In late October the Bloustein School inducted one alumni and seven current students in the Master of Public Policy Program to the school’s chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the global honor society for public affairs and administration managed by NASPAA.
Over 160 chapters, housed at NASPAA-accredited schools, exist across the globe. The Bloustein School chapter was established in 2018 and serves both graduate students and alumni.
Admission into the society is an extraordinary accomplishment in recognition of a student’s years of educational attainment and service, and also helps to bridge the academic and professional sides of the field, further developing and encouraging the development of future global leaders in public policy.
This year’s inductees are:
- Saquiba Aziz, MPP student
- Nathaly Andrade Lopez, MPP student
- Tristan Gibson, MPP student
- Shaun Moran, MPP student
- Kevin Petrozzo, MPP student
- Sabrina Riddick MPP ‘21
- Sabrina Rodriguez, MPP student
- Jessica Rueb, MPP student
“There is nothing more important than honorable than giving back to others. And as you move onto your professional career and life thereafter, you may be presented opportunities to do just that,” said Steve Weston, Assistant Dean for Student and Academic Services.
Stuart Shapiro, professor and associate dean of the faculty at the Bloustein School talked about the uniqueness of the current time into which the inductees are moving into a career of public policy. “The past few years have been unlike any that I’ve lived through in my life and I’m sure any that you have lived through,” he said. “They have highlighted both the need for clear-eyed, clear-headed policy analysts, but also the challenges associated with making sure that good analysis is heard.”
“You are also prime to have an influence that extends beyond your professional life,” he continued. “The world needs you to have that influence, and I am confident it will happen.”
Dr. Andrea Hetling noted that the Bloustein School’s public policy program mission is to train students and alumni to further rigor, innovation, and justice in the field of public policy. “Now, more than ever, we need these devoted public servants to be stewards of transparency, quality, compassion, and excellence in our communities for our country and the world,” she said.
At the conclusion of the induction ceremony, Bloustein School PAA board member Eric Clifford administered the Pi Alpha Alpha oath. Vice President Soraya Herbron then welcomed the new inductees to the chapter. “Whether you are an alum or a current student here at the Bloustein School, we congratulate you on the hard work and achievements that you have already contributed to the public service community,” she said.
“Through each course, assignment, group discussion, and presentation that you have engaged in, you have not only deepened your knowledge and expertise in the field, but you have also invested in the potential for all of us, as a community, to solve some of the most complex and critical public policy issues that our society faces today.”