SPA Alumni Newsletter

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  • SPA: Development & Alumni Relations
    (202) 885-2661

    Dan Mackeben
    Director of Development
    mackeben@american.edu

    Glynnis Hokenson
    Events Specialist
    glynnis@american.edu

Mailing Address
SPA Update

Dan Fiorino launches SPA's newest institute, the Center for Environmental Policy, to encourage "creative thinking,
good information, and good analysis" about our natural resources.

Dean's Letter

LeoGrande

Dear Friends,

This is the first issue of SPA’s new e-newsletter, an electronic version of the print Update. It’s a greener way of keeping in touch and is in line with the university’s commitment to being considerate of our environment. Now you can expect to hear from us at least four times a year—two mailed issues and two issues in your e-mail in box.  All issues of the Update will also be available on these pages.  For SPA news between Updates, join our Facebook page: AU School of Public Affairs.

SPA shone with its government expertise in the recent elections. Our faculty offered insight to media including the Wall Street Journal, CBS, and the New York Times.  The school’s reputation grows with dynamic features that inform the national political dialogue like Women & Politics Institute’s  Sunday Morning Monitor which continues to track gender balance of national public affairs programs.

I hope you find news of your classmates below and continue to share news of your own accomplishments with us.

Best Wishes,

William M. LeoGrande
Dean

Alumni

AU’s Rising Star Award Goes to Kevin Malecek

This year's Rising Star award recipient Kevin Malecek, SPA/BA '01, SPA/MA '02, has always had his hand in multiple projects at once. Described as the "AU poster child" by his friends, Malecek has turned his time of multi-tasking at American into a hectic but happy life in which he does what he loves most – interacting with people.

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McSwain

Young Graduate Makes Change: Courtney McSwain Puts her MPP to Work in Communities

With a passion for service and a penchant for social science, Courtney McSwain, SPA/MPP ’06, is putting her degree to work in satisfying ways. “I love studying, but I chose an MPP because I wanted to do something,” said the Greensboro, NC, native, who also holds a BA in sociology from North Carolina A&T State University.

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Events

Peace Corps Director: ‘Volunteers Give Meaning to World’

Aaron Williams delivered his keynote remarks before an auditorium of more than 100 career public servants at the 33rd annual Roger W. Jones Award ceremony, October 25. Sponsored by SPA, the Roger Jones Award honors excellence in executive leadership.

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Students

Lincoln

SPA’s Leadership Program Announces Class of 2014

The Leadership Program, SPA’s selective course of study for undergraduates dedicated to service, announces members of the Leadership Class of 2014. This year, 42 incoming undergraduates from 21 states and Chile were selected from a record number of applications.

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Alumni Notables

Herb K Shultz, SPA/BA ’84, was appointed as a regional director for of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Daniel C. Schnur, SPA/BA ’87, was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Mark N. Levine, SPA/BA ’72, has been named director of the Idaho State University Office of Marketing and Communications.

Eric J. Eikenberg, SPA/BA ’98, joined Tampa-based Holland & Knight as a senior policy adviser and co-leader of the firm's Florida government advocacy team.

Betty L. Paugh, SPA/BA ’93, joined NEA Foundation as their new Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships.

Amy K. Dacey, SPA/MA ’95, was appointed Executive Director of EMILY’s List.

Anne Klein, SPA/MPP ’96, was named Director of Sustainability for St. Louis County in Missouri.

Judy Reese Morse, SPA/MPA ’91, was named first deputy mayor and chief of staff to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Carolyn Dungee Nicholas, SPA/MPA ’77, published “HILDA”. The book, published by AuthorHouse, details the career of District of Columbia Councilmember Hilda Howland Minnis Mason.

Ronald Kendall, SPA/MPA ’96, joined the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management as staff director.

Todd A. Turner, SPA/MPA ’93, was appointed as Vice President of Industry Affairs by the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

Larry D. Czarda, SPA/MPA ’76, was named as Greensboro College’s 18th president.

William J. Trahant, SPA/MPA ’76, joined Booz Allen as Senior Executive Advisor.

Andrea Agathoklis, SPA/BA ’98, joined the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney Genera

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