Congratulations to the Class of 2020 from the faculty and staff of the School of Public Service! We join the celebration of your achievement and wish you every success for the future. The 2019-2020 academic year was unprecedented with the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but you rose to the challenge. Your hard work and perseverance have been recognized. In the School, our mission is to educate the next generation of public service leaders. As you move on with your life and career, always return the question asked by St. Vincent de Paul – “What must be done?” – because there is much to do and much to achieve personally, professionally, and as a society. Gaining your degree is the start of something new. Go and make a difference in your neighborhood, to your city, your community, and our world – and although you have moved on from the School of Public Service, please tell us about your endeavors so we can share them on campus and be proud of you and your accomplishments. Congratulations once again to each and every member of the School of Public Service Class of 2020!
Euan Hague
Director, SPS
Amber J. Davis
BA in Public Policy Studies
"For 15 years I carried with me a silent burden of a defeated, failure of a student drop out. By the grace of God, 2 years ago I walked into DePaul University lost, scared, and humiliated. I humbly stand before you today a DePaul Blue Demon Graduate, Cum Laude Honors, a Study Abroad Ambassador, and a Public Policy servant. No mountain too high, no valley too low. Thank you all for your love and support. Go Blue Demons!"
Seth Baker
Public Administration (MPA)
"The world is much different than when I started my degree program; however, because of my time at DePaul, I feel I am more prepared. Not only were all of my professors eager to share their knowledge and experiences, but what I learned from my student colleagues is invaluable. Their experiences and backgrounds were a large part of my learning experience at DePaul. I am excited to work and interact with them in the future."
Kimberly Mua
Public Administration (MPA)
"As we graduate we leave the DePaul Community, our commitment to public service doesn't stop there. Let's continue to fight against our country's social inequalities and advocate for Black Lives."
Jaemie L. Neely
MPA in Public Administration
"I thoroughly enjoyed the MPA program at DePaul University. My professors and program leaders provided in-and-out of classroom experiences that I have applied and will continue to apply to my public service professional career. Thank you, and CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2020!!"
Rowan Quinain, Jr.
MPA in Public Administration
"I am honored and excited to graduate from DePaul and simultaneously commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army through DePaul ROTC. Chicago has been my home ever since birth, and I am hoping to take the skills I have learned here to implement real change in the city. My path is still uncertain, but I am optimistic thanks to the wonderful students and faculty I've connected with here at the university; thank you all!"
Amanda Storyward
MPA in Public Administration
"In the last two years I have learned a great deal about public administration and more about myself. I now know what is important to me and what I want to fight for. I will go and find chaos and injustice in the world and hopefully leave clarity and greater equity behind me as I go. More than anything though, I hope to raise up other leaders around me who will do the same."
Lukas Urbane
MPA in Public Administration
"My experience at DePaul has taught me the importance of leadership, ethics, and knowledge in public service. I am excited to use the information and skills I have learned here in my career. "
Niya Weathers
MPA in Public Administration
"I have obtained an excessive amount of knowledge while in the MPA program. This program has allowed me to find myself and establish my goals as a future planner. I hope that one day I am able to play an essential role in the growth and change that is needed within our communities. "
Dominique Chew
Public Policy (MPP)
"I've spent my time in SPS concentrating on human rights, and have also uncovered my interest in international affairs. I'm grateful for the connections I've made in these last two years and looking forward to where this degree will take me. Cheers!"
Liana Chirkina
Public Policy (MPP)
"DePaul has been a wonderful place for to continue my education. I have leaned not only from the wonderful staff but my fellow students. I am a very proud DePaul student and future alum."
Jessica Kupets
Public Policy (MPP)
"Master of Public Policy degree. She has a degree in Community Health and Communication Studies from the University of Kansas. She also possesses a Certified Health Education Specialist credential. Jessica’s interests include healthcare equity, transportation, and community development issues as they relate to public policy. "
Caroline Kuzel
Public Policy (MPP)
"The DePaul School of Public Service allowed me to receive a phenomenal education while also opening doors to incredible professional experiences, like interning at Senator Durbin’s office as well as studying abroad. I will miss my time at DePaul dearly, but I will always be so thankful!"
Le'Mikas Lavender
Public Policy (MPP)
"Building Collaborative teams and leaving a seat open at the table for those wit lived experience is key to building a more just society. "
Alexandria Neil-Sevier
Public Policy (MPP)
"Alex is a dance educator and is excited to shift into arts advocacy. She hopes the arts can be used as a way to educate, advocate and activate public policies that shape our country. She is thankful for all she has learned at DePaul and the connections she's made. "
Laila Sadat
Public Policy (MPP)
"A first generation Mexican, Palestinian, American woman and graduate with passion for human rights advocacy and social justice. Having now acquired invaluable instruments necessary for identifying problems and strategizing equitable and sustainable solutions at DePaul University, I look ahead with resolute and conviction and with eagerness to serve the communities around me."
Stephen Rodney
Public Policy (MPP)
"My DePaul experience fortified my passion for community development and urban planning. Through immersive experiences and engaging classroom debate, I am leaving DePaul with the foundational skills needed to have a successful career. I am most grateful for the professors and peers who pushed me to challenge myself in and outside of the classroom. I will look back on this experience proudly knowing that I committed myself to accepting challenges and participated in incredible opportunities."
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Kevin Snyder
Public Policy (MPP)
"During his time at DePaul, Kevin was very active with the Chaddick Institute and was named a Chaddick Scholar in 2019. In addition to his involvement with Chaddick, Kevin also participated in conferences such as the Transportation Research Forum and help co-author an article for the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal"
Priya Uppuluri
Public Policy (MPP)
"Many of the courses for my degree required group work which I thought I would not enjoy, however it allowed me to further get to know my peers' interests and build connections. I am thankful for the interesting conversations in and out of the classroom with my peers and instructors. The study abroad program to Tanzania was an amazing experience I am forever grateful that I got to partake in and those memories will last forever. "
Jennifer Abilmona
Public Service Management (MS)
"Today my brother and I both graduate from DePaul University with graduate degrees. My academic plans have never gone accordingly, but have led me to this moment. In these times of uncertainty, my graduation is a reminder than the best things in my life have been unplanned."
Jeremy Dixon, CM.
Public Service Management (MS)
"The program has been great for me in helping me to be a better leader, administrator and Vincentian. I will continue to use what I have learned in my mission."
Emily Saucedo
Public Service Management (MS)
"My time at DePaul truly aided in my personal growth. From moving across the country and balancing my career in healthcare, I was able to complete my degree and meet so many amazing people. Not only did I learn more within the SPS program, but I was also able to learn more about myself."
Arielle Ashley Thompson
Nonprofit Management (MNM)
"Being a student at DePaul has been truly inspiring. It has been a rewarding experience engaging with other people committed to positively impacting the lives of others. Here, we do!!"
Ann Di Paola
Nonprofit Management (MNM)
"During my time in my undergraduate and graduate career, DePaul has made Chicago feel like home. I am both excited and energized to put what I have learned to the test while fighting for individuals with disabilities. Thank you to all the people that got me here, I truly could not have done it without you"
Pia Kanoy
Nonprofit Management (MNM)
"After serving 30 years in the U.S. Army, DePaul University assisted me in my transition to civilian life. I am a double Demon and continue to serve our veterans community as Director of Veteran Programs at the nonprofit organization The Inner Voice, Inc. My team and I assist homeless and unemployed veterans to find employment, housing and become self-sufficient."
Tyree Taylor
Nonprofit Management (MNM)
"DePaul University has truly challenged and prepared me for greatness! For that, I am very grateful!"
Holden Scheidel
MNM in Nonprofit Management
"Holden holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies from DePaul University. After completing his Masters in Nonprofit Management, he feels ready to begin his career in development and donor relations. Holden currently works for The Rotary Foundation."
Sara Svedson
Nonprofit Management (MNM)
"Thank you to the DePaul faculty and community for a great two years. I am lucky to have met all of my wonderful peers in this program. Cheers to us! "
Sofia del Palacio Ugarte
International Public Service (MS)
"I have had a great learning experience at DePaul for the past two years. I have been able to develop skills and knowledge that will help me build my career, and I have met some great friends and colleagues along the way."
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Dana Dutcher
International Public Service (MS)
"I found my time at DePaul University to be very academically challenging and immensely rewarding. The professors at DePaul challenged my way of thinking, expanded my knowledge and overall truly cared that I learned the material and received a solid education in the field of public service and international development. Between studying in the library with friends, learning about the latest in Public Health, and a favorite study abroad trip to India with Professor Ramanath, I will hold dear the memories and friends I made during my time at DePaul. "
Isabelle Shively
MS in International Public Service
"Isabelle will graduate from DePaul University’s School of Public Service with an M.S. in International Public Service in June of 2020. Upon the completion of her degree, Isabelle will begin working with Sahar Education, an international nonprofit organization, as their Operations and Campaign Manager. Isabelle is grateful to the Jesuit Refugee Service, DePaul’s Division of Mission and Ministry, her family, dear friends and partner for their support throughout her program. "