Humphrey School Students Recognized for Their Academic, Leadership Achievements
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As the academic year comes to a close each spring, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs community takes time to recognize and celebrate the exemplary work of our graduates and instructors.
The winners of the School’s 2019 student academic and leadership awards are listed here.
They were honored at an awards brunch on May 18, 2019, and recognized at the Humphrey School's commencement ceremony later that same day.
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PLANNERS AWARD
Recognizes an outstanding planning student
• Leoma Van Dort, Master of Urban and Regional Planning
RICHARD S. BOLAN URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING FELLOWSHIP
Encourages and supports student in timely completion of MURP program
• Galen Ryan, Master of Urban and Regional Planning
EDWARD A. BURDICK LEGISLATIVE AWARD
For exemplifying bipartisanship in public policy, honoring former Minnesota Rep. Burdick
• Hannah Rank, Master of Public Policy
GARY M. DECRAMER PUBLIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
In memory of Gary DeCramer, former MPA program director. Awarded for exemplary leadership
• Blanca Martinez Gavina, Master of Public Affairs (mid-career)
DIVERSITY PAPER AWARD
For paper on policy issues affecting diverse populations in the United States or globally
• Iván López-Justiniano, Master of Human Rights
FREEMAN STASSEN AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Demonstrated achievement in the field of global affairs
Capstone team:
- Charles Cox, Master of Public Policy
- Rachel Dame, Master of Public Policy
- Sachal Jacob, Master of Human Rights
- Tyler Sadek, Master of Public Policy
GROSS FAMILY MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Individual or team papers focused on management, leadership, or public service delivery
Capstone team:
- Stephanie Besst, Master of Public Policy
- Jack Malone, Master of Public Policy
- Lydia Pfluger, Master of Public Policy
- Hanna Ruth, Master of Public Policy
JERNBERG AWARD FOR STUDENT LIFE
For contributions to the improvement of student life by student, faculty, or staff, honoring Professor Emeritus James Jernberg
• Planning Student Organization
LUKERMANN AWARD
For exceptional service by a planning student, in memory of Barbara Lukermann, senior fellow emerita
• Tram Hoang, Master of Urban and Regional Planning
MASTER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS PAPER AWARD
Best paper, including for awareness of personal leadership growth and capacity
• Rabiic Omar, Master of Public Affairs (mid-career)
LLOYD B. SHORT AWARD FOR BEST MASTER’S PAPER
Best individual master’s paper or group capstone project, honoring late Professor Lloyd Short
Capstone team:
- Muizz Alaradi, Master of Public Policy
- Adam Bauer, Master of Public Policy
- Nathan Bean, Master of Public Policy
- Ashley Hoffman, Master of Public Policy
- Erik Holmberg, Master of Public Policy
- PeggySue Imihy, Master of Urban and Regional Planning
- Dustin Milne, Master of Public Policy
- Sarah Novack, Master of Public Policy
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
Demonstrating significant leadership at the Humphrey School (peer selected)
• Andrew Butts, Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy
STEP IMPACT AWARD
• Andrew Butts, Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy
STEP FINAL PAPER AWARD
• Matthew Grimley, Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy
CLASS OF 1999 PAUL AND SHEILA WELLSTONE AWARD FOR PUBLIC ACTION AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Embodying the spirit, passion, and dedication of the late U.S. senator and his wife
• Ana Vergara, Master of Human Rights
Instructional Awards
CORE COURSE INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
• Angela Fertig, research scientist, social policy area
INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
• Greta Friedemann-Sánchez, associate professor, global policy area
TEACHING ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR
• Lindsey Thompson, Master of Public Policy