UCONN MPA ALUMNI COUNCIL
June 14, 2013
Department of Public Policy Office, West Hartford
Minutes
Members Present: Jeff Hallin, Jason Jakubowski (phone), Alissa Johnston, Aaron McGarry, Rob Phillips
(phone), Barbara Rua, Scott Simoneau, Julia Yakovich (phone)
Students and Staff Present: Marisa Johnson, Val Rogers, Bill Simonsen, Deneen Hatmaker
I. Welcome/Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 12:10pm.
II. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of 4/12/2013 were moved as presented by Simoneau, seconded by Johnston and approved
unanimously.
III. Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee made the following recommendations: For terms expiring 6/30/16,
Capriola, Jakubowski, Myshrall, Phillips, McGarry, Hodge (Alternate, Pi Alpha Alpha liaison). For officers,
Johnston (President), Simoneau (Vice President), Capriola (Secretary).
Recommendations as presented by the Nominating Committee were moved by Jakubowski and
seconded by Johnston. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. 2013-2014 Meetings
Due to requests for afternoon meetings, in addition to lunchtime meetings, the following schedule was
established:
Friday, September 13, 2013: 12:00 pm
Friday, October 11, 2013: 2:30 pm
Friday, January 10, 2013: 12:00 pm
Friday, March 14, 2013: 2:30 pm
Friday, May 16: 12:00 pm
V. Housekeeping
Johnston to follow-up with alumni to inquire whether they were contacted by students and if they
would volunteer again. Faculty commented that January is the ideal time for these partnerships because
students are back from the holidays, it helps with jobs and the 40th anniversary festivities will be
complete.
VI. 40th Anniversary Updates
 The networking social in NYC was a mild success. More of a MSR presence (approximately half a
dozen). There will be another social in DC during the NASPAA conference (Wednesday the 9th or
Thursday the 10th) and another in September at Arch Street Tavern.
 Events for 40th Anniversary weekend:
o Friday, 11/1, 3PM: Campus tour followed by an alumni social event.
o Saturday 11/2, 6-10PM: Gala at the LOB.
o Save the dates forthcoming.
 Linda and Scott drafting a letter to alumni with a heavy emphasis on the events and a mention of
fundraising efforts—Mort Tenzor and Bill Simonsen have agreed to sign the letter. Letter will be
followed by a direct ask in September. Goal: 100% of board to make a donation.
VII. Program Updates
Val Rogers and Bill Simonsen provided the following program updates:
 New Student Orientation will be August 22, 2013 from 4-7 pm in the Zach’s Room. Alumni
volunteers needed around 6 pm. Important to set a professional tone.
 Spring of 2013: 26 graduates. Good news-they’re getting jobs! Val reported on new student
statistics.
 Bill discussed development of the online nonprofit certification and public policy fellows
program.
 4 new faculty members were secured; though, one is unable to join us due to unforeseen
circumstances.
o Kerri Raissen (Fall 2013)
o Doug Spencer (Fall 2013)
o Eric Brunner (Spring 2014)
o A fourth position is secured, but individual is TBD.
VIII. Other Business
None.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:30PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Rua, with review by Maria Capriola, Secretary