Awards

Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society: The Phi Alpha Alpha Honor Society is administered by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). NASPAA is a professional education association dedicated to the advancement of education, training, and research in public policy and administration.

BGSU MPA Academic Achievement Award:  The purpose of the Academic Achievement Award is to honor the scholarly and professional achievements of a graduating MPA student.  Nominees should demonstrate outstanding academic and scholarly activities as well as a commitment to the advancement of the profession of public administration.

• 2014: Holly Cipriani
• 2015: Nathan Stecher
• 2016: Caitlin Buhr/Dan Wendt
• 2017 Kaitlyn Trent
• 2018 Amy Puffenberger and Timea Szentkiralyi
• 2021 Danny Schlingmand and Hailey Maguire

BGSU MPA Community Service Award:  The purpose of the Community Service Award is to recognize the efforts of a MPA student who worked to foster improved relations between the program and Northwest Ohio while providing valuable service to the community.  Nominees should demonstrate a record of community service and dedication to the Northwest Ohio community.

• 2014: Daniel Gordon
• 2015: Michael Smith
• 2016: Jasmine Blaine
• 2017: Toni Shoola
• 2018 Marissa Lumbrezer
• 2021 Natalie Orslene and Madison Georgoff

BGSU MPA Distinguished Alumnus Award:  The purpose of the Distinguished Alumnus Award is to honor the professional or scholarly achievement of an alumnus of the MPA program.  Nominees should demonstrate outstanding professional achievement, service to community, and a commitment to the BGSU MPA program.

• 2014: Kate Sommerfeld, Executive Director United Way of Wood County
• 2015: Nick Derksen, Policy Advisor, House of Representatives
  
• 2016: Hashim Pondeza, Community Dialogue Analyst, United Nations Development Program
• 2017: Wade Gottschalk, Executive Director, Wood County Economic Development
• 2018 Nichole Fifer, Ph.D. Assistant Director Center for Regional Development
• 2021 Jasmine Garcia, Senior Director, International Network Operations & Membership at United Way Worldwide