Throughout the year, the Humphrey School hosts and co-sponsors a variety of events to honor students, faculty, and alumni, as well as individuals and organizations in our broader community whose work aligns with the School's mission: to educate, engage, and equip leaders and communities to discover solutions that advance the common good in our diverse world.
Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series
For more than four decades, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, with support from Carlson and the Carlson Family Foundation, has presented the Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series, bringing to Minnesota world-renowned speakers to participate in a forum dedicated to the presentation and discussion of the most important policy issues of the day. Our most recent Distinguished Carlson Lecturer was Dr. Anthony Fauci on April 8, 2025.
End-of-Year Awards
At the end of each year, the Humphrey School hosts an awards brunch to recognize students from each master's program for their academic excellence. Instructors and teaching assistants are also recognized for their contributions to the Humphrey School learning community.
Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards
The Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards, presented each year by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, honor individuals, organizations, and corporations that have contributed to the common good through leadership and service.
The 21st Public Leadership Awards event will take place on September 18, 2025. Awardees will be announced shortly, and registration will be open soon afterward.
Established by the Humphrey School in 2003, the awards have recognized 84 recipients and have raised more than $2 million for student scholarships.