Joyful Reflections at MIPP 50th Anniversary Event

From across the decades and around the world, more than 100 alumni of the Master of International Public Policy degree program gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MIPP degree at Johns Hopkins SAIS on September 28, 2024. Current students, faculty, and staff joined the MIPP alumni for a reception at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C.

The afternoon was filled with joyful reflections and toasts from alumni sharing stories about their time at SAIS and the impact of the MIPP degree on their careers. Among the alumni who offered remarks at the event were Commander Mate Aerandir, MIPP ’23; Judson Crane, MIPP ’16; Katherine Downs, MIPP ’96; Jim Marckwardt, MIPP ’14; Evan Ryan, MIPP ’06; and Edel Tessema, MIPP ’24.

There were also SAIS faculty speakers: Vali Nasr, Majid Khadduri Professor of Middle East Studies and International Affairs; and Thomas Keaney, adjunct lecturer and senior fellow, Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies. The student speaker was Soniel Barbosa, MIPP ’25. Three SAIS staff members also spoke at the gathering: Kasia Batorski, director of constituent engagement; Martina Leinz, senior director of recruitment and special programs; and Jon Youngs, assistant director of degree programs.

One of the highlights of the celebration was when Judson Crane, MIPP ’16, a member of the SAIS Board of Advisors, conferred the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association’s Alumni Award for Public Service on Evan Ryan, MIPP ’06. This award honors alumni who have brought credit to the university through their current or recently concluded distinguished public service as elected or appointed officials.

A special guest accompanied Ms. Ryan to the celebration and watched her receive the award: her husband, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.