The Graduate Association of Public Policy (GAPPS-ICMA) – International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is the primary organization for the UConn School of Public Policy (SPP). Its goal is to serve as a social and intellectual forum for students pursuing a degree or certificate in the School. GAPPS-ICMA is committed to public service, professional development, and having fun. Throughout the academic year GAPPS-ICMA hosts a number of events that enrich students’ social and academic experiences.
GAPPS is an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) student organization.
Masters of Public Policy (MPP) student Daryl Bodrick II is this year’s GAPPS-ICMA Treasurer. His passion for public service began at Bodrick’s BBQ, which was a restaurant owned by his parents. He explains,
Residents of the surrounding neighborhood could rarely afford the full price of a meal. However, that didn’t stop us from feeding them. Everyone had a story, and that’s what we were helping continue – their story. Service is contagious, so I plan to feed people without the BBQ and Beverages.
After working in business finance, Daryl knew he wanted to be more community oriented and involved. His passion for making an impact led him to the MPP.
This fall Daryl will become the first accounting/business analyst intern at the State of Connecticut’s Department of Housing. His role in the Office of Finance & Operations is part of SPP’s Internship and Professional Practice (IPP) program. During his internship he will assist with account reconciliation, GL transactions, trend analysis and additional reports on the budget and expenditures.
The IPP Interview Process was Daryl’s favorite SPP memory. He found the experience to be exciting and believes it allowed him to prepare for how to meet each opportunity. Daryl was the top candidate for 4 of the positions he applied for! After graduation Daryl hopes to marry wealth management with public good.
For incoming SPP Huskies Daryl has this advice,
The public is everywhere and so is policy, therefore take your time with wrapping your head around all of it. Ask as many questions as possible – you create the theme for the classroom environment. It’s not Undergrad, where the professor may walk you through it without asking. As long as your heart is in the right place, you’ll be fine!
We look forward to welcoming Daryl and our returning students back to the classroom, and are excited to meet our newest Huskies next week. Help us celebrate with our community next week at the Welcome Reception!