Contact: Amy Baumer or Shannon Horvath, IPPSR, (517) 355-6672; or Gisgie Dávila Gendreau, University Relations, (517) 432-0924, gendrea3@msu.edu

3/2/04

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Twenty-four current and future leaders will graduate from Michigan State University’s Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) on Thursday, March 4.

These individuals have participated in a year long, hands-on program in personal leadership development, public policy analysis and process, effective governance, and campaigning.

Each year, 24 fully paid fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis by MPLP. Together with their predecessors, these graduates represent an alumni corps of nearly 325 people, composed of a diverse group of men and women from across the state.

“I am encouraged by the effort put forth by class members during this year’s program,” said MPLP co-director James G. Agee. “The leadership skills of the 2003 class, along with those of our alumni, are building a positive foundation for the future of our state.”

Co-director Anne M. Mervenne added: “The 2003 Michigan Political Leadership Program graduates have clearly demonstrated that they are indeed ready to tackle public policy issues as candidates for office, as government officials, and as involved citizens.”

Graduates will be honored at the MPLP Annual Fundraising Dinner on Thursday, March 4, at the Laurel Manor in Livonia. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception. Dinner and a program follow at 6:30 p.m. In addition to the dinner, MPLP will host its 2^nd annual West Michigan Breakfast on Friday, March 5, at the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and the program at 8:30 a.m.

Both the dinner and breakfast will feature a discussion between CNN "Crossfire’s" top political commentators and analysts Tucker Carlson and James Carville.

Tickets for each event are $125, $100 of which is tax deductible. Dollars raised at the events will help fund future fellowships – valued at $12,000 each.

For more information on the graduation or to purchase tickets to the events call (517) 355-6672 or visit www.ippsr.msu.edu/MPLP

The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research in Michigan State University’s College of Social Science administers the Michigan Political Leadership Program.

For a complete list of graduates, visit www.ippsr.msu.edu/MPLP/2004Fellows.htm