Title:A Milestone for the McCourt School

“Five years into the journey, the McCourt School has become a leader not just in identifying the root causes of our policy challenges but also in finding innovative solutions and putting them into action. As the school continues to grow so will its ability to help shape a better future in an ever more complex world.” –Frank H. McCourt Jr.

On October 8, 2013, the university celebrated the formal launch of the McCourt School of Public Policy. The vision of creating a premier school of public policy in the nation’s capital was made possible by a $100 million gift—the largest in university history—from Frank H. McCourt Jr. (C’75). Since the school was established, there have been 1,075 McCourt graduates, each solving public policy challenges with an interdisciplinary, data-driven approach.

On November 3, 2017, the Institute of Politics and Public Service (GU Politics) at the McCourt School hosted a symposium examining the campaign and presidency of President Bill Clinton (F’68). The school regularly welcomes high-profile speakers—including Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former U.S. Chief Data Scientist DJ Patil, and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.)—in addition to GU Politics’ flagship Fellows program, which brings political practitioners, elected officials, and journalists to campus to share their real-world experience and connections.

Maria Cancian, an experienced public servant and distinguished scholar of family and antipoverty policies, has been named the next dean of the McCourt School, beginning in February 2019. In addition to setting the strategic vision for McCourt as a 21st century school of public policy, she will oversee the McCourt School’s many centers and institutes, including the Institute of Politics and Public Service (GU Politics), the Baker Center for Leadership & Governance, and the Massive Data Institute.

The McCourt Scholars program is designed to attract top students with full scholarships, preparing them to become the most qualified policymakers and scholars in the country. This year’s scholars, with professional interests ranging from sustainable development to trade policy to global agribusiness, include Lillian Alexander, Rafael Contreras, Lincoln Foran, Linn Groft, and Forest Garvis.