Paula Norato (MPA ’22) enrolled in the School of Public Policy’s graduate program during the start of Covid. Through her IPP placement with Partners for Educational Leadership, she saw how statewide support systems operate behind the scenes to support schools and began to understand the broader impact of public service. “The MPA helped me not only with long-term, strategic thinking and relationship-building, but also with the confidence to show up for myself in all areas,” Paula says…
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2025 Encore Graduates Find “Strength in Support”
More than 100 attendees were on hand to celebrate the graduation of the School’s latest Encore Class. 27 members of the class gathered to reflect on the program’s impact and the beginning of their ‘next act’. Speakers reiterated the power behind the theme of this year’s class: “Strength in Support.”
A Year of Transition: 10 Questions with Assistant Research Professor Lydia Wileden
School of Public Policy assistant research professor Dr. Lydia Wileden discusses her work in the classroom, in the community, and with IMRP’s statewide and international initiatives. Dr. Wileden will be instructing PP 5350 – Urban & Regional Policy – in the spring, 2026 semester…
MPA Alum Helps Connecticut through Social Equity
MPA ’22 grad Caesar Valentín credits several School of Public Policy courses and professors for shaping his approach to public service. As a success and strategy analyst at Connecticut’s Social Equity Council, Valentín’s thesis and early research connect directly to his current work…
From Service to Scholarship: MPA Fellow’s Lifelong Commitment to Public Service
Susan Camoroda is an MPA Fellow and research assistant with the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP), where she supports Connecticut State Legislative studies related to Military and Veterans Affairs. She’s also a retired U.S. Army Colonel with 30 years of commissioned service driven by a sense of duty.
On Veterans Day, Camoroda hopes people will take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of service. “What’s most meaningful is remembering what this country is about – the lessons of history, the honor, dedication, and sacrifice that military members and their families provide to support and defend the Constitution,” she says.
Why I Serve: Director of Engagement Ryan Baldassario on the Importance of Civic Engagement
Director of Engagement and self-described “civic nerd” Ryan Baldassario talks about his long history volunteering as a poll worker on Election Day and the importance of student involvement in local elections. “Whatever you do – don’t ignore local elections!” Ryan advises. “While national issues dominate our social media feeds, state and local elections have more direct implications for your daily lives.”
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…
Students Contemplate Voting Access on National Voter Registration Day
Students in IMRP Director Andrew Clark’s Intro to Public Policy course recently stepped beyond the classroom and into Connecticut’s Old State House to explore topics of democracy and voting access. The visits, held just blocks from UConn Hartford, included a tour of the historic site and a National Voter Registration Day roundtable co-hosted with the Connecticut Democracy Center. Students engaged panelists on issues ranging from compulsory voting in other democracies to recent changes in Connecticut expanding early voting and “no excuse” absentee ballots…
SPP Students Gain Policy Experience in Washington, D.C.
Two students from UConn’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs traded classroom work for the nation’s capital this summer, immersing themselves in federal policy work. Read more about their experiences in higher education access and election integrity.
Back-to-School Fall Newsletter Release
The School of Public Policy’s fall newsletter’s “Back to School” edition highlights alumni awards, classroom updates, and the myriad ways school faculty, staff, and students contribute to meaningful service in Connecticut and beyond.