On the Evening of April 4, 2025, the UConn School of Public Policy (SPP) hosted the 2025 Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) Induction Ceremony at The Lyceum in Hartford, CT. PAA is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. PAA membership identifies those with the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers.
After a short reception, Karen Hasterok, UConn Master of Public Administration – Executive Track (MPA Fellows) Alum, and CT Chapter President of PAA welcomed 42 inductees, their friends and families, and distinguished guests to the event. She applauded the inductees on their achievement and welcomed them into the company of more than 160-chapter PAA members around the globe.
Professor Renzo de la Riva Agüero, PAA Faculty Advisor welcomed the attendees on behalf of The UConn School of Public Policy (SPP). He told the inductees that the faculty and staff admire how the students have handled the many demands of school and personal responsibilities, noting “today, you are being recognized not just for academic excellence and your resilience and determination to grow in every aspect of your life, but, ultimately, for your drive to have the best preparation possible to serve others. Building a career in public service is a calling –– a calling that comes from the heart. You have listened to it carefully and acted on it.”
Professor de la Riva Agüero was followed by Dr. Angela Eikenberry, SPP Director, who had the honor of introducing Chief Lynn Malerba as keynote speaker. Chief Malerba, MPA ’08, lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Tribe, and former U.S. Treasurer talked about the different paths that she has taken through her life. She started her career as a registered nurse, ultimately becoming the Director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in CT. In 2010 she was appointed Chief of the Mohegan Tribe. With both positions she found that she was involved in creating policy, which prompted her to extend her education by pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA). She pointed out that “Policy makes a difference in people’s lives in very personal and important ways. Policy is not a theoretical exercise nor is it an academic exercise. I have been privileged to create policy at the national level while witnessing what positive effects formal federal guidance, regulations and public policy can have at the local level. You all can be sure that your choice of study and your choice of career will be impactful, satisfying and personally rewarding.”
In 2022 Chief Malerba was appointed by President Biden as Treasurer of the United State and is the first Native American to serve in this position. She proudly represented Mohegans and Indigenous communities nationwide through 2024. She said she took many turns in her career that she didn’t expect and encouraged the inductees to be open to new and unexpected career opportunities throughout their lives in public service. She noted “Life is a journey. Enjoy the twists and turns you might experience throughout your careers. … Say yes to opportunities you cannot imagine for yourself yet. By saying yes, you may have an adventure you did not plan for but one that will make all the difference for the people you give voice to.”
The ceremony continued with each of the inductees receiving their PAA certificate, pin, and cord for graduation. The formal ceremony concluded with the group reciting the PAA oath.