Alumni News
Sparkman speaks with La Follette students about equity and leadership in policymaking
Students, faculty, and staff met with La Follette alum Wesley Sparkman (MPA ’00) to discuss how to address racial, gender, and disability disparities.
Alumni news – November 2023
In law firms, community health organizations, the State Department, and beyond, our alumni are sought for their expertise. See where several alumni started new positions recently.
Alumni news – October 2023
Several alumni were elected to WWIG's board of directors. Another alum authored a comprehensive report on racial equity in Dane County.
Alumni news – September 2023
Can you guess which alum won of the 2023 Kentucky Bar Association Writing Competition? Catch up on the latest updates in this month’s alumni news.
La Follette participates in event focused on serving across differences
The event brought together alumni to practice civil discourse and connect with others committed to public service.
La Follette School’s many achievements featured in annual Highlights Report
Over the 2022-2023 academic year, the La Follette School’s continued growth has allowed the school to educate more future leaders than ever before.
La Follette School joins national network of universities, supported by Volcker Alliance
To boost opportunities for undergraduate policy students, the La Follette School joined a national network of universities and colleges training undergraduates for careers in public service.
Alumni news – August 2023
Alumni with expertise in energy and environmental policy recently made strides in their careers.
Wagner joins school, Ellinger starts new role
After three years as outreach director, Lisa Ellinger (MPA ’03) became the school's director of strategic initiatives. Jennifer Wagner joined the school as the new outreach director.
Conant joins school’s Board of Visitors
Alex Conant (MPA ’03) is a founding partner at Firehouse Strategies, a bipartisan public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. He joined the La Follette School’s Board of Visitors in April.
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Alumni Profiles
Karina Virrueta Running, MPA ’17
"The workshop course was as challenging as it was rewarding. I also made lasting friendships with my peers and the professors."
Hilary Shager, MPA ’05
"La Follette is the epitome of the Wisconsin Idea. And it’s certainly not just about Wisconsin—the staff and faculty have done so much to connect students with alumni and new, real-world opportunities."
Sophia Rogers, MPA ’19
"La Follette has prepared and empowered all of us to do amazing things."
Muhammed Fofana, MPA ’22
"The client-based project was one of my favorite experiences at La Follette. I worked with a great team of faculty, client, and classmates."
Jess Rutstein, MPA ’20
Alum Jess Rutstein works as a FoodShare Program and policy analyst for the WI Department of Health Services.
Ryan LeCloux, MIPA ’18
"The small cohort size really allows you to get to know your classmates and interact with the faculty."
Yixuan Cheng, MIPA, MPH ’21
"The small class size and ability to gain quantitative skills also drew me to the La Follette School since I had limited experience with them as an undergraduate."
Mikhaila Calice, MPA ’19
"I am extremely grateful for how flexible the program is. Its design allows students to craft a curriculum that suits their own specialties."
Nikolai Kapustin, MIPA ’19
"The La Follette School has a professional-oriented curriculum that focuses on giving you an applicable skillset and list of experiences that will make you a desirable candidate in future applications."
Victor Escalona Aldana, MPA ’21
"My client-based projects gave me useful real-world experience that can be transferred to other settings."
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