Students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered in Annapolis for this year’s Policy Terps in Annapolis event, bringing the School of Public Policy community together just steps from the State House where many of Maryland’s policy debates are playing out.
State government shapes much of what people experience day to day, from funding schools and transportation projects to setting health and economic priorities. For public policy students, understanding how those decisions move from idea to implementation is part of the work.
Graduate student Noah Hanssen ’24 MPP ’26 said the timing of the event made the experience especially meaningful. “It’s really nice to be able to connect with other students at an event hosted during the legislative session,” he said.
“As a double major, I love how intimate the School of Public Policy is and how strong the alumni network is compared to other schools at UMD,” said undergraduate student Emartu Munu. “It is such a good opportunity to not just network but also connect with alumni, staff and fellow SPP students outside of campus.”
For first-year student Saanvi Goel, the event offered an early look at the professional world she hopes to enter. “As a freshman majoring in public policy, this event in Annapolis was such a great way to get to know the administration of the School, as well as professionals who can help me advance my career,” said Goel.
“As a recent transfer to the School of Public Policy, I love how well organized and elegant this event was,” said undergraduate student Francklin Caballero. “From the food, to the place to the people, this event was an unforgettable experience and I’m excited for the events to come.”
Dean Gustavo Flores-Macías attended his first Policy Terps in Annapolis and spoke about the significance of gathering in the state capital while the legislature is in session. “Public policy is not abstract,” he said. “It is immediate, it’s consequential and deeply connected to people’s lives.” He told attendees that events like this one reflect the School’s responsibility to prepare students not just to study policy, but to take part in shaping it.
“I learned how to network at SPP events — it’s why I got a job in Annapolis after graduation,” shared Eli Brennan ’25.
For some alumni, Policy Terps in Annapolis was once a first introduction to state government. This year, they returned as colleagues.
