Students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered at The Capitol View at 400 in Washington, DC for an evening of networking and career exploration. The Policy Terps in DC event highlighted the role of the federal government in shaping public policy, strengthening communities and addressing societal challenges.
The event offered a valuable opportunity for current students to connect with alumni currently working in the public policy field. Attendees reconnected with familiar faces, built new professional relationships and gained insights into the influence of the federal government and nonprofit sectors.
For graduate student Kaela Werchniak, the evening highlighted the strategic advantage of Maryland’s proximity to DC. “Studying at Maryland puts you right at the doorstep of Washington, DC and global leaders. Connecting with fellow students along with alumni is a huge advantage in attending Maryland and one of my favorite ways to learn more about how I can use my education to be a force of good," she shared.
Many participants emphasized the significance of relationship-building within the policy community. Graduate student Aiden Keenan noted, “Connecting with others and building relationships based on common experiences and shared values allows for deeper understanding of the application of them within the public policy sphere. Events such as Policy Terps in DC truly make a difference in understanding where an SPP education will take you.”
Never has the School of Public Policy, the education that we provide, and the education that you get while here, been so important.Dean Robert C. Orr
School of Public Policy Dean Robert C. Orr reaffirmed the unique opportunities and responsibilities that come with an SPP education. “The SPP family is a multi-generational family. To all students who came here tonight, meet as many of these rocking alums as you can,” Orr urged. “And alums, try to give a little hope. … Never has the School of Public Policy, the education that we provide, and the education that you get while here, been so important. … So network unabashedly with each other, not just on the job front but on the social change front. … Let’s get about changing the world in the ways it needs changing.”
Reflecting on the evening as the former alumni board president, Hugo Cantu ’20 remarked, “Nothing makes me prouder as an alum than seeing current students practicing their networking skills at events like this with our great alumni network.”
The evening also offered a chance for alumni to reminisce and share their experiences. “It was amazing reconnecting with my former classmates, professors and other academic staff,” shared TaMoni Winston MPP ’24. “Being able to reminisce about our time at UMD, discuss our journeys, SPP’s impact and the potential futures was a much-needed moment for us all.”
Policy Terps in DC, an annual event for the School of Public Policy, demonstrates the strength of the School’s network in supporting students and alumni as they build impactful careers and work toward creating positive change in their communities.
