Awards and Celebrations

UConn Stamford Expands Access to Public Service Leadership Through Executive-Track MPA Program 

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Earlier this week, the University of Connecticut School of Public Policy celebrated a milestone in Fairfield County public service education as the inaugural Stamford cohort of its Executive-Track Master of Public Administration program completed their degrees. 

The cohort, which enrolled in Fall 2024 as the first Stamford-based “MPA Fellows” class, was among the 97 students recognized during a May 11 ceremony at Infinity Hall in Hartford. 

Stamford now joins Hartford as one of two UConn locations where students can complete the School of Public Policy’s Executive-Track MPA program…

SPP Celebrates Class of 2026

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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, a program the School has since retired. 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.

Class of 2026: Get Ready for Graduation!

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You’ve worked hard and earned your degree. Now it’s time to celebrate! Monday, May 11 is the School of Public Policy’s Ceremony to Honor Our Graduates. The festivities will take place at Infinity Hall in Hartford from 3:00 – 5:00 pm with a reception following afterwards at the Hartford Times Building Atrium.

Larisa Kottke, MPA’13, President & CEO of Leadership Greater Hartford, will serve as ceremony host, and Matt Ritter, CT Speaker of the House of Representatives will provide the keynote address.

A helpful timeline for students and guests follows…

Pi Alpha Alpha 2025 Induction Ceremony

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On April 4th the School of Public Policy (SPP) will host its annual Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) Induction Ceremony. SPP’s current Board Members include: President—Karen Hasterok, MPA ‘24 Vice President—Ludwig Pulaski, MPA ‘24 Treasurer—Beverne Cordner, MPA ‘22 Secretary—Mekaila (Carey) Wilhelm, MPA ‘23 Pi Alpha Alpha President Karen Hasterok will kick-off the evening with a Pi […]

2024 MPA Fellows Academic Excellence Awardee: Kereema McDonald

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Full Name: Kereema McDonald Title and Organization: Associate Rate Specialist, DEEP/PURA SPP Degree and Graduation Year: MPA Fellow, ‘24 Kereema McDonald, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, has called Connecticut home for the past 21 years. With a heart dedicated to helping those in need, she has found fulfillment in both her personal and professional pursuits. Kereema’s […]

2024 MPA Academic Excellence Awardee: Kellie Sartoris

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Full Name: Kellie Ann Sartoris Title and Organization: Academic Policy and Administration Intern, Office of the Provost, UConn SPP Degree and Graduation Year: MPA, ‘24 Kellie Sartoris received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Connecticut in 2023. As an undergraduate, she […]

2024 SRDA Academic Excellence Awardee: Hope DeJohn

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Full Name: Hope DeJohn Title and Organization: Lead Radiologic Technologist, Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group, Inc.  SPP Degree and Graduation Year: SRDA, ‘24 Hope DeJohn is a 2024 graduate of the UConn Master of Arts in Survey Research and Data Analysis (SRDA) program. She earned her undergraduate degree in Radiologic Sciences at Quinnipiac University […]

2024 MPA Fellows Academic Excellence Awardee – Nicole Sanclemente

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Full Name: Nicole Sanclemente Title and Organization: Community Partnership Liaison, CT Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance Authority SPP Degree and Graduation Year: MPA Fellow ‘24 Nicole Sanclemente is the Community Partnership Liaison for the State of Connecticut’s Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance Authority. In her role, Nicole conducts outreach to different communities and […]

2024 MPP Academic Excellence Awardee: Nicholas Hall

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Full Name: Nicholas Stephen Hall Title and Organization: Public Policy Intern, Connecticut Department of Public Health SPP Degree and Graduation Year: MPP, ‘24 Nicholas is working towards his Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree with a concentration in quantitative economics. He is interning in the Commissioner’s Office at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, focusing […]