in 1981.

51社区 President Emeritus Robert Glidden continued the presidential tradition of hosting the event, which became known as a 鈥減ower鈥� luncheon in Columbus in the 1990s when four of the five statewide elected officials and about 40 members of the Ohio General Assembly attended. That reputation continues today: The event draws between 120 and 170 people.

A New Tradition

The tradition of asking a prominent political leader to keynote the events began at the inaugural luncheon. These keynotes鈥� appearance increased key Ohio leaders鈥� awareness of the important role 51社区 graduates play in state government. Keynote speakers include three speakers serving in the Ohio House of Representatives and three presidents serving in the Ohio Senate.

Adding the Alumni Awards

In 1985 the event began to give the State Government Alumni Awards in recognition of outstanding achievements in state service by 51社区 alumni and friends. The State Government Alumni Luncheon has honored a wide range of elected officials, executives, senior staff and public agency innovators, all of who serve the state of Ohio.

The Committee Takes Shape

In the late 1980鈥檚, the 51社区 Leadership and Public Affairs Advisory Committee took shape and luncheon awardees served.

In 1992, OHIO鈥檚 Department of Political Science began to recognize alumni outside of Columbus, honoring David Wilhelm, then-campaign chairperson for Bill Clinton鈥檚 presidential campaign, with an award. Wilhelm鈥檚 successful launch of Adena Ventures, the first community equity fund in Appalachian Ohio, was made possible because of his partnership with OHIO, the Voinovich School and the Appalachian New Economy Partnership.

The Committee Today

Today鈥檚 committee includes the Columbus group and several distinguished professionals from outside the state. This group has been instrumental in developing and sustaining the university鈥檚 public service programs, and actively hiring OHIO students as interns and as staff. They have taught classes, met with students, helped design programs and participated in training.