The faculty of the Wayne State Graduate Program in Public Administration cordially invite you to join us for the 2026 Lent Upson Forum and Reception.

This year, we are pleased to announce that we will be holding a panel discussion first, beginning at 5:30 pm. The panel, titled “Public Service in Challenging Times”, will convene a panel of distinguished Wayne State MPA alums, who will give their perspectives on these unprecedented times for public servants. On the panel will be alums from all sectors: National, state, local, and nonprofits.

Following the panel discussion, we will be holding a networking reception and awards ceremony, beginning around 6:45 pm. Our awards recognition program will start around 7 pm. We will be inducting members into Pi Alpha Alpha (the public administration honor society) and awarding some scholarships. We will also be honoring Ms. Kamilia Landrum with our Distinguished Graduate Award. Hors d oeuvres and drinks will be served at the reception.

Both events will take place in the Wayne State University Student Center, Hilberry A&B, 5221 Gullen Mall. See https://maps.wayne.edu/view/student-center for directions.

This event is co-hosted by the Student Chapters of Pi Alpha Alpha & ICMA. Co-sponsored by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan and the Metro Detroit Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.

This is a great opportunity to learn and to connect with MPA students, alumni, and friends. We hope to see you there, and thanks for your support of the Wayne State MPA Program!