News about Stennis Center
KANSAS GOVERNOR MARK PARKINSON ANNOUNCED AS THE 2010 WINNER OF THE HAROLD KELLER AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERSHIP
The Stennis Center recently selected Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson as the 2010 recipient of the Harold Keller Award for Public Service Leadership. The award honors an individual who has successfully applied lessons learned through National Forensic League (NFL) Student Congress to become an effective leader in public service.
Governor Parkinson participated in the 1975 National Forensic League House of Representatives in Indianapolis, Indiana, elected as presiding officer for his chamber. He graduated with 633 merit points accumulated for participation and success, reaching a degree of Special Distinction in the NFL honorary society.
A successful businessman and attorney, Governor Parkinson has previously served Kansas as Lieutenant Governor and completed terms in both the State Senate and House of Representatives. He assumed his post as Governor of Kansas on April 28, 2009. Click here to learn more about the 2010 Keller Award winner. The award will be presented during the National Forensic League's 2010 National Speech Tournament held June 13-18, 2010, in Kansas City, Missouri.
STENNIS FELLOWS DISCUSS HISTORY OF PARTISANSHIP IN CONGRESS WITH PANEL OF EXPERTS
On December 7, 2009, Stennis Fellows from the 111th Congress held a roundtable discussion at the National Archives with former Congressman Mickey Edwards, Sarah Binder, professor at George Washington University and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and Pat Griffin, former congressional staff member, Administration official, and lobbyist to explore the historical development of partisanship in Congress. This roundtable was the first in a series of discussions the Fellows will have over the coming year as they examine the broad theme of their fellowship: Balancing Governing Responsibility and Campaign Politics. Read more on the Stennis Fellows program.
SOUTHERN WOMEN IN PUBLIC SERVICE REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE IN STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
Power, personality and potential were on display as the Stennis Center convened more than 30 women leaders from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to discuss ways to encourage, promote and strengthen women's leadership in the South. The Southern Women in Public Service Regional Roundtable was an intensive 24-hour program on October 29-30, 2009 in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Florida, Georgia and South Carolina rank 25, 38 and 50 respectively in the percentage of women in state legislatures, a key barometer of women's political leadership.
Led by professional facilitator Carole Leland, participants worked in small groups to determine where we have come from regarding women's political leadership, where we are now, where should we go and finally how do we get there with purpose, planning and action. Former West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland and Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, set the tone with opening remarks on the importance of women's leadership. Participants included mostly women serving as state legislators, along with a mixture of others in public service. In addition, female college students with an interest in becoming leaders also were involved in the discussions.
USS STENNIS AND USS EISENHOWER LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS VISIT D.C.
On October 19 & 20, the USS STENNIS and USS EISENHOWER leadership award winners toured Washington, D.C., where they met with Members of Congress, congressional staff and other civilian leaders. The trip is a part of the Stennis Center's continuing effort to strengthen understanding and relationships between civilian leaders and the military. As the leadership award winners are honored and learn about how policy is made in Washington, the civilian leaders have an opportunity to learn about the life, values, culture and institutions of the military through visits with the leadership award winners and their family members. Including family members in discussions with leaders in Washington helps further understanding of contributions made by the family members of those who serve in the American military.
Click here to read more about the Stennis Center's Leadership Award Program with eight of the Navy's aircraft carriers.
111th CONGRESSIONAL STENNIS FELLOWS RETREAT IN SHEPHERDSTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
The 111th Congressional Stennis Fellows gathered in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, for a workshop on "Dialogue Essentials" and to finalize their learning agenda for the coming year. The workshop focused on providing interactive efforts to apply dialogue to practical problem solving and a powerful way to find common ground. Before the retreat concluded, the Fellows finalized their learning agenda that will be used as a basis to organize a number of roundtables with outside experts between December and April.
2009 STENNIS NOVICE SPEECH & DEBATE TOURNAMENT HELD ON MSU CAMPUS
Over 250 high school students came together September 11-12, 2009, on the campus of Mississippi State University to compete in the Stennis Novice Speech & Debate Tournament. The tournament provides a level playing fieldfor students who are just beginning to compete in speech and debate. The participants from Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee build confidence and hone their speaking skills before they compete against more experienced
students later in the school year. Students who master debate skills are more likely to consider public office as adults. The Stennis Center is proud to sponsor this annual tournament for the 14th year.
2009 USS STENNIS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Erin Walker and Aimee Gray, both of Bremerton, Washington, are the 2009 recipients of the USS STENNIS Family Scholarship. John C. Stennis Center for Public Service awards the scholarships on an annual basis to children and spouses of crewmembers of the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) aircraft carrier. Recipients of the award are students planning to dedicate themselves to a life of public service.
Currently a student at Chapman University, Walker is majoring in the field of psychology. She is actively involved in the USS John C. Stennis Family Readiness Group and Officer Spouse Group. After graduation, Walker plans to pursue a master's degree and enter the field of counseling. Her career ambition is to work intimately with military families and currently gains valuable experience as a volunteer with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society.
Walker is the wife of Lieutenant Nicholas Walker of Bremerton, Washington. LT Walker currently serves on the USS Stennis in the Aircraft Integrated Maintenance Operations (AIMO) IM4 division.
A leader at Klahowya Secondary School, Gray served as cheerleading captain, National Honor Society public relations officer, and Pep Club treasurer. In addition to her 4.0 GPA, she received many academic awards including the AP Scholar Award, Rotary Student of the Month, and five academic letters. This fall, Gray will continue her education at the University of Evansville in Indiana where she will pursue a secondary education degree in science.
Gray is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Warren Gray of Bremerton, Washington. MCPO Gray currently serves in the USS Stennis' Combat Systems department as a Master Chief Petty Officer.
2009 STENNIS STUDENT CONGRESS HELD IN BIRMINGHAM & 2009 HAROLD KELLER WINNER ANNOUNCED
On June 15th -19th, the Stennis Center sponsored the John C. Stennis National Student Congress as part of the National Forensic League's (NFL) National Speech Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. During the week, the country's top high school debaters assembled to compete for the honor of the nation's best.
Since 2007, the Stennis Center has awarded the Harold Keller Public Service Leadership Award during the national tournament. The award honors an individual who has successfully applied lessons learned through Student Congress to become an effective leader in public service. The recipient at the 2009 NFL Tournament was Joshua Segall, an attorney in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Democratic nominee for Alabama's 3rd congressional seat in 2008.
FRESHMAN SENATORS MEET WITH ADMIRAL MIKE MULLEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE OF JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
On June 8th, eight freshman United States Senators and Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff gathered in the United State Capitol for a dinner discussion sponsored by the Stennis Center. Led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the event provided an opportunity for freshman Senators and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to get to know each other through an informal discussion focused on the military. This program is part of the Stennis Center's ongoing work to bring together civilian and military leaders to develop relationships and understanding that will strengthen national security leadership. Freshman Senators participating in the program were: Senator Mark Begich of Alaska, Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, Senator Roland Burris of Illinois, Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina, Senator Ted Kaufman of Delaware, Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Senator Mark Udall of Colorado and Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico. 
USS ENTERPRISE LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS TRAVEL TO D.C.
On June 22 & 23, 2009, last year's USS ENTERPRISE leadership award winners and their guests toured Washington, D.C., where they met with Members of Congress, congressional staff and other civilian leaders. The trip is a part of the Stennis Center's continuing effort to strengthen understanding and relationships between civilian leaders and the military. They are pictured with Admiral James L. Holloway III, former CO of the ENTERPRISE and former Chief of Naval Operations, who is also the namesake of one of the aircraft carrier's leadership awards.
Click here to read more about the Stennis Center's Leadership Award Program with eight of the Navy's aircraft carriers.
TRUMAN SCHOLARS MEET ON CAPITOL HILL
Forty-four Harry S. Truman Scholars selected in 2008 gathered on June 19, 2009 in the new Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. for "Truman Scholars Day on Capitol Hill." The young leaders met with Judy Schneider, a specialist on the Congress at the Congressional Research Service, and Donald Ritchie, Associate Historian in the Senate Historical Office. They also met with former Truman Scholars, Bob Holste and Peg McGlinch, who have served in high ranking staff positions on Capitol Hill. Finally, the Truman Scholars were paired with Stennis Fellows, who escorted them to personal and committee offices of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. The purpose of the program is to provide Truman Scholars with intimate exposure to Congress and those who make Congress work as an institution of American democracy. View a slideshow of the 2009 Truman Scholars Day on Capitol Hill.
USS BUSH OFFICERS ARE PRESENTED AWARDS BY PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) recognized the outstanding leadership of Lt. Jamaal Lofton and Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW/FMF) Dennis Taylor on May 27. Lofton was presented with the 2009 George H.W. Bush Leadership Award while Taylor received the 2009 Senior Chief Storekeeper Charles G. Zwierzynski Leadership Award.
As a special honor, the award was presented to Lofton and Taylor by the ship's namesake, former President George H.W. Bush and his daughter Doro Bush Koch, the ship's sponsor. Bush and his daughter were visiting the ship to observe flight operations.
The Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership partners with eight aircraft carriers to recognize some of the men and women who demonstrate outstanding public service leadership.
The leadership awards program on each of the carriers is recognized as an opportunity to honor individuals who are representative of the leadership throughout the ships that is necessary to successfully perform the complex missions of aircraft carriers. The Stennis Center takes pride in being able to present the awards on behalf of American civilians as an expression of gratitude for the essential service provided by the men and women in military uniform.
REGIONAL SUMMIT OF SOUTHERN WOMEN LEADERS
On May 28-29, female leaders from three Southern states - Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi - gathered in Jackson, Mississippi to discuss ways to promote, strengthen and encourage women leaders in public service. This regional summit built on the work of the Stennis Center's 2008 Summit of Southern Women Leaders in Georgia, with its emphasis on an interactive dialogue-based program in which participants share ideas with each other. The women explored where we have come from regarding women's political leadership, where we are now, where we should go and how do we get there with purpose, planning and action.
MSU DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS LEARN ABOUT PUBLIC SERVICE IN CHICAGO
On March 13th, a group of Distinguished Scholars from Mississippi State University (MSU) had the opportunity to attend a luncheon with several Chicago leaders during their trip to the city. The luncheon was a part of the Stennis Center's ongoing commitment to reach out to exceptional MSU students and encourage them to consider public service careers. Chicago City Alderman Bob Fioretti and U.S. Congressman Danny Davis shared their own personal leadership experiences and valuable lessons while highlighting the challenges and rewards of public service leadership.
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA STUDENTS ARE VISITED BY FORMER CONGRESSMEN
Former Congressmen Sam Coppersmith (D-AZ) and Orval Hansen (R-ID) visited with University of Montana students on March 5th and 6th. The program sends bipartisan pairs of former Members of Congress - one Democrat and one Republican - to visit college, university and community college campuses around the country. Over the course of two days, the former Members conducted classes, held forums, met informally with students and faculty, and do interviews with local press and media.
USS ENTERPRISE LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS HONORED
On March 6th, six USS ENTERPRISE crewmembers were recognized for demonstrating the finest leadership and exemplifing the Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The annual awards are presented to an outstanding Senior Officer, Junior Officer, Chief Petty Officer, First Class Petty Officer, Junior Petty Officer, and Bluejacket. The namesake for each award is a heroic or successful mentor selected from the long and colorful history of the eight warships bearing the name USS ENTERPRISE.
The Stennis Center takes pride in being able to present the awards on behalf of American civilians as an expression of gratitude for the essential service provided by the men and women in military uniform. Click here to learn more about the Stennis Center's aircraft carrier leadership awards program.
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON PAID TRIBUTE TO JIMMIE LOU FISHER, WINNER OF THE LINDY BOGGS AWARD
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton joined Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and Attorney General Dustin McDaniel at the Lindy Boggs Award ceremony honoring Jimmie Lou Fisher on February 17, 2009, at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock.
For further coverage of the event read the Arkansas News Bureau's report of the event or watch Arkansas Democrat Gazette's video of Fisher accepting her award at the luncheon.
FORMER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS VISIT STUDENTS IN MISSISSIPPI
Click here to see video coverage of the Congress to Campus program visit on February 15-17 at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi. Former Members Glen Browder (D-AL) and Barry Goldwater, Jr. (R-CA) engaged with students throughout the visit to share their insights and experiences in public service. The Stennis Center partners with the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress in an effort to improve college students' understanding of Congress and American government and to encourage them to consider careers in public service.
USS NIMITZ CREWMEMBERS RECEIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDS
To recognize and honor some of the men and women who demonstrate outstanding public service leadership on American aircraft carriers, the Stennis Center administers a leadership awards program. Currently, eight carriers participate in the program. On February 12th, PSCS (SW) Patricia G. Morones, ABE1 (AW/SW) Hector Losoya, ATC (AW/SW) Christopher Organ, AO1 (AW) Adam Brophy, AT2 (AW) Michael Symons, and YNSA (SW) Craig Hollander were honored as the latest USS NIMITZ leadership award recipients.
PROSPECTIVE COMMANDING OFFICERS MEET WITH CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
On February 4, 2009, the Prospective Commanding Officers (PCOs) of the USS CARL VINSON and the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON aircraft carriers met with Congressional leaders at the U.S. Capitol.
The Stennis Center created PCO program as part of its ongoing initiative to improve civil-military relations. The PCOs officers help civilian leaders better understand the life, values and culture of the Navy, and of the military in general.
Visit the PCO program page to learn more about the Stennis Center's aircraft carrier programs.
USS EISENHOWER Leadership Award Winners
In December, the USS EISENHOWER hosted an innovative program to recognize LCDR Sean Knight and SKC (SW/AW) Jose Rodriguez as the 2008 leadership award winners from its crew. The USS EISENHOWER is one of eight aircraft carriers that participate in the Stennis Center's leadership award program to honor outstanding leadership and accomplishment by sailors and officers on the U.S. Navy's largest warships.
Emerging Leaders Program Finishes Another Successful Year
Another group honored in December was the graduating class of Emerging Leaders for the 110th Congress. Launched as a pilot program in the 106th Congress, the Emerging Leaders program matches Senior Stennis Fellows as mentors to less experienced congressional aides. It offers a unique opportunity for veteran congressional staff to share expertise and knowledge with individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership potential during the early stages of their careers on Capitol Hill.
Congressional Tribute to 2008 Stennis Interns
On September 22, 2008, Congressman Bart Gordon (TN) honored the participants of the 2008 Stennis Congressional Intern Program on the U.S. House floor. To view the remarks recorded in the Congressional Record, click below.
Congressional Tribute to 2008 Stennis Interns (54K)
[download]
USS VINSON Leadership Award Winners Visit D.C.
On October 20 and 21, LCDR Dave Walker and Senior Chief Bert Lewis were honored for their exceptional leadership onboard the USS VINSON in D.C. They are pictured with VINSON CO Captain Ted Carter (far left) and Stennis Center Executive Director Rex Buffington (far right).
Click here to read more about the Stennis Center's Leadership Award Program with eight of the Navy's aircraft carriers.
Senator Stennis Quoted on the Senate Floor in October
Comments from Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Senator John Warner (R-VA) concerning Warner's retirement.
Mr. Dodd: I will use the words of John Stennis, the former chairman of the Armed Services Committee--the position which John Warner now holds--who spoke at a Democratic caucus meeting. He paused when he stood up for several seconds and said nothing at all, and the room quieted, as you might imagine, to a stillness. The first words of John Stennis were: I am a Senate man.
I thought, what a remarkable moment, how he began his discourse with us, those of us who were new, by describing himself as a person of this institution. John Warner is a Senate man. He has done many things of great import in his life. But if I were to be asked by people what is a good example of a Senate person--I guess more politically correct today, given the fact that we have a lot of diversity of gender in this institution--John Warner has been a Senate person. He understood the historical value of this institution and the importance it continues to play. While we have had our differences philosophically, we have enjoyed great friendship on a personal level.
Mr. WARNER: Mr. President, I thank my friend. I must say to you that John Stennis, if I had to name five individuals in this institution--I think I have served with 272 Senators--John Stennis would be one. He was a magnificent man. As a matter of fact, I have his old desk. In his final days here he called me in one day and he said: I want you to have this desk. Of course, it was a long story, but there it is. I still have it in my office. He was a great teacher.
Scoop Jackson was another great teacher. I hope some of the young Senators, that maybe they have learned from you and me. Who knows. But in those days, those were men of formidable strength intellectually, command presence, and they were great teachers. Stennis was foremost among them all.
I thank my dear friend for his comments.
Stennis Fellows Celebration Dinner
The 110th Congress Stennis Fellows was honored at a celebration dinner on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the Newseum Building in Washington DC.
Strenthening Trust and Confidence in Congress (607K)
[description]
[download]