Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship
Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship
About the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship
The Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship (RIPPAC) is dedicated to informing, engaging, and training Rowan students, faculty, and the public in politics, policy, and citizen engagement. To accomplish this, the Institute hosts programs and guest speakers; supports students through academic and career development, internships and scholarships; and connects faculty and students from across the University with public entities to facilitate public policy research and discussion.
For more information and to support RIPPAC’s efforts and student intern scholarships, contact Dr. Ben Dworkin at dworkin@rowan.edu or 856-256-5832.
Have questions about RIPPAC? Contact Liz Dircks at RIPPAC@rowan.edu or 856-256-4500 ext. 5-3567.
RIPPAC Event Calendar - Spring 2026
January
Tuesday, January 27: Spring 2026 Open House ft. Brianna Donahue '19 (Student-Only Event)
Chamberlain Student Center Room 127 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
New on campus? Come learn more about RIPPAC, including upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, and career services. Our guest will be alum Brianna Donahue, Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Inspira Health.
February
Friday, February 13: Politics & Pizza Networking Lunch ft. Rick Thigpen (Student-Only Event)
Chamberlain Student Center Room 127 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Listen to Rick Thigpen, Senior VP for Corporate Citizenship at PSEG, discuss his career path and experience in politics and lobbying. Free pizza!
March
Friday, March 27: Politics & Pizza Networking Lunch ft. Kay LiCausi (Student-Only Event)
Chamberlain Student Center Room 127 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Listen to Kay LiCausi, founder and president of Hoboken Strategy Group, discuss her career path and experience in politics and lobbying. Free pizza!
April
Monday, April 6: Annual Mock Debate - The Eagle vs. The Turkey: Which is More American?
Chamberlain Student Center Room 221 | 6:00 p.m. light reception | 7:00 p.m. program
Are you #TeamEagle or #TeamTurkey? Hear two teams of one student and one faculty member each give presentations arguing for their chosen bird at our annual humorous academic debate celebrating April Fools' Day. Open to the public!
Friday, April 10: Politics & Pizza Networking Lunch with Matt Rooney, Esq. (Student-Only Event)
Chamberlain Student Center Room 127 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Listen to Matt Rooney Esq., founder of SaveJersey.com and president of the Camden County Bar Association, discuss his career path and experience in politics, law, and media. Free pizza!