Wilmers' Gift To Promote Public Service

Thanks to a gift establishing a new state and local government fellowship program, the Kennedy School of Government will be able to provide more financial aid to students and encourage them to pursue public service careers in state and local governments.

Robert G. Wilmers '56 has established the Robert G. Wilmers Program for State & Local Public Service Fellowships with a major gift to the Kennedy School. Up to 10 Wilmers Public Service Fellows will study at the Kennedy School each year.

"As the federal government devolves more activities to the state and local levels, there is an increasing need to invest in well-trained public servants to lead our nation's towns, cities, and states," said Joseph S. Nye Jr., Dean of the Kennedy School of Government. "We're delighted that Bob Wilmers is helping us to prepare the public sector's future leaders."

According to Wilmers, the fellowship program is designed to encourage talented students to pursue public service careers, reward their commitment to helping others, and free them of the significant debt burden many incur in graduate school. The fellowships cover the full cost of tuition (two semesters plus a summer session, if required) and fees, plus an annual stipend.

"From my experience as an executive in Buffalo, I am aware firsthand of the importance and needs of state and local governments in serving our citizenry effectively and efficiently," Wilmers commented. "I also believe that strong partnerships between the public and private sectors contribute to the economic vitality and social well-being of our nation's communities. Through this gift to the Kennedy School, I wanted to find a way to invest in our community and help leaders who serve in the public interest, so that they aren't encumbered by student loan debt."

The program reflects Wilmers' personal longtime commitment to state and local governments, most significantly in Buffalo, N.Y., where he is chairman, president, and CEO of both First Empire State Corp., a bank holding company, and Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co. (M&T), a commercial bank with offices throughout New York state. His interest in local government derives primarily from a business perspective and the need for the business community to be involved in the wider state and local communities.

Wilmers' service to his community includes leading the way for the M&T bank to "adopt" a local elementary school in a disadvantaged neighborhood. The bank is funding programs to create greater educational opportunities for the school's students. Wilmers is a director of the Albright Knox Art Gallery, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Business Council of New York Inc., and the Greater Buffalo Partnership.

Criteria for the merit-based fellowships include leadership potential, academic performance, and a desire to work for the public interest. Recipients will commit to working in public service for three years after completing the program. The selection process for the first Wilmers Fellows is under way.