The Harkin Institute kicks off its fall Student Luncheon and Reception Series on Tuesday, Sept. 21, with a student luncheon with domestic and international education advisor Christie Vilsack.

This series offers students the opportunity to visit with accomplished government, nonprofit journalism, political, and public policy leaders in a small-group setting. Guests of honor will informally discuss their careers, share information, answer questions, provide advice, and get to know the students.

Students interested in attending these exclusive events are asked to apply using the links below.

The Harkin Institute is hosting four student luncheons this fall:
 
Sept. 21 | Christie Vilsack, Domestic and International Education Advisor
Christie Vilsack served as the senior advisor for International Education at USAID from 2013 to 2016. In that position, Vilsack supported USAID’s Education Strategy goals to improve children’s reading skills, strengthen youth workforce skills, and provide equitable access to education in crisis and conflict settings, especially for little girls. She has committed her life to education and public service. Vilsack spent 25 years teaching secondary and college English and journalism. Her experience inside the classroom led to a focus on education and advocating for public libraries as Iowa’s first lady, as a candidate for Congress in Iowa, and now as an education advisor for colleges and universities.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Christie Vilsack: http://bit.ly/2gtVVWJ

Sept. 26 | Jimmy Small, President of the Iowa Speedway
Jimmy Small joined the Iowa Speedway as president in December 2013 after five years as a NASCAR employee. He manages the day-to-day operations of the Iowa Speedway, including facility operations, events promotion, business development, marketing, and communications. Small has also led public policy efforts for the Iowa Speedway at state and local levels, including ongoing state tourism development with the governor’s office.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Jimmy Small: http://bit.ly/2vuQ4XU

Oct. 5 | Noreen Otto, Vice President of Government Relations, Hy-Vee, Inc.
Noreen Otto works as vice president of government relations for Hy-Vee, Inc., where she works on a broad range of issue areas including taxation, food safety and labeling, transportation, workers’ compensation, and pharmacy. Otto has more than 10 years of government relations experience, including five with Hy-Vee. Otto serves as a board member for Progress Industries Iowa and previously held a seat on the Newton City Council.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Noreen Otto: http://bit.ly/2iKQxzq

Oct. 12 | Michael Fitzgerald, Iowa Treasurer
Michael Fitzgerald has served as Iowa treasurer for 35 years and is a leader in public service. As state treasurer, Fitzgerald is responsible for investing more than $3 billion of state operating funds, administering the state’s college savings program, and overseeing the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, which has returned more than $218 million in lost property to Iowans. Before being elected Iowa treasurer in 1982, Fitzgerald worked as a marketing analyst at Massey Ferguson Company.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Michael Fitzgerald: http://bit.ly/2vv4w2c
 
—Emily Schettler, The Harkin Institute