I’m sure many of our readers have fond memories of Marilyn Shuler. Shuler, who earned her master of public administration degree from Boise State in 1978, was known for her tireless work on behalf of human rights, work that extended even beyond her role as director of the Idaho Human Rights Commission. She also made valuable contributions to the College of Social Sciences & Public Affairs Advisory Board here at Boise State.
In addition to hosting education and collaborative opportunities for the larger community, our Marilyn Shuler Human Rights Initiative offers an academic certificate program in human rights education and advocacy that will complement any academic major. This approach gives students the skills they need to integrate human rights into whatever career they choose to pursue.
In this edition of Public Interest, we’ll visit with Lisa Meierotto, director of the Shuler Initiative. We’ll also share an exciting course that helps students design and lead human rights campaigns, teaching them the bridge-building and advocacy skills to be successful. And we’ll meet an outstanding student with a story that might surprise you.
We are honored and humbled that Shuler chose the School of Public Service to host the human rights initiative that bears her name. We will endeavor to do our best to honor her memory by teaching students the skills they need to carry on her legacy of human rights education and advocacy. Working, as always, in the public interest.
Thanks for reading,
Andrew Giacomazzi
Interim Dean, School of Public Service
Boise State University