Change Starts Here for the School of Public Policy and Administration

Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) celebrated its 60th anniversary last week.

“This gathering allowed us to reflect on the meaningful and critical role that our school and programs have had on shaping public policy for the past 60 years,” said Susan Phillips, director of SPPA. “At SPPA, we know that change starts here.”

The event showcased impressive achievements that the school and its alumni have accomplished over the past 60 years. Panels of distinguished guests debated critical issues facing the public policy sector. The Honourable Bob Rae was on hand to address the annual Student Society Banquet. The event also launched the school’s Next Sixty Fund to facilitate its continued innovation and excellence, providing funds for vital extracurricular initiatives such as departmental colloquia, lectures and critical conversations, as well as visiting professorships and research support.

As part of the celebration, SPPA alumni shared how the program helped them to shape their futures. You can view all of the videos here. Other alumni chose to write about their memories during the program.

With generous support of the Atkinson Foundation, the School of Public Administration – the first in Canada – was established in 1953. The school has continued being first in Canada, creating the first multidisciplinary PhD in public policy, the first joint master’s in sustainable energy and the first master of philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.

“The fact that we are the oldest school public policy in Canada means that we have an amazing network of alumni based all over the world, not only in government, but in businesses, hospitals, non-profit organizations and industry,” says Phillips. “These people have made a difference, are making a difference, and will continue to make a difference in developing essential policy that affects all of our lives.”

Click here to read a story in Carleton Now about SPPA.