PPP Honors Program at Xavier University

For our sophomores, the work doesn’t end after they return home from Washington, D.C. Student groups in PPUB 211 closed the loop this week scheduling briefings on their federal policy advocacy with regional stakeholders. Groups in Professor Rhiney’s class met with nonprofit leaders, Hamilton County agency leads, and Ohio state representatives to share their recommendations and make asks to further advocacy on their chosen bill. Many thanks to State representatives Ashley Bryant-Bailey and Mike Odioso, Hamilton County Engineer Eric Beck and staff, Hamilton County Veteran services director Glenn Welling, and Beth Roach, program director of Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky.

Today, on the birthday of Gene Beaupré, founding faculty member of PPP, we reflect on the lasting impact of his contributions to the program and community. At last week’s annual Spring Cookout, we had the privilege of welcoming Lynn Marmer, Gene’s wife, who spoke about his deep commitment to community engagement and his belief in PPP students. We also heard remarks from Prof. John Fairfield, who reflected on Gene’s influence and the values that continue to shape PPP. His vision lives on not only through the foundation he built, but through our current students, who carry forward his legacy through their curiosity, service, and commitment to public purpose. Gatherings like the Spring Cookout remind us that Gene’s spirit endures in this community and in each new generation of PPP students.

Last week, PPP alumni and graduating seniors gathered for an evening of networking and conversation about life after graduation. From career advice to shared experiences, the event highlighted the strength of the PPP community and the connections that continue beyond the program. ⚔️

It’s not too late to apply! For more info on externship funding, check out the PPP Canvas page. We hope you’ll consider taking advantage of this amazing opportunity! 💙

This week, our second-year PPP students took their work beyond the classroom and into Washington, DC.

After months of researching and developing policy ideas, students spent two days meeting with House and Senate offices, nonprofits, think tanks, and educational organizations. They shared their research, asked thoughtful questions, and gained a deeper understanding of the issues they have been studying since January.
The trip represents the culmination of a great deal of preparation, initiative, and collaboration. It is always exciting to see students step into these spaces with confidence and curiosity.

We are incredibly grateful to the faculty, PPP interns, upperclassmen, and alumni who helped make this experience possible. A special thank you to Jeff Strunk and Forbes Tate Partners for generously providing space for students to prepare ahead of their meetings.

We are proud of all that these students accomplished and grateful to everyone who helped bring this experience to life.

Our annual Washington, D.C. Alumni Reception kicked off the 2026 Sophomore PPP trip on a high note. The evening brought together students and alumni for meaningful conversations, valuable connections, and thoughtful dialogue. Sophomores had the opportunity to share their policy interests, gain insight from alumni experiences, and further develop their issues ahead of meetings on Monday and Tuesday. We are so grateful to our alumni community for their continued support and mentorship. ⚔️💙🏛️⚖️

March Gladness Day 2 is coming to a close, but there’s still time to make an impact! We’re continuing to work toward our goal of 130 donors, and every gift brings us closer.

Thank you to everyone who has already given! Your generosity makes experiential learning opportunities possible, including internships, study abroad experiences, and the sophomore trip to Washington, D.C.

Make a gift of $100 or more and receive a PPP t-shirt as a small token of our appreciation. Help us cross the finish line and support our students today! 💙🤍

Through PPP’s March Gladness Campaign, the Experiential Learning Fund helps students pursue unpaid or costly summer internships. Last summer, five rising juniors and seniors received support, and here, they share what it meant for their experiences and career paths.

Join us in making opportunities like these possible. Help us reach 130 donors! Every $10 gift makes a difference!

Help us reach our March Gladness goal!

🎯 130 donors
💙 Every gift counts (minimum $10)
👕 $100+ = limited-edition PPP T-shirt
💰 $2,000 challenge grant on the line

Let’s climb the leaderboard and invest in our students! Visit the link in our bio 🔗

It’s that time again! 🎉 March Gladness is officially underway at Xavier!

Today kicks off the first day of this 48-hour giving challenge, and we hope you’ll consider supporting the PPP Experiential Learning Fund. Every dollar donated goes directly back to our students, funding transformative opportunities like internships, travel, and hands-on learning beyond the classroom.

Our goal is 130 donors, and every gift, no matter the size, helps us climb the leaderboard and unlock additional incentive funding. Join us and help make these experiences possible! 💙