The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy & Civic Engagement


Our Mission

To cultivate the habit of promoting the common good through an integrative environment for learning.

To promote the value of politics; our shared identity as citizens; our engagement in public work.


McCarthy Center Logo

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement was founded in 2006 as a learning community and resource hub for students, faculty, staff, and alums interested in engaging issues and practices of public policy. The McCarthy Center facilitates opportunities for collaborative scholarship, creative, and integrated learning through programming and activities on and off-campus and in collaboration with various other departments and organizations. The McCarthy Center also offers resources for internships, networking, and career mentoring experiences in the areas of public policy and public affairs. The staff and student participants of the McCarthy Center work to create venues for constructive, responsible, and interesting civic debate and engagement in community affairs.


David Durenberger

With sympathy, we remember the life and legacy of U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger. He was an early champion of the McCarthy Center, serving as both a McCarthy Lecturer and as a McCarthy Scholar in Residence.

At the request of the Durenberger family, memorials are preferred to the Dave Durenberger Legacy Fund at Saint John’s University. In honor of Senator Durenberger’s public service and lifetime promotion of civic engagement, this fund directly supports students participating in the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Washington, D.C., Summer Internship Program, now in its 44th year. These resources expand access and opportunity so more students can gain valuable national public policy experiences. This fund celebrates Senator Durenberger’s community-minded service and spirit while supporting the next generation of young civic leaders.

To donate to this fund, please visit the Make a Gift page through SJU Institutional Advancement. Select ‘other’ from the ‘Fund’ drop-down menu and indicate ‘Dave Durenberger Legacy Fund’ in the preference box.

We are grateful for the support of the Durenberger family and all donations.

Watch the 16th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture with General Paul Nakasone!

View our Upcoming Events and Programming!