During the past several months, I’ve spent a lot of time talking to people both inside and outside the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs about the previous half-century.
Fifty years is a long time, and I couldn’t be more honored to be the dean of the O’Neill School as we celebrate this milestone. From the day what was then known as “SPEA” was established on multiple IU campuses in 1972, the focus of everything that has been done at the school, from the administration to the faculty to the students and staff, has been about developing the next generation of leaders who could shape policy and provide solutions in an increasingly complex world.
Our success is recognized around the globe, and we sit atop U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of the best graduate schools for our public affairs program.
Our reputation wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and drive of our alumni, and I can’t thank you enough for all you do for the school and our students. The involvement of our alumni through giving or by taking part in our Mentor Collective or O’Neill Alumni Speakers Bureau has been critical to the growth of our school, and I encourage all our alumni to help those who are following the path you have pioneered.
Want to help in some other way? Be sure to contact our alumni relations office at oneillar@iu.edu to find out how your expertise can make a difference.
We also want to hear your stories! I know many of you have already shared your memories of your time at the O’Neill School while visiting our website celebrating our 50 years of changing the world, but if you haven’t had a chance yet, please visit 50.oneill.indiana.edu to contribute your story. Whether you provide your remembrance of a person, an event, or an inspiration that helped you on your path, or if you have a throwback photo to share, we would love to hear your story.
I’m also extremely proud of how our school continues to make a positive impact on society. Our faculty, students, and alumni are helping to shape the future of Ukraine and Vietnam, addressing issues surrounding pollution, impacting the arts, healthcare, and criminal justice system, and more. Be sure to check out all the features in this magazine—and we’re just getting started.
Once again, thank you for all that you do. Our first 50 years couldn’t have been the unbridled success they have been without you.
Siân Mooney, Ph.D.
Dean