Cho, Dr. Yong H. Endowment for Master of Applied Politics
The Dr. Yong H. Cho Endowment for Master of Applied Politics (originally The Dr. Yong H. Cho Endowed Fund in Public Administration and Urban Studies) was established in 2014 to honor Dr. Yong Cho for his accomplishments as an outstanding professor and chair of the Department of Public Administration and Urban Studies (PAUS) at The University of Akron. In 1989, after more than 25 years of service at °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ, Dr. Cho retired and continued his career at San Francisco State University, and lastly at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea, where he was Dean of Graduate and International Studies.
In 2023 the endowment was revised to direct support to the Master of Applied Politics (MAP) program, after the University halted PAUS instruction.
Highly active throughout his career in professional and practical applications of public administration, Dr. Cho served under former President Jimmy Carter as a Senior Policy Analyst of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. From 1983 to 1990, he was a Senior Adviser in the Executive Policy Education Program of the Brookings Institute in Washington, DC. Later, he served as the National President of the American Society of Public Administration.
In recognition of his contributions to the profession, he was elected as a Fellow by members of the National Academy of Public Administration, an organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. Election to the National Academy is one of the highest honors for those engaged in the study or practice of public administration. Dedicated to student success, Dr. Cho considers himself to be a lifelong learner.
This endowment was established through the generosity of Dr. Cho's longtime friend and former student, Mr. Richard A. Ciccarone, and his wife, Marilyn. Dr. Cho, according to Mr. Ciccarone, was instrumental in his success in education and experiences at The University of Akron and beyond, as well as the education and experiences of many other students.
Mr. Ciccarone is a native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School. He earned a B.A. from Miami University (Ohio) before coming to The University of Akron, where he earned an M.A. in Public Administration and Urban Studies in 1978, studying under Dr. Cho.
Dr. Cho's influence helped inspire Mr. Ciccarone's strong belief in the pursuit of wisdom and participation through education and involvement. Mr. Ciccarone feels this endowment is a fitting tribute to an exceptional professor, academic leader and mentor, whose energy and passion in his professional work contributed so much to so many.
The Dr. Yong H. Cho Endowment for Master of Applied Politics is designated for the sole purpose of supporting the Master of Applied Politics program at The University of Akron. Annual income from this endowment will be distributed at the discretion of the department chair. This funding may be used for, but is not limited to, graduate fellowships and resources for faculty and students in support of the mission of the MAP program as it evolves over time. Awards used for expenses other than qualified educational expenses may be reportable and/or taxable to the recipient.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Cho MAP Endowment” in the text box. Thank you!
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