Axelrod to Lead University of Chicago’s New Political Institute
January 20, 2012, 12:11 AM ESTBy Andrew Theen
Jan. 19 (Bloomberg) -- The University of Chicago plans to open an Institute of Politics next year and has named political strategist David Axelrod as its inaugural director.
The institute, which will cater to students seeking careers in public service and the nonprofit industry, will begin offering programs on the campus in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood in early 2013, the university said today in a statement.
Axelrod, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama who left the administration to lead Obama’s re-election effort, will start his new position after the election.
The institute will offer public lectures with policy makers, connect students with leaders at the Harris School of Public Policy Studies and tap into an existing network of fellowships and internships for students around the world, according to the statement.
“My goal is to introduce more students to the spirit of public service,” Axelrod said in the statement. “To me, it’s the most exciting, interesting and vital way to spend one’s life, and it’s a tremendous way for students to have an impact on the issues they care about.”
Informal discussion with students showed a strong desire for the program, Axelrod, a 1976 graduate of the university, said in the statement.
The University of Chicago, founded in 1890, has more than 15,000 students. Among its alumni are economist Milton Friedman, author Saul Bellow, former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and astronomer Carl Sagan.
--Editors: Lisa Wolfson, Chris Staiti
To contact the reporter on this story: Andrew Theen in New York at atheen@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Lisa Wolfson at lwolfson@bloomberg.net .
