The 2024–2025 academic year marked another milestone for the School of Public and International Affairs and its master’s program.
As Canada’s only bilingual graduate program of its kind, the master in Public and International Affairs (MPIA) prepares students for leadership in public service, diplomacy, and governance.
Here's a look at what shaped this exceptional year.
Experiential Learning in Action
For many MPIA students, the highlight of the academic year was the study trip to Washington, D.C., held from April 7 to 9, 2025. Over two days, students engaged in insightful discussions and benefited from the unique opportunity to meet senior representatives from the U.S. Government, international organizations, NGOs, and the Embassies of Canada and Ukraine namely:
- Carrie Goodge O’Brien, Embassy of Canada to the United States
- Ben Canavan, Deputy Director, Office of Canadian Affairs, U.S. State Department
- Katharine Rechico, Canada’s Executive Director, World Bank Group
- Will Paterson, Glendon alumnus, World Bank
- Frank Sesno, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Professor, School of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University
- Chris Sands, Director, Canada Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
- Major General Borys Kremenetsky, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Ukraine to the United States
Weekly Colloquium Series
Led by Professor Francis Garon, the 24-week colloquium series brought students into small-group discussions with national and international experts. Notable speakers included:
- Senator Peter Harder
- Mr. Nick Nanos, founder and Director of Nanos Research
- Ambassador Patrick Van Gheel, Belgian Ambassador to Canada
- Ambassador (retired) Jon Allen
- Mr. Stephane Roberge and John Morrisson, Global Affairs Canada.
- Col. Matteo, Director of the NATO Security - Force Assistance (Italy).
Capstone Seminar: Policy in Practice
The Capstone Seminar gave students the tools to develop Cabinet-ready policy submissions. Topics ranged from justice reform to taxation and diversity initiatives.
Internships That Make a Difference
While many MPIA students have traditionally secured internships with federal and provincial governments, an increasing number are pursuing opportunities with international and non-governmental organizations such as More Neighbours Toronto, Arab Community Centre, and Cooperation Canada, reflecting their entrepreneurial spirit.
Glendon Global Dialogues & Case Competitions
Events like the Glendon Global Dialogues and the National Public Administration Case Competition enriched academic life while showcasing student talent and fostering debate on urgent issues—from Foreign interference in elections to international contracting and climate issues.
Celebrating Black History Month
In partnership with KSU, two events marked Black History Month. On February 3, MPIA students attended an online presentation by Dr. Karina Brown on the ongoing challenges of being Black in America. A second event on March 6 explored the value of collaboration between grassroots advocacy and academic research.