Hartwick Hosts NYC Reception in Support of the Institute of Public Service

Against the backdrop of Central Park, 80 Hartwick alumni and friends gathered at the New York Athletic Club on Oct. 15 to reconnect, celebrate and support the Hartwick Institute of Public Service (HIPS).

Hosted by Trustee Ed Droesch ’82, the reception raised nearly $13,000, with all gifts doubled thanks to Trustee Larry Miller ’73 and his generous matching commitment.

“I wanted to support and help promote the Hartwick Institute of Public Service, a fantastic example of the quality programs Hartwick offers. It was also a great way to bring new and old alumni together in New York City—something that hadn’t been done in quite some time.”

Ed Droesch ’82

Hartwick College Trustee

Founded in 2023 by Professors Matt Chick, Laurel Elder, and Zach McKenney, the Hartwick Institute of Public Service partners with local governments to engage young people in our democracy, develop a foundation in the law and inspire the next generation of public leaders.

Preparing the next generation of public leaders

In his remarks, Hartwick College President Jim Mullen highlighted how HIPS is positioning Hartwick as a national leader in preparing the next generation for public life.

He noted that every Hartwick student now has free digital access to The Daily Star and The New York Times, ensuring cost is never a barrier to becoming an informed citizen. The campus has registered hundreds of new voters and, for the first time in its history, will serve as an official polling place this November.

Through a public service internship course, students are working directly with local officials and four have already held appointed positions in the Oneonta city government. Earlier this semester, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush joined four Hartwick students for a remarkable conversation on local government and leadership.

Alumni Contributions and Voices

President Mullen also recognized Stephen L. Green ’59, PM’05, who attended with his wife, Nancy Peck Green, and his brother, former New York City Public Advocate Mark Green. For the past 15 years, Stephen Green has sponsored the American Governance Essay Competition, awarding $25,000 in prizes to 15 students each spring. His generosity has inspired students to think deeply about the challenges facing our democracy and helped spark the creation of the Hartwick Institute of Public Service.

Mike McIntire ’85, P’13, P’21, Hartwick College President Mullen and Grace Nealon ’15 at the New York Times before the Institute of Public Service reception.

Mike McIntire ’85, P’13, P’21, Hartwick College President Mullen and Grace Nealon ’15–the 3 speakers at the reception–at the New York Times before the reception.

Mike McIntire ’85, P’13, P’21 leading a tour of the New York Times before the Hartwick College Institute of Public Service reception.

Mike McIntire ’85, P’13, P’21 leading a tour of the New York Times before the reception.

Justine Gray ’10 and Melanie Goldberg ’07 and Professor Laurel Elder

Professor Emeritus Malone with Adam Randall ’10 and Sky Gordon ’08

Professor Emeritus Malone with alumni from the Class of 1991

Assistant Professor Zach McKenney and Cierra Barkley ’23

Omar Russo ’16 with Professor Laurel Elder

Sarah Rice ’17 and Tessa Kansas ’15

Mike McIntire ’85, P’13, P’21, a three-time Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist at “The New York Times” and an inaugural member of the HIPS Leadership Council, spoke about how his Hartwick education prepared him to hold power to account through his investigations and stories. He has reported on white-collar crime, Wall Street bailouts, terrorism, gun violence, highway safety and corruption in college sports.

Andrew L. Cartwright ’87, who attended the event, reflected on Hartwick’s enduring impact. “I am excited and proud to see that Hartwick continues to execute on its original mission of providing a top-notch liberal arts education,” he said. “Never has there been a more vital period in our world history for the interdisciplinary approach to education and leadership.”

Hartwick’s law alumni were also well represented at the event. Justine Gray ’10 and Melanie Goldberg ’07 joined their former professor, Laurel Elder, for the celebration. Recent graduates, including Cierra Barkley ’23, were also present in substantial numbers.

For civil rights attorney Omar Russo ’16, the reception captured everything he values about the College’s spirit and purpose. As he reflected afterward, “The reception can now be added to my list of favorite Hartwick moments,” he said.

“I was proud to be in a room of Hartwick alumni, family and friends, all joining together to support this amazing initiative. Hearing the strides the institute has taken to ensure community engagement in local government instills confidence in me for the future of our law and policymakers and our citizenry in general.”

Omar Russo ’16

Looking Ahead

The final speaker of the evening, Grace Nealon ’15, an associate at Haynes and Boone, offered moving remarks about the transformative power of her Hartwick education and her desire to give back through public service. Nealon is the newest member of the Hartwick Institute of Public Service Leadership Council and has been a driving force in reconnecting her peers and broader network with Hartwick.

In her remarks, Nealon said, “We all know how special Hartwick is- how it helps students find themselves, discover their purpose and use their voice. The Institute of Public Service takes that legacy and channels it into action, giving students the tools to reach their full potential as leaders, advocates, and changemakers.”

Professor Emeritus of Economics Larry Malone was also in attendance and enjoyed reconnecting with many former students, including Santo Russo ’91, vice chair of the Hartwick College Board of Trustees, Keith Lloyd ’91, Hillary Duffy ’91, Joe Lentini ’91, Adam Randall ’10 and Sky Gordon ’08.

Reflecting on the event, Malone said, “It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, all expressing interest and commitment to the mission of the institute. Who wants to host us next?”

Those with photos from the event are invited to share them, and anyone interested in hosting a future Hartwick Institute of Public Service reception may contact Professor Elder at [email protected].

Gifts to support the Hartwick Institute of Public Service may be made here.

October 21, 2025

Alumni Spotlight, Campaign, Institute of Public Service, News Release

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