This is the spring 2017 edition of the semi-annual newsletter of the Department of Public Administration\u27s Masters of Public Administration students, featuring news and updates on current students and alumni, faculty and department activities.https://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/mpa_news/1005/thumbnail.jp

Watt, Celia A.

English

The College at Brockport, State University of New York: Digital Commons @Brockport

The College at Brockport: State University of New York
Digital Commons @Brockport
Department of Public Administration Newsletter Public Administration
Spring 2017
Department of Public Administration Newsletter
Spring 2017
Celia A. Watt
The College at Brockport, CWatt@Brockport.edu
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A Message from the Chair 
The Department of Public Administration 
 Spring 2017 Newsletter 
 
T H E  C O L L E G E  A T  B R O C K P O R T   
D E P A R T M E N T  O F  P U B L I C  A D M I N I S T R A T I O N  
Hello MPA Community!   
 
Whether you are a current MPA student, alumni, prospective 
student, or other (family, friend, administration, etc.), you are 
the community that makes our MPA program great.  Not a 
week goes by that I don’t hear something wonderful that one 
or more of you are doing; our communities are definitely a 
better place because of you!   
I hope you can make it to our final Speakers Series event of the year or to our End of 
Semester Networking  Event and Celebration (check emails for invitation).  These 
events are great for building your network and staying connected!   
 
Our MPA is accredited by the Network of School in Public Affairs (NASPAA) and  
Administration.  NASPAA is the recognized global accreditor of master's degree  
programs and ensures excellence in education and training for public service.  Our 
students are guaranteed to get the gold standard of education.  However, our  
program is only as strong as our students and alumni -- so excel, engage, and make 
differences in your lives and communities.  If I, or the department, can ever be  
instrumental in complementing your vision for change, please meet with me and 
share your thoughts. 
 
Finally, a shout out to our MPA Graduate Assistant, Lindsey Luft, who made this 
newsletter happen!  We hope that it provides you with a rich variety of news and  
information.  
 
Best, 
Dr. Celia Watt 
Chair and Professor, Department of Public Administration 
“Like us” on Facebook! 
Connect with us on LinkedIn 
Support the MPA program.  Make your gift today! 
Keep current on our news!  
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 1 
Inside this issue 
Message from the Chair 1 
New Students 2 
Faculty 3 
Graduate Assistants 4 
What’s New this 
Semester 
5 
Updates 6 
Get Involved 7 
Academic Information 8 
PAA Member Letter 9 
Student Spotlights 10 
New Emphasis 11 
Celia Watt 
  
Oscia Miles earned her 
Bachelor of Fine Arts in 
Integrated Arts for Chil-
dren from SUNY Brock-
port. She is currently a 
First grade teacher at Re-
naissance Academy Char-
ter School of the Arts. She 
is in the non-profit em-
phasis. 
New MPA Students  
This semester we admitted 20 new students. Below are pictures and a 
brief biography of some students. If you see them walking around the 
MetroCenter or at one of our social events please introduce yourself and 
make them feel welcomed!  
The Department of Public Administration 
 Spring 2017 Newsletter 
Vanessa Falzarano 
earned her under-
graduate degree in 
Gerontology from 
King’s College. She 
currently is employed 
as Director of Quality 
at Friendly Senior 
Living. She plans to 
use her MPA to con-
tinue providing high-
quality senior care. 
Krista Jenkins earned 
her undergraduate  
degree in Biology and 
Religious Studies from 
Hartwick College. She 
previously worked for 
Genesee Valley Podia-
try but decided she 
would like to apply her 
skills to the non-profit 
sector.  
Hafiz Akram earned 
his undergraduate 
degree from Riphah 
International Universi-
ty in Electrical Engi-
neering concentrating 
in Biomedical engi-
neering. He hopes to 
use his MPA to con-
tinue his career within 
his field. 
Gertrude Offei earned 
her undergraduate  
degree from SUNY 
Brockport in 
Healthcare Administra-
tion. She decided to 
pursue further educa-
tion in the healthcare 
field through the MPA 
program. 
Ronieka Burns earned 
her undergraduate degree 
from SUNY Brockport in 
Women and Gender Stud-
ies, with a minor in Afri-
can American Studies. 
She is heavily involved 
with the healthcare field 
and hopes to continue this 
by earning her MPA. 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 2 
Mosaed Jafar earned 
his undergraduate  
degree in Public Com-
munication from SUNY 
Buffalo State. He has 
been professionally 
involved with  
international student 
affairs and is in the 
public management 
emphasis. 
Also entering this semester are: 
    Tahani Alotaibi  
    Bismark Ampem 
    Marcus Bliss 
    Katie DeMar 
    Brian Gregor  
    Rebecca Masse 
    Natasha McFadden 
    Sandra Miles 
    Jessica Rivera-Stockwell 
    Felicia Smith 
    Holly Smith 
    Hannah Stark 
    Pedro Vazquez 
  
 
MPA Faculty 
The Department of Public Administration 
 Spring 2017 Newsletter 
Dr. Faith Prather 
Associate Professor 
Dr. Rhucha Samudra  
Assistant Professor 
Dr. Weijie Wang 
Assistant Professor 
Dr. Wendy Wright  
Visiting Assistant Professor 
Dr. Shihyun Noh 
Assistant Professor 
Mr. Phil LaPorta 
Adjunct Lecturer 
Dr. Bradford Daly 
Adjunct Lecturer 
Ms. Nicole Dumbleton 
Adjunct Lecturer 
Mr. Jason Molino 
Adjunct Lecturer 
Mr. Fred Rion 
Adjunct Lecturer 
Mr. Alex Kralles 
Adjunct Lecturer 
Mr. Josh Bowers  
Adjunct Lecturer 
Ms. Allyn Stelljes 
Adjunct Lecturer  
Mr. Ian Coyle 
Adjunct Lecturer 
Dr. Celia Watt 
Professor & Chair 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 3 
  
The Department of Public Administration 
 Spring 2017 Newsletter 
MPA Graduate Assistants 
Whether you are a new, returning, or prospective MPA student we would like you to 
have the best experience possible! Your Graduate Assistants host social events and 
promote student engagement so that our MPA community is close-knit and welcom-
ing. If you have any feedback from events or initiatives please contact us at 
padga@brockport.edu . Please be on the lookout for future opportunities.  
Lindsey Luft 
Rob Richardson 
I received my undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport in 
Health Science concentrating in Public Health and Health Ed-
ucation. I volunteered with a couple nonprofit organizations 
which sparked my interest in the MPA program. I am now in-
terested in both city management and nonprofit management. I 
am on track to graduate May 2018 with my MPA with an em-
phasis in Public Management as well as receiving the Certifi-
cate in Nonprofit Management.  
I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Hart-
ford in 2005 with a BA in Politics and Government. I am in 
the Public Management tract and expect to complete my 
MPA in May 2017. After graduation, I hope to pursue a ca-
reer in either city/county management, public policy, or lob-
bying. In my spare time I enjoy playing disc golf, watching/
playing soccer, and spending time with the people who mat-
ter most to me.  
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 4 
Peer Review Journal 
A peer review journal has been started for our department. 
The first publication is set to take place in April of 2018. The 
journal will contain one paper from each track of the program, 
totaling 3 published works. Students may submit their own 
papers to be considered during the double-blind review pro-
cess. Papers must be written between January 2017 and De-
cember 2017 in order to be considered. The submission dead-
line is January 1st, 2018. All submissions may be sent to Dr. 
Samudra. If you would like to be a part of the reviewing com-
mittee, please inquire with your graduate assistants.  
As of Fall 2016 The College at Brockport Department 
of Public Administration has its own student chapter 
of the International City/Council Management Associ-
ation (ICMA). ICMA aims to create excellence in lo-
cal governments by developing and fostering profes-
sional management to build better communities. IC-
MA identifies leading practices to address the needs 
of local governments and professionals serving com-
munities globally. ICMA provides services, research, 
publications, data and information, peer and results-
oriented assistance, and training and professional de-
velopment to thousands of city, town, and county 
leaders as well as other leaders and organizations 
throughout the world.  
The Department of Public Administration 
 Spring 2017 Newsletter 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 5 
Naming Contest 
We would like to 
name our peer review 
journal. If you have an 
idea please submit 
your response to 
padga@brockport.edu  
 
Submissions will be 
voted on anonymously 
at the next journal 
meeting. 
MPA Speaker Series featuring ICMA members:  
Ian Coyle, Livingston County Manager 
Jason Molino, Batavia City Manager 
Bryan White. Fairport Village Manager 
In Memory of Patrice Cummings 
 Patrice was one of our MPA students in the 
Healthcare Management emphasis. She was to be induct-
ed in the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society this month. She 
was a role model student who was highly respected within 
the program and community. Unfortunately, her time was 
cut short when she passed away in April 2017. 
 Patrice was a very dedicated student and was fin-
ishing her degree, as well as internship. She was interning 
with Planned Parenthood and gained their respect quickly.  
 In May, Patrice will receive her MPA and will be 
recognized at the graduation ceremony.  
Registration is important! 
 Summer 17’ Registration is open 
 Fall 17’ Registration is open 
 
Donate with your community 
The American Red Cross will be at the MetroCenter on 
April 27th from 11a.m.-4p.m. in the Golden Eagle 
Room to help us give a charitable blood donation. You 
are encouraged to stop by and help save a life. This 
event is open to the public so please feel free to bring a 
family member or friend. 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 6 
Patrice Cummings 
  
Get involved with your  
MPA community 
The Department of Public Administration 
 Spring 2017 Newsletter 
Student Steering Committee 
MPA Speaker Series  
Each semester the department’s MPA Speaker Series hears 
from various professionals, often Alumni, who share their 
depth of knowledge and experiences. This semester we 
have had the pleasure of welcoming an ICMA panel dis-
cussion featuring Jason Molino, Bryan White, and Ian 
Coyle.  
 
Our second speaker, Jane Shukitis, delivered an empower-
ing presentation. She is an Alumni and currently the Presi-
dent and CEO of U.R. Medicine Home Care. 
 
There will be one more speaker series of the semester held 
on Wednesday April 12th. This event will also be a panel 
discussion. Members of the nonprofit community will be 
joining us to discuss strategic rebranding. We hope to see 
you there. RSVP here! 
 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 7 
The Student Steering Committee is always looking for 
new faces and ideas. The committee focuses on pro-
moting community engagement, public service, and 
enhancing the overall student experience. If you have 
an idea that you would like to see come to life, join us 
at our next meeting! All voices are heard and it is a 
great way to get involved with your MPA community.  
 
This past year the Student Steering Committee, among 
other things, “gave back” to a few organizations in our 
community, including: Foodlink, Dimirti House, Bivo-
na Child Advocacy Center, Genesee Land Trust, and 
American Red Cross.  
MPA Student Steering Committee Members 
Jane Shukitis 
Academic Information 
Pi Alpha Alpha Global Honor 
Society for Public Affairs and 
Administration (PAA) 
 Students are eligible for PAA af-
ter completing 21 credit hours 
and maintaining a minimum 
GPA of 3.7 
 Great resource for networking 
and career advancement 
 Invitations are sent to qualified 
students each Fall and Spring  
semester 
Graduation 
 Friday May 12th at 5pm in the 
SERC Field House at the Brockport 
Campus 
 Don’t forget t apply for graduation, 
which can be done online at the Rec-
ords and Registration tab on Banner 
 
 
End of Semester Event 
The 2016-2017 school year is com-
ing to an end! The papers will be 
turned in and the tests finished. We 
encourage you to come celebrate 
with your peers and faculty members 
at the end of the semester event. 
New Pi Alpha Alpha inductees and 
those graduating will be toasted. 
 
Where: MetroCenter Grand Hall-
way 
When: May 11th 5:30-7:30 p.m. 
 
Watch for an invitation from Dr. 
Watt toward the end of April.  
Academic Advisement 
Dr. Wendy Wright is the primary academic advisor for 
the Public Administration Department. She is able to 
answer your questions about course requirements and 
scheduling. 
 
You should see your advisor: 
 Before registering for classes 
 Changing or declaring your emphasis 
 When you are about to graduate 
 If you need advice on what classes to take 
 
How to contact Dr. Wright: 
 MetroCenter Room 104 
 wwright@brockport.edu 
 (585) 395– 5570 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 8 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 9 
Welcome to a new segment of the MPA Newsletter presented by the SUNY Brockport MPA Program Pi 
Alpha Alpha (PAA) Chapter.  PAA is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs & Administration and 
there are more than 160 PAA chapters located around the world at NASPAA member schools.   The pur-
pose of PAA “is to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public 
affairs and administration” – PAA website.   
The Executive Committee of the SUNY Brockport PAA Chapter has developed this segment for our MPA 
Newsletter to foster and encourage networking, communication and career advancement of our fellow 
MPA students and graduates.  Each newsletter, a different member of PAA will be contributing to the 
Newsletter and sharing information about their experience in the MPA Program, why they decided to 
become a member of PAA, how the MPA degree and membership in PAA has contributed to their pro-
fessional development and career advancement and finally, helpful advice and encouragement to our 
group.   
As a graduate of the MPA program, past and current President of our PAA Brockport Chapter, Associate 
Faculty Member of the MPA Program, and Emergency Manager for the State University of New York 
College at Brockport, I can assure you that the impact that the College, the MPA Program and PAA have 
had on me has been tremendous.  It has afforded me opportunities to continue my professional devel-
opment, access to resources and contacts that I may have never had the pleasure to engage with, and 
has solidified a career path for me that initially I had never thought of, but now cannot imagine what 
else I would want to do.   
If you are a graduate of the MPA Program but were not a member of PAA while there, it is not too late 
to join.  Eligible individuals must have completed 27 hours at the MPA graduate level and held a mini-
mum GPA of 3.7.  If you meet these requirements and are interested in applying, please contact Doreen 
Hagen at dhagen@brockport.edu .   
In addition to this segment in the Newsletter, our Executive Committee is hoping to branch out into are-
as that include PAA Social Networking Events, Community Building Activities, and Speaking Engage-
ments throughout the community to name a few.  I would strongly suggest joining PAA and become a 
member of this group that I am confident will become a driving force within our profession locally. 
I would like to thank our Department Chair, Dr. Celia Watt, our PAA Executive Committee Vice President 
and Secretary/Treasurer, Lisa Lewis and Danielle Pierleoni respectively for their assistance and guidance 
as we move to reinvigorate PAA and all that it offers.  In the coming weeks/months, Danielle will be 
canvassing PAA members to gather authors for this exciting Newsletter segment.   
Thank you and all the best. 
Fred Rion, Jr., MSW, MPA, CEM® 
Pi Alpha Alpha SUNY Brockport Chapter President 
Associate Faculty – Department of Public Administration 
Emergency Manager – State University of New York College at Brockport 
frion@brockport.edu 
A word from a current Pi Alpha Alpha member 
Student Spotlight Spring 2017 
Carly Swieringa  
Program: MPA, Nonproft Management Emphasis 
Expected Graduation: Winter 2018 
Future Goals: I am hoping to enter into the Fundraising & Development 
field with my MPA. Nonprofits have become an important part of our soci-
ety and I want to ensure their financial stability. I love working towards a 
goal, both practical and conceptual, and fundraising provides the oppor-
tunity for both. The relationships built based on common values and goals 
is energizing for me.  
Miguel Baique  
Program: MPA, Healthcare Management Emphasis 
Expected Graduation: May 2017 
Future Goals: I constantly try to imagine myself in the next 5-10 years 
— such a blurry vision! I wish I was able to take on everything I am in-
terested in, but I know I need to think realistically. After finishing this 
program, I want to start my career in the healthcare world. I want to get 
into an organization that holds a mission to better the lives of people liv-
ing with HIV/AIDS. While I focus on my career, I will also be studying 
for my LSAT and/or GRE. Law school or obtaining a PhD is my end goal 
in terms of education. Honestly, my overall goal is just to make an impact 
on society before my time is up. I hope that I can help society progress in 
some way, shape, or form.  
Erica Shaw 
Program: MPA, Public Management Emphasis 
Expected Graduation: May 2017 
Future Goals: As a result of my current work in Women’s Health Out-
reach and my work in the MPA program, I am hoping to continue study-
ing the complex relationship between culture and policy formation and 
implementation. The ways in which cultural and social forces influence 
what policies are included on governmental agendas, as well a how poli-
cies are received are fascinating to me. Additionally I am highly interest-
ed in gender, inequality and difference in society, and would like to pur-
sue either a PhD or a position researching these topics. 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 10 
Announcing a New Emphasis in  
PUBLIC SAFETY! 
The Department of Public Administration continues to expand offerings to 
meet the needs of a variety of those working in public service. The new Pub-
lic Safety emphasis has the following three courses (9 credits): 
 PAD 617 Disaster Recovery 
 PAD 639 Cybersecurity for Public Managers 
 PAD 652 Emergency Management 
 
 
We have adjusted our Mission Statement as well to include the new  
emphasis. 
 
The mission of the Master of Public Administration Program,  
College at Brockport, is to prepare leaders and managers in public, 
health care, public safety, and nonprofit organizations. The program 
maintains close student faculty interaction that enables graduates to 
lead, participate, analyze, articulate, and communicate in public service: 
Lead and manage in diverse organizational contexts. 
Participate and contribute to public policy in the student’s chosen em-
phasis: Public, Health Care, Public Safety, or Non- Profit  
Management. 
Analyze to make informed decisions. 
Articulate the public service concerns associated with the distribution 
of scarce resources. 
Volume 3, Issue 2 
Page 11 


Department of Public Administration Newsletter Spring 2017

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