INSTITUTE OF POLITICS (IOP)
The Institute of Politics (IOP) is a leadership training seminar aimed at giving each fellow a complete education on politics. From grassroots campaigning, to what life is like after being elected, the IOP attempts to provide each fellow with the tools and knowledge necessary to understand the political process in New Orleans and the surrounding region.
For the last forty years, the IOP has worked to train young people interested in politics and political leadership in our regional area. Today, more than ever, we need to call forth folks whose vision includes a vibrant New Orleans and region, one in which our traditions meet with realities of life in post-Katrina south Louisiana -- people who have the talent and willingness to make a difference in the political process and take on the leadership roles which are so needed as we rebuild New Orleans.
The program itself revolves around a series of lectures, discussions, and projects that traverse the spectrum of practical political interest. The IOP attracts guest lecturers of local and national prominence, whose fields of expertise include campaign strategy, organization, financing, polling, public relations, lobbying, community grass roots organizations, newspapers and the electronic media.
Thus, the Institute allows fellows the opportunity for extended dialogue with elected officials, political management consultants, media experts, social scientists, and other professionals whose work has given them invaluable insight into the political process. The seminars also provide thorough discussion and debate among the Fellows on the political issues of the day.
All guest lectures are held on Tuesday evenings on Loyola University's main campus in uptown New Orleans.
Long Time Director, Ed Renwick, Retires
A change of leadership has taken place at Loyola University's Institute of Politics.
Tommy Screen, 33, assistant to the President for Government Relations at Loyola University, has taken the helm of the institute from New Orleans pollster Ed Renwick.
Renwick retired this June 1, after 38 years of helping to prepare more than 1,100 IOP "fellows" for careers in elective office, political campaigns, and the news media.
Renwick, a Political Science Professor, says he will continue teaching for another year and work part-time as a pollster.
Graduation
This past spring we were delighted to have graduated our second post-Katrina class of IOP Fellows, the Class of 2008. We are grateful to them for their enthusiasm for the political process and for the role they will play in the future of our area.
Annual Reunion
Plans are currently being made for our annual Reunion and Fundraiser. Please be on the lookout for an invitation early this fall.
Referrals
The program is currently accepting applications for the upcoming class. If you are interested, or if you want to refer someone, please complete the application form below and submit to IOP, Box 119, Loyola University, New Orleans, LA 70118.
Contact: Tommy Screen at tscreen@loyno.edu or (504) 865-3548