Spirit of Service Scholars program prepares social, civic leaders

W. P. Carey School of Business student, Adam Voci, is currently serving a tour in Iraq as an Executive Officer in the United States Air Force.  He is also in the inaugural class of Spirit of Service Scholars. 

On Sept. 13, at the official launch of the Spirit of Service Scholars program, Voci delivered a recorded video message to a sold-out audience. Other speakers included Mayor Gordon, President Crow, Vice President of the Partnership for Public Service Tim McManus, and other community leaders and students.  

The luncheon thanked supporters and honored remarkable students from more than 10 different majors at ASU, freshmen to Ph.D. students, who are poised to help create the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders.

Tim McManus, vice president of education and outreach for the Washington DC-based Partnership for Public Service, delivered the keynote address.  McManus said the Scholars will “transform the way government works so it can retain a vibrant, dedicated and talented workforce that will work tirelessly to provide results for the American people.”

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and ASU President Michael Crow spoke about the urgent need to encourage and create the next generation of public service leaders.  Guests also heard special messages from Arizona Congressman Ed Pastor and Max Stier, the President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.

Debra Friedman, university vice president and dean of the College of Public Programs, talked about making her vision for the program a reality. 

“The Spirit of Service Scholars initiative takes on one important problem - that of ensuring the next generation of talent in public service.  Our mission is to attract exceptional students from diverse backgrounds to careers in public service and prepare those students to deal with the complexities of the context in which they will serve society.  We need even stronger, smarter, and more ethical public service leaders going forward,” Friedman said.

The co-chairs of the Spirit of Service Scholars Leadership Council, Paulina Vazquez Morris and Rick DeGraw, credited ASU’s College of Public Programs with being at the vanguard of addressing challenges and creating opportunities for the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders.

SCF Arizona, a workers compensation insurance company, sponsored the luncheon, allowing all of the proceeds from the event to be devoted directly to scholarship monies.  Next year the program plans to award 30 students who are committed to public service.

To learn more about the Spirit of Service Scholars initiative please visit http://spiritofservicescholars.asu.edu/.

Media Contact:
Dana Berchman, dana.berchman@asu.edu
Manager, Media Communications, ASU College of Public Programs
602-496-0406