The Clinton School graduated its sixth class of 31 students Saturday from the Master of Public Service degree program.
The graduates entered the program two years ago from across Arkansas, the country and the world. They represent 13 states and five countries including Canada, Kenya, Nepal, South Africa and Ukraine.
“This graduating class represents the diversity that is the strength of our country and the global community,” President Bill Clinton said in a recorded video address to the graduates.
“I’m so impressed, graduates, with the work you’ve done,” Clinton added. “And even more important I’m looking forward to seeing where your careers take you as public servants in the future.”
Through the school’s field service program, the graduates completed more than 22,000 hours in public service projects, Clinton School Dean Skip Rutherford said in his welcome address.
In his commencement address, the school’s founding Dean David Pryor challenged the graduates to return “civility” and “bipartisanship” to public service in America.
“We need to build those bridges that have been torn down by fear, hate, distrust and suspicion,” he said.
Through six classes the school has now graduated more than 150 students from the MPS program. Unlike traditional programs in public affairs or public policy, 30 percent of the MPS program is completed through hands-on service projects.
The Class of 2012 completed more than 70 public service projects, including international projects in 19 countries.
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