| | 166th Edition | August
22,
2024 |
| |
| | Preparing For Election Season
With the upcoming presidential election in the news almost every day, politics is top of mind for many in the Emory community. Emory experts are often called upon by politicians to contribute their time and expertise; and many at Emory may wonder how changing political dynamics impact the university’s day-to-day work. During such a busy political period, it is important to understand how Emory, as a tax-exempt nonprofit, interacts with elected officials. Read more here. |
| |
| Community Affairs | Local Government Reception
On Aug. 14, President and Mrs. Fenves hosted nearly 50 locally elected officials from across the Atlanta metro region. Three county commissions and nine city councils were represented. In addition to Emory developing a deeper relationship with these local leaders, this event at Lullwater served as an opportunity for government officials to connect and spend time together. |
| |
|  | | Camp Promise
From July 19-21, Emory hosted the inaugural John R. Lewis Institute’s CAMP PROMISE ATLANTA at Goizueta Business School. Through impactful workshops, the camp inspired and empowered more than 100 young men to make meaningful choices and develop skills to become community leaders. City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens participated in the closing session where certificates were presented to each young man who completed the program and will become the next generation of community and social justice leaders. |
| |
|  | Federal Affairs | Congressional Visits
While Congress is on August recess, congressional staffers have been using the time to visit and learn more about Emory. During the past two weeks, we have hosted bipartisan groups on tours of Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory’s Atlanta campus and Emory’s Center for AI Learning. These visits will continue over the next few weeks. If you have a lab to show off or a space conducive to a group visit and are interested in serving as a tour stop, please reach out!
Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon
Every August, members from across Georgia join together to learn about the latest events in DC from our congressional delegation. Once again, Emory was proud to sponsor a table at the GA Chamber Congressional Luncheon where OGCA team members connected with legislative staff and members. |
| |
|  | | Research Grant Webinar
In what is becoming an annual tradition, Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) hosted Emory’s Dr. Kimberly Eck to educate his constituents about the federal grant process. As a nationally respected expert in this area, we are thankful that Dr. Eck is willing to share her time with nonprofits and individuals across Congressman Johnson’s district. This year’s webinar brought in more than 700 individuals! Thank you, Dr. Eck, for participating in this important constituent service and helping Georgia build its research capacity. |
| |
| State Affairs | Senate Study Committee on Veteran’s Mental Health and Housing featuring Emory’s Jim Ludham
On July 6, Emory's Jim Ludham, director of development for the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program (EHVP), spoke at the Senate Study Committee on Veteran’s Mental Health and Housing. The initial meeting set up the committee for future conversations about this topic and provided information on available resources for veterans around the state. Ludham spoke specifically about EHVP’s two-week immersive therapy project and the effective results of the virtual reality software. The state affairs team will continue to follow the Senate Study Committee on Veteran’s Mental Health and Housing as it proceeds over the summer and fall. |
| |
|  | | Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence
The Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), chaired by Senator John Albers, has met three times. The committee has discussed the innovations and opportunities related to AI as well as potential threats. So far, the meetings have focused on AI in higher education, hosted at Georgia Technical College, and entertainment, hosted at Trilith Studios. As potential legislation is debated during these meetings, the state affairs team will continue to attend and engage with the committee. |
| |
| Staff News | | We are thrilled to welcome Jenna Heard Lawler to the OGCA team! Jenna will be our new Assistant Director of Federal Affairs and comes to us after 8 years with Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA), who is retiring at the end of this Congress. Welcome to Emory, Jenna!
We are pleased to announce that, effective Sept, 1, Penny Moceri is OGCA’s Director of Engagement. In this new role, Penny is charged with developing internal and external champions for Emory. The creation of this position dovetails with the transition of Emory’s Board of Visitors (BOV) from AAE to OGCA. We are re-envisioning the BOV and focusing this important group on Emory’s community engagement priorities. Congratulations, Penny!
On Aug. 21, OGCA volunteered at the Toco Hills Community Alliance where we served over 200 families. As always, we entered our volunteer service hours into Emory Open and hope you are doing the same! |
| |
|
