More than 150 people celebrated the start of another academic year at the La Follette School’s annual Hill Fest picnic September 3. Director and Professor Susan Webb Yackee welcomed everyone, including 52 incoming graduate students.

Graduate school has been incredible in helping me find new areas of interest and connecting me with professionals and peers who have been instrumental in setting me on a path that I am confident about.

With 52 students, the La Follette School’s 2018 cohort includes a practicing physician, the founder of a nonprofit organization, an award-winning playwright, two nurses, a newspaper editor, a police officer, three military veterans, and people with a wide range of other experiences.

Mo O’Connor joined the La Follette School of Public Affairs as its student services coordinator June 26. She serves as the school’s admissions and advising coordinator, sharing information with prospective students and complementing faculty academic advisors.