Wagner community welcomes Bill de Blasio as its 2023 Marnold Visiting Fellow

NYU Wagner faculty, adjuncts, and staff gathered at the Puck Building last night to welcome former New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, who joined NYU Wagner this spring as a 2023 Marnold Visiting Fellow. During his time with us, de Blasio will host formal speaking engagements, connect directly with students, faculty, and alumni, and teach a graduate course.

Dean Sherry Glied led with remarks on the unique opportunity this moment presents for students to learn directly from a formative public servant with invaluable insights into city administration, campaign management, coalition building, and service provision. De Blasio adds to a cherished tradition of New York City leaders contributing their insights to NYU Wagner. In 1990, Mayor Edward I. Koch joined NYU Wagner’s Urban Research Center as a visiting fellow shortly after his tenure as the City’s top elected official.

Addressing the room, de Blasio spoke to the importance of instilling the values of public service in our educational institutions as well as our health systems and community forums. Recalling the challenges that all governments faced at the height of the pandemic, he applauded the work of our healthcare professionals, public health advocates, as well as the resilience of NYU educators and administrators who support students everyday as they work to make a difference.