The IMPACT conference got off to a great start Friday with messages on service and activism from Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and City Year Little Rock director Shannon Butler, among others.
President Clinton sent his regards to the students in a letter read by the conference coordinator and Clinton School student Julianne Dunn (’10). Clinton was unable to attend because of his disaster relief work underway in Haiti. Here’s an excerpt from the letter:
I regret that I am unable to join you, but I am pleased to have the occasion to commend you for your interest in addressing the challenges facing our global society.
I firmly believe that the best avenue to positive change often starts with young people acting on their idealism, and events like this one play a pivotal role in helping promising young leaders turn their good intentions into real results.
Conference-goers also attended a number of workshops and browsed the Opportunities Fair, which featured booths from a number of organizations and sponsors, including the Clinton School.
Friday’s activities concluded with a reception at the Clinton Center hosted by the Clinton School. Dean Skip Rutherford spoke briefly about the mission of the Clinton School and the unique Master of Public Service degree program.