Alumni News
Hammersmith and Pearson selected as finalists by Presidential Management Fellows program
MPA student Ariana Hammersmith and La Follette School alum Ian Pearson (MPA ’22) were both selected as finalists by the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program, the federal government’s flagship leadership development program.
Day of the Badger challenge to support students from underrepresented groups
On March 28 and 29, La Follette School alumni and friends can help the school unlock $20,000 while supporting students.
Alumni News – March 2023
In exciting new roles, our alumni are leveraging their skills as analysts, advisors, and connectors.
Checking in with La Follette alumni: Where are they now?
Alumni Ryan LeCloux and Hilary Shager share how their time at the La Follette School shaped their career paths and how they are affecting change in their current roles.
NPR’s Tamara Keith to speak about trust in media following alumni reception
The La Follette School is hosting NPR White House correspondent and PBS contributor Tamara Keith as its spring Journalist in Residence in March, with a public presentation on March 29.
Alumni News – February 2023
In energy policy, watchdog agencies, and beyond, our alumni are regularly sought after and recognized as policy experts.
Alumni News – January 2023
Over half of our most recent master's degree alumni accepted positions in government. Plus, a recent alum was listed as one of "12 people to watch in 2023" by the Cap Times.
Law and policy dual-degree prepares future lawyers to make a difference
Alumni of the JD-MPA dual degree program share their experiences and how the program prepared them for their careers.
Alumni News – December 2022
From cities to nations, our alumni have taken on roles as leaders, communicators, and changemakers.
Yackee’s December letter highlights growth of school
In her December letter to alumni and friends, La Follette School Director and Professor Susan Webb Yackee reflected on the past year and looked forward to 2022.
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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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