President Biden and Vice President Harris tapped two Hoyas to run their staffs: Ron Klain (C’83) and Tina Flournoy (C’78, L’84). They both served as GU Politics Advisory Board members, and they returned to the virtual Hilltop to celebrate GU Politics’ 5th anniversary and have a conversation on the importance of public service.
The GU Politics 5th Anniversary Keynote began with remarks from the McCourt School of Public Policy Dean Maria Cancian, President Barack Obama, GU Politics Student Leadership Council Co-Chair Susanna Blount, and GU Politics Executive Director Mo Elleithee.
White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain spoke about the Biden-Harris Administration’s first 100 days and the challenges facing the country. He addressed the partisan division in American politics, and offered his definition of unity. “Unity means this country coming together to tackle problems with common purpose and common resolve. We’ve seen a tremendous amount of unity on this vaccine program. I see people, young and old, volunteering in our vaccination centers all over the country,” said Klain, referring to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Tina Flournoy, Chief of Staff to the Vice President of the United States, her time as both a Georgetown undergraduate and law student taught her: “It was always the sense that you should lead a purposeful life. That you need to do something that matters. You need to do something that impacts someone other than yourself.”
Klain concluded the event by discussing the value of a Georgetown education. “That’s the unique thing about Georgetown. It’s this combination of world-class academics in areas of public policy now with the addition of the McCourt School… and that chance, by being in Washington, to work hands on in the government.” He encouraged young people to get involved in politics and public service both during their time on the Hilltop and beyond.
The full conversation along with a quick recap video (see below) highlighting stand-out moments is available on the GU Politics YouTube channel or Facebook page. Visit the GU Politics Twitter (@GUPolitics) for highlights and excerpts from the event.
