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U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
The Institute hosted U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth for a Town Hall Meeting on July 12, 2019. Institute Director John Shaw moderated. Watch Video
Barb Brown Memorial Scholarship Recipients and Brown Family

The Annual Barbara Brown Memorial Garden Party, celebrating the life of Barbara Brown and honoring the 2019-2020 scholarship recipients. 

(l-r) Barbara Brown's sons: Nate Brown, Jay Brown, Matt Brown, Scholarship recipients Mikayla Cain & Tabitha Koch, Barbara Brown's husband Richard Brown.

Renewing Illinois Summit
The Institute's inaugural "Renewing Illinois" summit participants at SIU. The summit featured Illinois university students from eight public universities in Illinois. These students collaborated and developed a report that addresses action items for Illinois. 
Harriet Elam-Thomas
Former U.S. Ambassador Harriet Elam-Thomas spoke to SIU students and community members on the importance of civility in government as one of our first speakers for our Statesmanship Initiative. Watch Video
Plan ahead for 2020 Springfield Internships!

Plan ahead for Spring 2020 Springfield Internships! Want a paid internship with real-world experience? Check out our 3 different internships: Alexander Lane Internship, Gene Callahan Internship, and the Latino Legislative Internship. Watch Video

Better Politics, Smarter Government

We believe in bringing together public service leaders, our community, and students to carry on Paul Simon’s vision of making a difference in the society we live in. 

Through three signature programs under Better Politics, Smarter Government we are raising the Institute’s profile in Illinois and across the country and promoting rigorous analysis, civil discourse, and constructive careers in public service.

Learn more about how you can be part of Better Politics, Smarter Government.

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