MPA MCNY Students and Graduates Attend National ASPA Conference in Denver Colorado

Rafiu Laguda (MPA, 2013), Tania Moreta (MPA, 2013), Dr. Nufrio, Dwayne Hackett (MPA, 2017), Dr. Pamela Ransom, Kassiana Parris (MPA, 2017)

Dr. Philip M. Dodd- Nufrio, Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration, organized a contingent of students and alumnus to March 2018 National American Society for Public Administration in Denver Colorado.

Mr. Rafiu Laguda (MPA, 2013) and President of the MCNY Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, played a significant role in bringing MPA alumnus attendees to the conference (Tania Moreta and Amalia Tazes).

Established in 1939, ASPA is the largest and most prominent broadly based professional association in American public administration. It has a diverse membership of approximately 8,000 practitioners, academicians and students. ASPA serves as the principal arena for linking theory and practice within the field of public administration.

At the conference, three students (Kassiana Parris, Dwayne Hackett and William Wong) presented their Constructive Action projects on a national panel. Ms. Parris and Mr. Hackett received scholarship stipends from the ASPA National sections.

The ASPA conference was a world-class professional conference focused on public service practices and innovation.  ASPA featured multiple sessions of presentations, panels, and meetings during a five-day conference in Denver, Colorado. My only dilemma was deciding which of the many remarkable sessions, panels, lectures, and demonstrations to attend. The conference offered the latest in research, innovation, policy, and practices presented by academics, students, and public administrators. These programs focused on best practices, functional consequences, challenges and opportunities encountered by the public service sector.

The conference occurred in a wonderful setting to network and exchange information, and share ideas with colleagues and mentors. It allowed students to develop professional contacts that could enhance and further develop their careers. My education as a student practitioner was enhanced by the experience, as the conference was enlightening and rewarding.

Here are a few “testimonials” from the students/alumnus who attended the conference.

William Wong, MPA 2017 – I am grateful to attend the APSA conference taking place in the mile high city, ASPA 2018 once again afforded me the opportunity to not only visit a place I never seen before, but to interact with scores of professionals from around the country. As a recent graduate at the beginning of their career, I find the ASPA conference for helping understand where I can go with my degree, a must for any public administration student.

Dwayne Hackett, MPA 2017 – The ASPA conference brings together administrators and professionals from the public and private sector, students and academics to learn and understand the various aspects of the field of public administration and its impact on society. Above all, it gives practitioners and students the opportunity to exchange ideas and network to enhance professional development. Participants can participate ASPA national section events. These events create further opportunities to listen and exchange ideas with erudite scholars and practitioners in the field. Personally, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Brenda J. Allen who is Vice Chancellor office of Diversity and Inclusion, University of Colorado. She graciously shared with me her published works, which enhanced my learning. This is professional networking par excellence. KUDOS ASPA!

Rafu Laguda, MPA 2013 – The experience at the ASPA conference provided me with the opportunity to meet professionals and students with a vision and purpose. It was my first time presenting at the conference and I thank my professor and mentor, Dr. Philip Nufrio, for allowing me that opportunity. The experience was humbling as I explored the city of Denver, Colorado.

I am grateful for the support, leadership and direction that I received from leaders within different sectors. The information I gathered strengthened my outlook on my future. It gave me hope in knowing that I too can make a difference in utilizing my skills, training and education to make a difference to those I serve in the Human Service sector. I recommend to any student to surround yourself with people who have the same goals and vision for a better tomorrow.

Kassiana Parris, MPA 2017 – The ASPA conference brings together administrators and professionals from the public and private sector, students and academics to learn and understand the various aspects of the field of public administration and its impact on society. Above all, it gives practitioners and students the opportunity to exchange ideas and network to enhance professional development. Participants can participate ASPA national section events. These events create further opportunities to listen and exchange ideas with erudite scholars and practitioners in the field. Personally, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Brenda J. Allen who is Vice Chancellor Office of Diversity and Inclusion, University of Colorado. She graciously shared with me her published works, which enhanced my learning. This is professional networking par excellence. KUDOS ASPA!