SPP Celebrates Class of 2026

May 12, 2026

students walk in to graduation ceremony

On Monday, May 11, the Class of 2026 gathered at Infinity Hall in downtown Hartford to celebrate the completion of their master’s degrees.

97 students, representing the School’s largest graduating class since 2022, included graduates from the MPA, MPP, and MPA Executive-Track (“MPA Fellows”) programs, along with two students who earned the Master of Arts in Survey Research and Data Analysis, the final class to complete the program before it was retired.

SPP director Dr. Angie Eikenberry with Rep. Matt Ritter (L) and CRCOG Executive Director Matt Hart, (C) who also serves as SPP adjunct faculty

The event featured a keynote address from Matt Ritter, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. Ritter reminded graduates about the importance of in-person dialogue over online communication and emphasized the value of human connection in public service, especially when working across partisan divides. “That’s how the work gets done,” Ritter explained.

School of Public Policy Director Dr. Angie Eikenberry took inspiration from Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! in her closing remarks. “Graduates, we are so proud of you and excited to see all the places you will go,” she said. “The road ahead won’t always be easy, but we know you have the skills, abilities, knowledge, and determination to make a real difference.”

Like past graduating classes, students are heading into careers with state government, nonprofits, and the private sector, while others will continue their education in law school.

The event also included remarks from Dr. Ofer Harel, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Connecticut Deputy Comptroller Tara Downes (MPA ’20), who also serves as president of SPP’s Alumni Council. CLAS Associate Dean Bandana Purkayastha also received an award for her support of the School.

Student speakers included Felipe Sanches (MPA) and Christina Norman (MPA Fellow). Larissa Kottke (MPA ’13), President and CEO of Leadership Greater Hartford, served as mistress of ceremonies.

A reception honoring graduates followed the ceremony at the Hartford Times Building atrium. The event gave graduates, faculty, staff, and guests an opportunity to celebrate together. Jonathan, UConn’s mascot, also made a surprise appearance.

Class of 2026 Notables

  • Twelve students who started the MPA Executive Fellows program in Fall 2024 represented the first cohort from UConn Stamford. Stamford now joins Hartford as one of two locations where SPP offers the Executive Track program.
  • The Class of 2026 also represents the first group of Fast-Track students who completed their undergraduate degrees at UConn Stamford before attending classes in Hartford for their “plus-one” year to complete their MPA degree.
  • This year’s class included the School’s first dual-degree graduate with the School of Law: Brittany Lamarr (JD/MPP).
  • Two members of the Class of 2026 are currently deployed with the Army National Guard in the Middle East. Family members of Nathan Moody (Hartford Fellows) and Vladimir Souffrant (Stamford Fellows) walked the stage in their honor.
  • Guests traveled from as far away as California, Georgia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, and Pakistan to attend the ceremony.
  • IMRP Director Andrew Clark streamed the event from Norway, where he is leading a cohort in the IMRP’s International Justice Exchange.
  • The ceremony recognized 14 current students and graduates as award winners. See full list below.

“When I see students at orientation, I always say it is my second favorite day of the year,” says Catherine Guarino, Director of Student and Academic Affairs and Director of Undergraduate Programs. “Graduation is my first favorite! I’m lucky to get to see students throughout their time in our programs from their initial application to walking the stage knowing they’ve earned their degree. It’s a full circle moment and I’m proud of them.”

Graduates left with more than photos, memories, and the knowledge gained through their studies. They also received a School of Public Policy decal to take with them “wherever they may go.”

“It’s a family,” said Guarino. “Once you’re in, you’re in.”

Graduates were also welcomed into the SPP Alumni Network and were encouraged to stay involved with the school through the mentor program and alumni council.

Class of 2026 Award Winners

David B. Walker Award – Paige N. Booth (MPP ’27)

Albert G. Ilg Fellowship in Local Government Award – Sydney M. Breard (MPP ’27), Eric Meade, Jr. (MPA ’27), Arbnor Mehmedi (MPA ’27), Peter O’Dell (MPA ’27), and Katherine A. Sosa (MPA ’27)

The Morton J. Tenzer Fellowship Fund – Erica Gugliotti (MPP ’27)

The Lyle Wray Memorial Scholarship Award – Fatima Ismail (MPA ’27)

Master of Public Administration Academic Excellence Award – Joseph F. Morgan (MPA ’26)

Master of Public Administration Fellows Academic Excellence Award – Jennie Hirsch (MPA ’26) and Colette Meilu Kroop (MPA ’26)

Master of Public Policy Academic Excellence Award – Olivia M. Canevari (MPP ’26) and Vanessa Paige Reineke (MPP ’26)

Master of Arts in Survey Research & Data Analysis Academic Excellence Award – Priya Miller Bajaj (MA ’26)