Students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners and friends gathered at The Capitol View at 400 in Washington, DC for an evening of networking and engagement. The event offered Policy Terps the chance to reconnect, build new professional relationships and welcome Gustavo A. Flores-Macías, the School of Public Policy’s new dean.
For students, the evening provided an invaluable opportunity to explore career paths, learn from alumni working in policy-related fields and strengthen their professional networks. For alumni, the evening highlighted the many ways they support policy students—mentoring, connecting them to internships and jobs, engaging at events, contributing to School priorities and expanding experiential learning opportunities.
Flores-Macías kicked off the event by addressing the meaning of the day and the role of public policy in building stronger communities. “Today is 9/11. The significance of today’s date reminds us of the resilience of this country and the importance of not only trying to solve problems through dialogue, through respect and civility but also the importance of coming together in the face of adversity,” he said. “Public policy is at its best when it helps communities overcome challenges, heal divisions and chart a path toward a safer, more just and more compassionate future.”
Flores-Macías also spoke about the School’s mission and its role in shaping the next generation of leaders. “Being here today underscores the responsibility and the opportunity before us: to develop ethical, innovative leaders whose work not only studies public policy and helps understand policy but also shapes it—with real impact for communities here and around the world.”
Students reflected on the advantages of being part of the Policy Terp community. “Sometimes you just know you’re in the right place with the right people,” said graduate student Diana Nalyvanna. “The encouragement from alumni and faculty reminded me that we’re part of something bigger, with a clear mission, and that together we can make a truly meaningful impact.”
Other students echoed the sense of belonging and opportunity within the SPP community. “The SPP staff and professors are so welcoming and really make you feel like family,” said undergraduate student Ava Faghani. “This is only my second semester as a public policy major, but Dean Flores-Macías, Dr. Littlefield and Mr. Chowdhary welcomed me right away and are truly dedicated to undergraduates’ success.”
Alumni shared their pride in mentoring and supporting current Policy Terps. Jonathan Garcia ’20 emphasized the importance of giving back to the next generation of policy leaders through mentoring, networking and continued engagement. “The event highlighted what makes SPP special: the people, from faculty and staff who have mentored me to fellow alumni eager to share candid advice,” said Garcia. “I am grateful for a community that cares deeply and fosters lifelong connections.”
Fellow alumna Hana Nuhanovic MPP ’25 agreed, recognizing the significance of events that bring together students, faculty and graduates. “Networking events are an amazing opportunity to reconnect with faculty and friends and offer guidance to current students,” said Nuhanovic. “They highlight the SPP community’s ongoing commitment to the development and success of current and former students.”