July 22 marked the graduation of the first cohort from the Jackson School Master of Arts in Applied International Studies (MAAIS). This dynamic and diverse cohort inaugurated the Pacific Northwest’s only accelerated one-year professional degree in international affairs with a packed curriculum, driven by direct engagement with global leaders in the fields of law, security, politics, philanthropy, development, and business.
Our outstanding graduates celebrated the successful end of this year’s program in classic Seattle style, with a celebration sail on Lake Union! Our 2014-2015 cohort was joined by MAAIS faculty, members of the MAAIS Civic Council, and friends and supporters for a beautiful evening on the water. Thanks to all who made the celebration special!
New Class Arrives. On September 23rd, the MAAIS program welcomed its new 2015-2016 cohort to Seattle. Dan O’Neill, founder of Mercy Corps and a MAAIS Civic Council member, kicked off Orientation with a workshop on character, values and purpose, drawing inspiration from the David Brook’s best-seller The Road to Character.
Now in its second year, this new MAAIS class is more than three times larger than the inaugural cohort, bringing rich diversity in both their personal and professional backgrounds. More than half have lived or worked extensively outside the United States, or hail from countries across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Drawing from the public, private and non-profit sectors, they bring interest and expertise in subjects ranging from agriculture, communications and graphic design, to health care, human rights, international security and refugee resettlement. They are leaders and entrepreneurs, counting among their number former and active-duty U.S. service members, public servants, non-profit founders and directors, and global business executives. The MAAIS faculty and staff are looking forward to working with this dynamic group!