|
As a nonpartisan center for the study of public policy, the Panetta Institute helps our communities and our country meet the challenges of the 21st century. We work in particular to attract thoughtful young men and women to lives of public service, helping them expand their knowledge of the policy process and develop their skills as future leaders.
Located at California State University, Monterey Bay, the Institute serves the entire CSU system, along with other California schools at every level, and we make a special effort to engage our local citizens in discussions of important issues.
Please learn more about us and get involved in this exciting effort.
Annual Panetta Institute Survey of College Students Finds College Students Much More Optimistic Than Last Year Despite Economic Downturn
According to a new nationwide survey conducted by the Panetta Institute, U.S. college students know they face challenges in today’s deeply troubled economy, but they are far happier with the direction of the country and with its political leaders than they were a year ago. “What makes this shift all the more striking,” says Institute director Sylvia Panetta, “is that our economy and the immediate employment prospects for these students look much worse today than they did a year ago.” The Panetta Institute conducts its annual college student survey chiefly to measure the level of student interest in politics and civic life. Learn more about the results of this year's survey.
Luis Valdez Keynote Speaker at Annual Monterey County Reads Volunteer Recognition Ceremony
Luis Valdez, community activist, playwright and film director, was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Monterey County Reads Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. The event was held on Thursday, May 7 and honored 100 volunteers who served in the Panetta Institute's literacy program during the past academic year. Valdez founded and served as artistic director and resident
playwright
for the internationally renowned El Teatro Campesino. Performing for striking farmworkers, the troupe worked with Cesar Chavez in efforts to organize migrant workers. Valdez went on to write and direct a number of award-winning works, including the films La Bamba and Zoot Suit. He was the first Chicano writer to open a play
on Broadway, the first Chicano to direct his own movie, and has led a movement that has helped Chicano theater develop in
many states. At the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony he spoke on the importance of literacy and the role of service. Commenting on his participation Panetta Institute director Sylvia Panetta remarked, "We were honored to have Mr. Valdez join us at this important event. His has a strong connection to this community and his accomplishments are a wonderful example of the power of education, creativity and service."
Panetta Institute Completes 2009 Lecture Series Season
The Panetta Institute has concluded the twelfth-annual Panetta Institute Lecture Series. The theme for this season was "The Challenges Facing the New Administration."
“New leadership has brought new opportunities for reform,” said Institute Director, Sylvia Panetta. “However this spirit of optimism is weighted by the daunting reality of the domestic and global challenges that this new administration faces. The failing economy, increasing needs and demand for healthcare reform, bridging the partisan divide, and terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere will all require challenging compromise, tough decisions and certain sacrifice. This season's lectures explored these issues with renowned experts who provided unique insight into these serious problems and possible solutions.” The events of the 2009 series can be viewed on line in our video archive.
Click here for more information on the Panetta Institute 2009 Lecture Series.
Leon Panetta Sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden as CIA Director
Sylvia Panetta to Continue Heading Work of the Panetta Institute
On Thursday, February 20, Leon Panetta was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Announcing his selection of Mr. Panetta for the post, President Obama described him as "one of the finest public servants of our time," and noted that "he has handled intelligence daily at the very highest levels and time and again he has demonstrated sound judgment, grace under fire, and complete integrity."
Sylvia Panetta, director of the Panetta Institute, continues to lead the Institute in its efforts to foster bipartisanship in government and to inspire people to pursue lives of public service. “The Institute is very proud that Leon has been given this extraordinary opportunity to serve the nation in this vital role,” Mrs. Panetta commented. “What better inspiration could our students have than someone like Leon who has taken on this great challenge? We are eagerly moving forward in the Institute's efforts to serve our community and our nation by providing our students with the tools they need to become effective leaders.”
|
