Yager Hall, Hartwick College valley view from Oyaron Hill

Institute of Public Service

The Hartwick College Institute of Public Service is dedicated to strengthening democracy across the region by serving as a hub of collaboration and innovation between state and local government, and through civic engagement and legal studies.

Next Generation of Public Servants

A nonprofit, nonpartisan, regional political community, the institute seeks to educate the next generation of public servants and inspire legal professionals and government officials to meaningfully engage in our democracy through three supporting areas: Local and State Government, Civic Engagement, and Legal Education.

Hartwick College Trustee Larry Miller '73 announced a quarter million dollar matching gift to the Institute of Public Service. He believes gifts to the Institute leave a lasting legacy of a stronger democracy and a more resilient country. As a result, when you support our work your gift will be doubled.

Leslie G. Rude Memorial Lecture

“Public Service in New York”

New York’s Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado spoke about his work inspiring and supporting a new generation of public servants in NY.

Tuesday, March 11
5-6 p.m.
Anderson Theatre, Anderson Center for the Arts

Stephen L. Green American Governance Essay Competition

Launched in 2010-2011, emerging from Mr. Green’s interest in and concerns about American democracy, the competition highlights Hartwick’s commitment to civic engagement, critical thinking, and preparing students to lead in a democratic society.

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Summer 2025

 

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Past Issues

Stories About Our Work

Hartwick College students with VOTE signs on campus for Donuts for Democracy Drive

Hartwick Institute of Public Service Raises over $100,000 in Year Two of Fundraising Drive

The five-year, quarter-million-dollar match challenge has been made by Hartwick College Trustee Raymond “Larry” Miller ’73.
Read More >
Adilyam Imyarova ’27 with sign for Hartwick College Institute of Public Service

Annual Senator James Seward ’73 Summer Public Service Intern

Adilyam Imyarova ’27 will work with the institute’s co-directors, Professors Matt Chick, Laurel Elder and Zachary McKenney, on a range of projects, including preparing Hartwick to serve as an official polling place for the fall’s elections.
Read More >
The Stephen L. Green ’59 American Governance Award Honorees, President Mullen and faculty

2025 Stephen L. Green American Governance Essay Winners Announced

The award was established to challenge students to excel academically while becoming informed, engaged citizens in a democracy.
Read More >
Jen Lunsford '04 in Assembly session

Strengthening Democracy

Preparing Civic-Minded Graduates for a Better World
Read More >
New York State Senator Jim Seward ’73, H’99

IN MEMORIAM: Senator James L. Seward

The 17-term senator and alumnus taught the College’s New York State Policy and Politics course and supported numerous Hartwick interns.
Read More >
Hartwick Institute of Public Service Gender & Public Service event panelists Jasmin Ahmed ’24, Jennifer Givner ’99, Will Rivera

Judy Day’s Legacy Recognized at Hartwick Public Service Event

The panel was introduced by two current Hartwick College students, Aliyah Brooks '25 and Halle Wimette '26.
Read More >

Past Events

Vote design

Voting Inspiration Creative Competition

The goal of the competition was to encourage students to create something that would inspire their peers to get engaged in the 2024 election and our democracy.

Hartwick College Institute of Public Service Constitution Day Lecturer John Zogby speaking in Anderson Theatre

Constitution Day Talk 2024

The 2024 Election: What Are the Polls Really Saying?

Preeminent pollster John Zogby discussed his latest book, Beyond the Horse Race: How to Read the Polls and Why We Should and its implications for the 2024 elections.

US Representative Marc Molinaro speaking with Hartwick College students about public service

Public Service Work

US Representative NY-District #19 Marc Molinaro visited in February 2024 to talk with students and answer their questions about public service work.

Mike McIntire speaking in Anderson Theater, Hartwick College

Leslie G. Rude Memorial Lecture

Mike McIntire ’85, P’13, P’21, three-time Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist for The New York Times gave the 2024 Leslie Rude Public Service talk, “Investigative Journalism and Democracy”.

The Hartwick Institute of Public Service High School Essay & Video Competition panel discussion lead by Institute co-director Zachary McKenney

High School Essay Competition

The Institute hosted a high school essay competition and award ceremony, featuring a keynote address by Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado.

Hartwick College Institute of Public Service Constitution Day Talk delivered by Jen Lunsford '04, New York State Assemblymember for the 135th Assembly District

Constitution Day Talk 2023

NYS Assemblymember Jen Lusford ’04 returned to campus to provide our 2023 Constitution Day talk, “Young People and Democracy”.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Hartwick College student asking question during forum discussion

Creative Civic Engagement Programs

The institute sponsors civic engagement programs to ensure that students and community members are informed about local, state, and national political issues. Events are designed to increase participation in elections and to promote debate on important issues using civil discourse.

Anthony Delgado speaking with students at Hartwick College

Debates and Visits by Elected Officials

A catalyst for candidate forums, debates, and visits by elected officials, the institute hosts debates for public offices and offers students and local elected officials opportunities to engage and learn from one another. All candidate forums are bipartisan and all candidates and viewpoints are welcome.

Hartwick College students on the Hartwick campus on election day celebrating casting their vote.

Voter Registration and Turnout Activities

To increase turnout and registration, the institute conducts voter drives on campus and in the community. Programs and resources are developed to increase participation and to ensure that all voters are informed about issues on the ballot. The institute also partners with the Otsego County Board of Elections to provide poll worker training for students.

Hartwick student asking a question during a lecture on campus

High School Outreach

Working closely with civics, history and government K-12 teachers and guidance counselors, the institute creates initiatives and activities to promote civic engagement and dialogue.

Hartwick political science professor Laurel Elder speaking with David Axelrod during community forum

Speaker Events

The institute hosts high profile speaker events, including Hartwick’s annual Constitution Day and Leslie G. Rude Memorial lectures. The speaker series is open to all community members, including local high school students.

Hartwick Institute of Public Service Leadership Council

Hartwick College Institute of Public Service Leadership Council members

Matt Chase ’93, CEO/Executive Director of the National Association of Counties

Geoffrey Corn ’83, Killam Chair of Criminal Law and Director of the Center for Military Law and Policy, Texas Tech University School of Law, professor of law and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)

Carlo A.C. de Oliveira ’02, Member of the law firm Cooper Erving & Savage LLP in Albany, NY

Jennifer Givner ’99, Chief Media and Government Relations Officer at the New York State Thruway Authority

Randy L. McCullough ’86, Hartwick College Trustee, Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, the New York State Funeral Directors Association

Mike McIntire ’85, Pulitzer Prize Winning Investigative Journalist at The New York Times

Larry Miller ’73, Hartwick College Trustee, former CEO of Northern Composites, New Hampshire Budget Committee member and Select Board member

Matipa Mutoti ’20, Masters of Public Policy at American University, Legal Analyst

Grace Nealon ’15, Associate at Haynes & Boone, LLP in NYC; Albany Law ’18

Joanne Dittes Yepsen ’80, former two term mayor of Saratoga Springs and Co-Founder of Public Affairs Firm Yepsen & Pikulski

HARTWICK College INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL members in Albany

"The Institute is more than an academic program. It is giving students an unmatched opportunity for practical learning, career connections, and meaningful public service."

Matt Chase '93, CEO/Executive Director

National Association of Counties

"I am excited at the prospect of Hartwick’s Institute of Public Service becoming a propelling mechanism to Oneonta’s best and most inclusive governance; one that is informed and made more vital by the engagement of our student community."

Mark Drnek

City of Oneonta Mayor

Our Co-Directors

Laurel Elder

Professor of Political Science and Department Chair
607-431-4887

Matthew Chick

Assistant Professor of Political Science & Pre-Law Program Coordinator
607-431-4611

Zachary McKenney

Assistant Professor of Sociology
607-431-4894

Hartwick College Institute of Public Service

Hartwick College
Departments of
Political Science, Law, and International Relations & Sociology, Criminology, and Human Services
Let us know how the Institute can partner with you to strengthen our democracy.
[email protected]