Over the past several months, many members of the Maxwell community have reached out to me about policy changes and reductions to the federal workforce under the new federal administration. While some have expressed support of the goals of the administration, others have expressed strong opposition, with some directly impacted by the downsizing and executive orders. I have spoken to individuals who have lost their jobs, whose research projects have been eliminated due to funding cuts, and who worry about their continued ability to work and study in our country.

I am deeply concerned for those who have been negatively affected and by the challenges this environment presents, particularly in attracting and retaining students motivated to become public servants. Fiscal stewardship matters, but so does due diligence to ensure that needed expertise is not undermined in the government’s ability to provide for the public. At Maxwell, we remain steadfast in our work to prepare future leaders, promote engaged citizenship and support democratic ideals. We will continue to champion our students while fostering a learning environment that is welcoming to all.

Since its founding more than 100 years ago, public service has been a cornerstone of the Maxwell School’s work. Public service is honorable, and governance at all levels is hard. Government, including its agencies and employees, is critical to serving and supporting the public and our communities, particularly those most vulnerable among us. Key to effective development and delivery of programs and services are the other types of institutions, leaders and workers that partner with government. Public service extends to those in local and state governments, and in nonprofits and private firms seeking to advance the public good. 

Amid uncertainty and change, our commitment to public service and our work across fields provides optimism about the resilience of democratic institutions and marketplaces for innovative ideas, programs, products and services.

In this issue, you’ll read about faculty members who represent a range of disciplines and perspectives and that are using evidence to examine pressing issues, including the changing federal landscape. For example, the Campbell Public Affairs Institute and the Center for Policy Research hosted discussions exploring executive authority and the implications of disbanding the Department of Education, including impacts on states and national standards. You’ll also read about faculty-led research projects that are integral in providing data to guide policymakers locally and beyond, including one that examines housing in the City of Syracuse and another that explores the effectiveness of international refugee law.

This edition also includes profiles of alumni who embody the school’s ideals of engaged citizenship in their professional endeavors and volunteer pursuits. Among them is Raquel-Ann “Roxi” Nurse McNabb ’99 M.P.A., who provides opportunity to young athletes by removing financial obstacles (page 16) and Congressional staffer Zayn Aga ’21 B.A. (PSc), who helped those impacted by the California wildfires (page 42). Roxi is included in our cover story feature focusing on alumni who, in their roles as public servants and entrepreneurs, are innovating for the public good.

As you read these and other stories in the pages that follow, I hope you will share in my sense of pride in belonging to a Maxwell community that is strong, resilient and focused on public impact. Your commitment to engaged citizenship, ethical leadership and public service is admirable and vital.