Dean Nisha Botchwey emphasized the theme of hope in her annual State of the School address to faculty, staff, students, and supporters on February 25.
“Hope is a powerful word, isn’t it? It carries with it the promise of possibility, the courage to confront challenges, and the resolve to create a better future,” she said. “And yet, hope is not passive. It is not merely a wish or an expectation. It is a call to action. It is a choice we make, even when the path ahead is uncertain.”
That path is uncertain, given the rapidly evolving policy landscape at the federal level, which Botchwey said is challenging many of the values held by the University of Minnesota and the Humphrey School, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, which she said “advances and elevates our mission.”
Affirming those values, Botchwey said the Humphrey School remains dedicated to “fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment that strengthens democracy and empowers future leaders to advance innovative policy solutions.”
“For many of our students, the changing political landscape has raised difficult questions about their futures and the impact they can have on the world. I see you. I hear you. And I stand with you,” she added.
Botchwey quoted Hubert Humphrey, who once said, “We live by hope. We do not ever get all we want when we want it. But we have to believe that someday, somehow, some way, it will be better and that we can make it so.”
"Today, we gather not only to reflect on the state of our School but to reaffirm our commitment to that hope—to the belief that we can and must make a difference," said Botchwey. "We are here because we know that a better future is not inevitable. It must be built, one step at a time, by all of us."
Constellations of M(pact)
As part of building that better future, Botchwey introduced the School’s new Constellations of M(pact) initiative, a framework for highlighting its research, teaching, and public engagement in four key areas.
- The Future of Water and Energy
- Human Rights and Humanitarianism
- Economic Prosperity
- Constructive Dialogue
Over the next two years, the initiative will focus on the ways in which the School’s faculty, students, and partners contribute to public service, policy innovation, and global and local problem solving.
In a new feature of the State of the School event, several students were invited to give brief presentations on their research and projects that align with the Constellations.
Aptly named Constellation Conversations, their presentations covered topics ranging from the role of the private sector in supporting U.S. global engagement, to rethinking how human rights is taught, to using artificial intelligence to develop green infrastructure strategies for local communities, to the value of urban forests in addressing climate change.
“The work of these students reflects the passion, curiosity, and drive that define the Humphrey School community,” said Botchwey. “They are a reminder that hope in action begins with bold ideas and courageous voices.”
Commencement speaker
Botchwey also announced the selection of the keynote speaker for the School’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17: Alumnus David Uejio (MPP ‘04).
Uejio is the associate director for Policy, Data, and Oversight at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Previously, he worked for 12 years at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – with one year as acting director.
Botchwey praised Uejio’s career in public service, saying his work has impacted people’s lives across the nation. “His journey from the Humphrey School to a national leader is a testament to the power of his public affairs education and the transformative impact of hope in action,” she said.
Botchwey concluded her remarks by encouraging the School community to embrace hope.
“Hope, when paired with action, is powerful. Let us lead with purpose, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advance the common good. Let us move forward with a steadfast belief in the power of hope in action, together.”
