Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum

Forum Goal

The goal of our forum is to provide generations of students, faculty and the MSU community with the opportunity to see, hear, and learn from national and international leaders, diplomats and writers.

The award and forum, announced in 2015, were established through a generous gift to MSU from Jim and Janet Blanchard.

"The overarching goal of our gift is to inspire future generations of Spartans to answer the call to public service and civic commitment."

- Jim Blanchard

Jim Blanchard

Born in Detroit and raised in Ferndale, Jim Blanchard earned his B.A. in Social Science in 1964 and M.B.A. in 1965 from MSU and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1968. He served four terms in the United States Congress (1975-1983) and two terms as governor of Michigan (1983-1991). He was the first MSU graduate to serve as governor of Michigan. Jim also served as US ambassador to Canada (1993-1996). He authored “Behind the Embassy Door” about his service in Canada. His performance as ambassador was recognized by Secretary of State Warren Christopher when he presented Jim with the Foreign Affairs Award for Public Service, making him one of only a handful of ambassadors to receive this prestigious award.

Jim Blanchard is a partner in the global law firm of DLA Piper and serves as co-chair of the Canada-US Law Institute and is Chair and President of The National Archives Foundation in Washington, D.C. Jim is also co-chair of the Ambassadors Roundtable for the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

Janet Blanchard

Janet Blanchard, born and raised in Williamston, Michigan served as a career civil servant in the Michigan State government Departments of Education, Labor, Commerce, Civil Service and Management and Budget. In 1993, Janet served as associate director of presidential personnel for President Bill Clinton. In May of 2004, she was protocol officer for the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Currently she is a member of the Meridian International Center Board of Trustees and also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Student House in Washington. Earlier she served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan 4-H Foundation and in 2009 was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Ways to Give

You can help expand our forum and sponsor student participation by a tax deductible gift to the Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum.

Sponsorships Typically Include:

• Tickets to VIP reception
• VIP dinner
• Photos with the honoree
• Tickets to the program
• Recognition in all marketing materials

Past Events