Stories from Our Community

Results: 237 Matching Stories
University of Denver
From First-Generation College Student to Regional Representative with Senator Bennet: Jacob Topping’s Public Service Journey

From First-Generation College Student to Regional Representative with Senator Bennet: Jacob Topping’s Public Service Journey

From the steel city of Pueblo, Colorado to the halls of government, recent Korbel alumnus Jacob Topping’s journey is a testament to what drive, purpose, and community roots can make possible. A proud first-generation college graduate, Jacob grew up with a strong belief that people from small towns deserve a voice in decisions that shape their future. After graduating with his Master of Public Policy (MPP) in 2024, Jacob has dedicated his career to elevating those voices. “I was born and raised in Pueblo,” he shared, “and I am now the Southeastern Regional Representative for Senator Michael Bennet.”...

University of Denver
Bridging Worlds: Keith Gehring Guides Student to Fulbright-Winning Project

Bridging Worlds: Keith Gehring Guides Student to Fulbright-Winning Project

With guidance from Korbel professor Keith Gehring, grad student Raluca Alexandrescu turned a bold idea into a Fulbright-winning project and a life-changing experience. When Raluca Alexandrescu first began her Fulbright application, she wasn’t sure she would qualify, let alone stand out in a field of top-tier candidates. A graduate student in information technology with a focus on AI strategy, she had a vision: to return to Romania, her home country, and study how small businesses in Bucharest could better adopt digital tools. But translating that vision into a competitive proposal would take more than hard work. It would take clarity and perseverance—and the right mentor....

University of Michigan
Diplomatic leaders engage U-M community at seventh ambassadors forum

Diplomatic leaders engage U-M community at seventh ambassadors forum

The Ford School’s Weiser Diplomacy Center (WDC), in partnership with the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia (WCEE) and the American Academy of Diplomacy (AAD), recently hosted its seventh annual Ambassadors Forum. The three day event brought distinguished diplomats and policy experts to Ann Arbor for discussions on America’s role in NATO, the EU, and the future of diplomacy. U-M students, faculty, and Ann Arbor high schoolers had the opportunity to engage directly with seasoned ambassadors during a particularly dynamic period in global affairs. ...

University of Denver
From Denver to the World: Korbel Students Expand Their Horizons During Winter Interterm

From Denver to the World: Korbel Students Expand Their Horizons During Winter Interterm

Studying abroad at the Korbel School isn’t just about hitting the books in a different country. It’s about creating opportunities for students to immerse themselves in new cultures, network with global leaders, and dare to redefine their futures. The month between the Fall and Winter Quarters — called “Winter Interterm” — is a chance for Korbel students to embrace these experiences....

University of Denver
Attending the Aspen Security Forum: Connecting Theory to Practice

Attending the Aspen Security Forum: Connecting Theory to Practice

From July 15–18, I had the privilege of representing the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs as part of a student delegation at the 2025 Aspen Security Forum. As the only university partnered with the Forum, Korbel’s presence stood out—we were proud to be the only students attending among a distinguished gathering of world leaders, policymakers, and experts in global security. ...

University of Toronto
Munk School Students Excel in Global Case Competitions

Munk School Students Excel in Global Case Competitions

From climate change and healthcare innovation to immigration policy and ethics in public service, Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Global Affairs (MGA) students tackled real-world challenges with winning solutions. These competitions not only offered valuable experiential learning but also showcased the Munk School’s growing impact on the global policy stage....

University of Toronto
Meet Four Munk School Grads Who Left Their Mark Beyond the Classroom

Meet Four Munk School Grads Who Left Their Mark Beyond the Classroom

As they cross the stage at Convocation Hall, four graduating students from the Master of Public Policy and Master of Global Affairs programs at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy reflect on an experience that has shaped far more than their academic resumes. From policy labs and international internships to student leadership and case competitions, these new grads used their time at Munk to explore interests, build confidence, and prepare to take on the world. We asked the four graduating students to reflect on their defining moments, inspirations, and advice for the next generation of Munk students....