Graduates of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute will now have a way to collaborate amongst their peers and fellow alumni, thanks to the creation of the Public Policy Alumni Network.
The group’s purpose, like other alumni affinity groups on campus, is to connect those who have gone through the Master in Public Policy programs for professional development, networking, socializing and learning about their field. It also hopes to support the Public Policy Institute, foster partnerships with local organizations, facilitate career advancement and provide mentorship and service opportunities.
“The founding of an alumni group was a collaboration between several MPP alumni who were looking to extend the academic experience after graduation. We wanted to get to know alumni from other cohorts, learn from each other’s expertise, collaborate to make better policy happen, and support current students as they work through the program,” said Founding Chair Elizabeth Feustel Krajewski ‘15.
“The Network is anchored to the core values of the Public Policy Institute as a way
to encourage our alumni to continue to exemplify those values every day after graduation,
while creating meaningful ways to do so.”
The group’s first event is Aug. 4, a virtual kick-off for those interested in learning
more about the network. Throughout the inaugural year, Krajewski said she plans on
having alumni meetups at existing Public Policy Institute events while working to
establish their own annual events such as philosophy slams, a lecture series and a
possible fundraiser for scholarships. It is also planning a volunteer event at the
Clara White Mission this fall.
“The Executive Committee has some ideas of what this could look like but we want to get alumni feedback and participation to make sure we effectively represent their interests,” she said. “We know that we want to anchor a policy-focused event around Constitution Day and likely a service event (or series) anchored around Jacksonville University’s Charter Day. “
The founding executive committee is below. They will serve in their roles through 2024. Read more about the committee here.
Chair: Elizabeth Krajewski, ‘15
Secretary: Ashley Barr, ‘20
Community Engagement and Partnership Chair: Javon Knight, ‘20
University Liaison: Anna McDaniel-Wyatt, ‘19
Communications Chair: Jenna Blyler, ‘21
The executive committee is currently recruiting interested alumni to serve on either the planning committee or the community engagement and partnerships committee. Reach out to Krajewski or one of the committee members for more information on how to get involved.
“We hope alumni will bring their influence and creativity in order to develop events and programs as the Network grows,” Krajewski said.
For more information on the Public Policy Alumni Network, visit ju.edu/alumni/affinity/publicpolicyalumni.php.
