The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program hosted the 2012 Spring Showcase and Graduation Celebration on Wednesday, June 6th at Seattle University. The event was designed to highlight the many accomplishments of the MPA students during the 2011-12 academic year.

The MPA program recognized four students for outstanding capstone projects that exemplified excellence in writing, analysis, and potential impact. The Best Capstone Awards went to:

Jeana Johnson, Fall 2011: “What can Cardea do to Prepare to Implement Social Media Marketing Successfully?”

Kevin Friedrich, Winter 2012:  “Cultural Analysis for Management Solutions: Understanding Internal Culture to Build Team Management Strategies for Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project.”

Karinda L. Harris, Spring 2012: “City Living: The Underserved.”  How can the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing Improve Housing Affordability for Households Earning 75-90% of Area Median Income?

Kelli Paull, Spring 2012: “Emergency Medical Services in the Seattle Fire Department:  Increasing Aid Units in an Effort to Respond to Citizen Demand.”  What response strategy modifications can the Seattle Fire Department make in reaction to the increase in EMS calls?

Professor Lee Holmer, inducted new members into the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, the national honor society to recognize and promote excellence in the study and practice of public affairs and administration.

Special thanks were given to the outgoing MPA Student Association (MPASA) officers: President, Dan Gomez, Vice President, Kate Paisley, Secretary, Erin O’Roak and Ashley Plaga, and Treasurer, Eric Fuerbringer. Newly elected MPASA positions were announced, including: President Eric Sanders, Vice-President Patrick Fernandez, Secretary Leslie Harris, and Treasurer Ashley Plaga.

Presidential Management Fellow recipients, F.L. Dammann and Stephen Yim and Seattle University Spirit of Community Award recipient, Adam Tousley were also recognized.

MPA Director, Janelle Wong recognized 25 graduating MPA students. She also highlighted the new MPA Connections: Student Mentor Program, a partnership with Career Services that serves to connect MPA students with alumni and community members in the field.  As part of this program, MPA students will have the opportunity to draw on the experience of individuals with experience working in the public and nonprofit sectors, in order to help navigate their career transitions, the job market, and other work-related issues.  


 MPA Graduating Class 2012