The University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs — named for one Minnesotan who was once vice president — will hold a yearlong series of events to honor Walter Mondale, another vice president from Minnesota.
There will be events in Minnesota and Washington, D.C., and the school aims to raise $2.2 million for scholarships and to name the Humphrey School's public gathering space for him.
Mondale has been Minnesota attorney general, a U.S. senator, vice president of the U.S. and the Democratic nominee for president. He's also been the ambassador to Japan.
The Mondale-fest begins June 30, when the school's annual Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards recognize Mondale and others who've worked on issues dear to his heart: "access to justice, civil and human rights, and government accountability."
The effort continues with these events:
Washington, DC, Celebration, Oct. 20, 2015 — The Mondale Policy Legacy, a half-day public forum, will focus on such issues as civil rights, national security and the Constitution, the Mondale vice presidency, and crucial issues of the Carter administration. In addition, a reception and dinner later that day will include President Jimmy Carter and other friends, former staff, and colleagues of the vice president; public officials; alumni from the University of Minnesota; and members of the public.
Walter F. Mondale Fellowship Program — The Humphrey School will create an endowed scholarship fund named for Mondale, who himself faced substantial challenges in financing his college and legal education, and became a champion in the Senate both for access to education and for the entry of young people into public service.
Naming of the Mondale Atrium — The Humphrey School will dedicate the Walter Mondale Atrium, in addition to making capital improvements to this central public gathering space of the School.
Announcing the Mondale effort, Humphrey School Dean Eric Schwartz said:
"...no senior public figure has played a more central role in the life of the Humphrey School than Walter Mondale, from his work in establishing the School, a living legacy to his friend Hubert Humphrey, to his initiation of what has become our Policy Fellows program, to his continued role as a distinguished instructor at the Humphrey School."
Schwartz said the June 30 ceremony also will recognize other people and organizations that have furthered Mondale's principles, in an effort to "illustrate the broad and enduring impact that his life’s work has had on Minnesotans and other Americans, as well as on the institutions of governance."
The June 30 event is a gala dinner at the McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E. in Minneapolis. Tickets are $150, of which $75 is a tax-deductible contribution. Proceeds from the event sill benefit the Mondale student scholarship initiative. To learn more about the award recipients and ticket information, go here.
The other awards that night will go to:
Center for Victims of Torture — International nonprofit organization, for extraordinary efforts in support of human rights and government transparency, and care for survivors of torture and war.
Imam Sharif A. Mohamed—Imam, Islamic Civic Society of America/Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque and Cofounder, Open Path Resources, for his commitment to the civic development of the East African immigrant community in Minnesota, and promotion of intercommunal understanding and tolerance.
3M Company — Corporate citizen dedicated to access to justice, for its leadership in coalition-building, advocacy, and provision of pro bono legal services.
Andrew M. Luger — United States Attorney, District of Minnesota, for his commitment to accountability, and to community engagement, dialogue, and partnership .
Katherine Siggerud — (Humphrey School MA 1987), managing director of congressional relations, Government Accountability Office, for her work on behalf of federal government accountability and transparency.
Melvin W. Carter III — (Humphrey School MPP 2011), executive director, Minnesota Children’s Cabinet and former St. Paul City Council member, for his achievements relating to equity and inclusion, social justice, and the well-being of youth in our community.