UConn School of Public Policy alumna Jackie Riberdy ’22 MPP plays a key role at Connecticut Foodshare, where she supports a statewide network of food assistance partners and advances advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening food access and addressing the root causes of hunger.
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Turning SPP Connections into Opportunity
Avery Holzworth, a Master of Public Policy student at the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy (Class of 2027), secured a Summer Associate role with the Connecticut Green Bank through coursework, networking, and hands-on experience developed at SPP. In her role on the Innovation team, she focuses on renter-focused energy solutions while applying data analysis and policy training to support equitable climate and housing strategies across Connecticut.
From UConn to the New York State Senate: Madeline Doyle’s Fellowship Experience
SPP Alumni Madeline Doyle’s fellowship with the New York State Senate has introduced her to policy areas including consumer protection, AI regulation, and labor law. Her work has supported legislation including Senate Bill 9934, the Stealth Crawler Prohibition Act, promoting transparency in artificial intelligence online activity, and Senate Bill 8877, which creates mandatory disclosures for job advertisements to protect and provide greater transparency for online applicants… Click to Read More about Madeline’s experience from classroom to career.
SPP Celebrates Class of 2026
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.
From Graduate Assistant to Graduation: 10 Questions with Jordan Oquendo
The IMRP profiles staffer Jordan Oquendo who is among the School of Public Policy master’s candidates to receive their degree at Monday’s graduation ceremony. Jordan has been working with the IMRP since his enrollment, primarily with the Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC).
Class of 2026: Get Ready for Graduation!
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…
Post-Graduate Spotlight: A Two-Year Research Journey with the Boston Federal Reserve
Nick Hall graduated from UConn in May 2023 with a degree in Economics and Political Science and earned his Master of Public Policy a year later. Thanks to the SPP’s outreach and networking opportunities, soon after his May 2024 graduation, he began a two-year research associate position with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston…
From Classroom to Commission: Finding the SPP 4+1 “Fast-Track” to Success
A chance encounter with a fellow undergrad introduced Tommy Dowd to the 4+1 program. A course that sounded interested introduced him to the IMRP and a research opportunity that would lead to his current role as the program assistant for the Connecticut Sentencing Commission. Read on to see his MPP “Fast-Track” to his first professional role…