ROCKEFELLER COLLEGE
OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & POLICY NEWS MAGAZINE
SISTER CITIES IN BLOOM
In September 2024, Dr. Susan Appe accompanied a delegation from Albany, including four Rockefeller College students, to Albany’s sister city in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Damien’s view from the top of the UAlbany Carillon looking towards the Downtown Campus. (Photo by Brian Busher)
SISTER CITIES IN BLOOM: ALBANY & NIJMEGEN
Each spring, over 100,000 tulips blossom in Albany’s Washington Park, just across the street from Rockefeller College and the University at Albany Downtown Campus, attracting tens of thousands of visitors on Mother’s Day weekend for the annual Tulip Festival.
The tulip tradition dates back to World War II when Nijmegen, one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities, was heavily damaged during the war. In 1947, Albany citizens responded to a call for help, sending 300 tons of humanitarian aid to the Dutch city via barge. This act of generosity was a significant part of Nijmegen’s reconstruction efforts, offering hope and strength to a city ravaged by conflict.
As a token of appreciation, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands sent 2,000 tulip bulbs to Albany in 1948, which bloomed in Washington Park and sparked the inception of Albany’s annual Tulip Festival. From this exchange, a lasting bond was formed between the two cities.
Nearly eight decades later, Albany and Nijmegen have continued to cultivate an enduring friendship. In September 2024, a diverse group from Albany embarked on a journey to Nijmegen to celebrate and renew the deep-rooted friendship between the two cities. The trip, organized by the Friendship Albany & Nijmegen (FAN) Foundation, provided participants with an immersive experience in the history, culture, and enduring ties that have linked the two cities for generations. The delegation included City of Albany officials, UAlbany and Hudson Valley Community College faculty, staff and students, and representatives from the Albany Tulip Queen Court.
For the UAlbany students who participated in the delegation, this was not only an opportunity to connect with history but also to engage with key international figures and global issues. Dr. Susan Appe, Associate Professor of Public Administration and Policy at UAlbany’s Rockefeller College, accompanied the students and facilitated their active participation in the trip. The students, all enrolled in Rockefeller College, were chosen for their academic excellence and interest in international relations and public policy.
Rockefeller College’s students included Neil Heriot, a political science major currently studying abroad at Sciences Po in Dijon, France; Kayla-Jay Soriano and Alexsis Romain, political science majors studying in Valencia, Spain; and Riley Flint, who’s pursuing a master’s in public administration at Rockefeller College, while studying at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
“I could not be prouder of the UAlbany students,” said Appe. “Not only were they superb representatives of the University, but they are extraordinary examples of the caliber of Rockefeller College students. They asked great questions at all of the delegation events, as well as engaged with each other and the other delegates to learn and reflect on our sister-city relationship with Nijmegen and the concept of “freedom,” which is so present in the commemorations of WWII that we witnessed.”
The delegation’s itinerary was filled with meaningful moments that underscored the enduring ties between Albany and Nijmegen, particularly in relation to World War II commemorations. Highlights included speaking with the Honorable Shefali Razdan Duggal, the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The group also attended the unveiling of the Vector, “Albany helps Nijmegen” memorial. The Vectors of Memory are route markers along the Liberation Route Europe Hiking Trail, which serves to honor the veterans of WWII. They commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nijmegen with the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army and laid a wreath at the Operation Market Garden 80th Anniversary’s Waal River Crossing Ceremony.
Lastly, the delegation visited a UAlbany partner school, Radboud University, to promote further student exchanges and other international programming between the universities.
“I am humbled to have witnessed Albany’s enduring connection to Nijmegen,” said Riley Flint. “I hope that opportunities for students to strengthen the bond between our two cities continue and I am eager to see how our connection, deeply rooted in history, continues to flourish for the next generation.”
As the Albany-Nijmegen friendship continues to evolve, its foundation—built on mutual respect, historical remembrance, and a shared commitment to freedom—remains as strong as ever. The 2024 delegation trip marked a significant moment in this ongoing partnership, one that promises to inspire future generations of leaders in both cities.
For Albany and Nijmegen, the bond is not just a relic of the past, but a living, growing testament to the enduring power of international friendship.
The delegation visited UAlbany partner school Radboud University to promote further student exchanges and other international programming between the universities.
Susan Appe with Rockefeller College students Alexsis Romain, Riley F. Flint, Kayla-Jay Soriano, and Neil Heriot.
The delegation from Albany brought together by the Friendship Albany & Nijmegen (FAN) Foundation.
To watch a video recap of the Albany delegation’s visit to Nijmegen, scan the QR code.
The newly unveiled Vector, “Albany helps Nijmegen” memorial.
ROCKEFELLER HOSTS ELECTION SEASON EVENTS TO ENGAGE, EDUCATE, AND EMPOWER VOTERS
As the nation braced for the 2024 election, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University at Albany once again demonstrated its commitment to political engagement, education, and empowerment. Through its Election Series, Rockefeller College hosted a sequence of impactful events that engaged students, faculty, and the larger community, sparking thoughtful conversations about the political landscape and encouraging increased voter participation across campus.
A SERIES OF THOUGHT-PROVOKING EVENTS
The Rockefeller 2024 Election Series proved to be a central platform for political engagement throughout the semester. With a wide variety of events, including panel discussions, expert-led lectures, and in-depth policy explorations, the series brought together political experts, journalists, and former elected officials to offer unique insights into the election cycle.
Topics such as voter behavior, campaign strategies, economic policy, climate change, and social justice were explored in detail, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the issues that dominated the 2024 election. One particularly engaging event, the “Inside the Campaign” panel, gave students a rare behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics of political campaigns, featuring alumni and campaign staffers who shared personal stories of their experiences on the trail.
The series not only provided analysis of the election but also aimed to educate attendees about the political processes driving the campaign season, equipping them with the knowledge they need to actively participate in democracy.
EMPOWERING THE STUDENT VOTE:
One of the most successful and impactful initiatives during the election season was the partnership between Student Affairs, UA Votes, and Rockefeller College to launch a comprehensive voter education and registration drive. This initiative aimed to ensure that as many students as possible were registered and ready to vote in the 2024 election.
The drive encouraged students to actively engage in the election process. Faculty members and graduate students, including those from Rockefeller College, volunteered their time to participate in classroom visits and help spread the message about voter registration. They delivered short presentations about the registration process, answered questions, and offered guidance.
The voter education and registration drive demonstrated the College’s dedication to empowering students to exercise their rights and make their voices heard. The series and the drive culminated in a broader sense of civic engagement and responsibility among students. Whether by attending panel discussions, getting involved in voter registration efforts, or simply staying informed on the issues, Rockefeller College equips its students with the knowledge and tools necessary to be engaged, informed, and active citizens.
To watch recordings of the Election Series events, scan the QR code.
ROCKEFELLER 2024 ELECTION SERIES
September
Sept. 10: Presidential Debate Watch Party
Sept. 17: Racial & Ethnic Realignment in the Trump Era
Sept. 19: American Political Parties
Sept. 23: Science and Art of Political Campaigns
Sept. 25: US Elections 101
October
Oct. 1: Your Voice Matters
Oct. 7: Policy Issues of the 2024 Election, Part 1
Oct. 9: SCOTUS Preview
Oct. 9: “Leading Questions: What Role Does Public Polling Play in Democracy?”
Oct. 13: Nellie Bly Award for Investigative Reporting
Oct. 17: Criminal Justice Policy Issues
Oct. 21: Policy Issues of the 2024 Election, Part 2
Oct. 23: Civil Disobedience
Oct. 28: How AI Shapes Government, Politics, and Public Policy
November
Nov. 5: Election Night Watch Party
Nov. 6: Election 2024 Debrief
Nov. 7: Election 2024 Debrief
Nov. 12: Election 2024 Debrief
Nov. 19: Generational Divides in Voting Behavior
Assistant Professor Cammie Bolin served as an ambassador in the voter education and registration drive and presented to multiple classes across campus.
Your Voice Matters: In partnership with the Albany NAACP Civic Engagement Committee and UAlbany Votes, panelists discussed the importance of voting and civic engagement.
THE ODYSSEY OF BRUCE DAVIS: 50 YEARS TO A PHD
By Sarah Hacker
It was winter 1974 when Bruce Davis ’73, MA ’75 hobbled across campus to inquire about taking a class at the University’s new School of Criminal Justice. Davis was on crutches — again. He’d spent 11 months in a full-leg, straight plaster cast after a football injury destroyed his knee two years earlier, and now he was recovering from the first of many follow-up surgeries. He maneuvered painfully around the podium’s snowbanks, careful to avoid any icy patches. The Albany wind sliced at his cheeks, urging him to turn around. But Davis was curious about that class, and he always followed his curiosity.
Those difficult steps were the first of Davis’ 50-year journey to obtain a doctorate in criminal justice. This past May, the entrepreneur, inventor and longtime CEO of Digimarc returned to campus to accept his degree at commencement and reflect on how UAlbany impacted his lifetime of success.
THE WHOLE WORLD STARTS IN ALBANY
“I was out of place in my environment,” says Davis, a first-generation college graduate, about growing up in the small village of Mohawk, N.Y. There were no books in
his childhood home but as early as he can remember, his father referred to him as “The Professor.”
He was an excellent student and also captain of his high school football team. Colleges were interested. In his senior year, he was offered an athletic scholarship to an elite private Division I university. A guidance counselor discouraged the idea of accepting, telling Davis he belonged at state school. “That was the biggest influence I had on getting to Albany,” Davis recalls.
His very first visit to campus was for freshman orientation on Indian Quad in the fall of 1970. “I was awestruck by what I saw,” says Davis. “The size of the school, the big buildings the University has, and the complexity of the students around me, because I came from a small town which was relatively homogeneous and not cosmopolitan. I had not traveled to a large city like Albany.”
Unintimidated by his new surroundings, Davis leaned in with fascination. “I learned a lot about life during that year,” he says. “I did my own sort of independent study.” The University was trying out a pass/fail grading policy, and in the absence of accountability from traditional
letter grades, Davis was free to explore outside of the classroom. He made friends and eagerly absorbed the unfamiliar experiences of a college campus still brimming with 1960s counterculture and idealism.
He fed his academic interests independently too, spending hours at the library devouring books and socializing in the stacks. It was there he met fellow student and aspiring writer, Peter Golden. “We became friendly and did a lot of talking, usually about psychology and philosophy,” Golden remembers. Now a published author, Golden describes his lifelong friend as “insatiably curious.”
Davis logged 230 books read in one year, in addition to schoolwork, paid jobs, playing football for the University and living in the moment as an 18-year-old who suddenly saw the world open before him.
TWIST OF FATE
The University quickly abandoned its pass/fail experiment and by sophomore year, Davis was more focused on his coursework. He took the maximum number of classes allowed each semester and describes, “spontaneously moving from place to place, trying on things, trying to figure out what was right for me.” He graduated in 1973 with a double major in business and psychology, but he was no longer the carefree, wide-eyed kid who had arrived on campus for orientation.
A serious injury on the field had ended his football career. Then, his mother died. “I lost my athletic identity and I lost my mother, who was my best friend, in the same year. I was devastated,” says Davis. He was ready to make a change, but a cast and crutches limited his job options. He stayed on at UAlbany, enrolling in a graduate program at the School of Business but says, “I [was] just spending time there.”
Then something piqued his curiosity. Browsing the
course catalog, he read the description for a class called The Epistemology of Crime and Justice taught in the University’s fledgling School of Criminal Justice, a stillemerging academic discipline.
He made that fateful winter trek to the school to sign up, but when he arrived, the secretary was out for lunch. He poked his head inside an office and nervously shuffled back. “The big guy” was in there. Dean Vincent O’Leary called out, “Can I help you?” Davis entered on his crutches and immediately bonded with O’Leary, a polio survivor who also used them. The two talked at length and the next day, Davis was admitted to the school as a graduate degree student.
A NEW REALITY
The interdisciplinary study of criminal justice sated Davis’ intellectual hunger. He immersed himself in classes, received a teaching fellowship, created a comprehensive research index that became his first major academic publication, and worked as a substantive editor at the Hindelang Criminal Justice Research Center where, he says, “I didn’t have to wear shoes to work. I thought that was a great job benefit.” He completed his master’s degree. When a professor encouraged him to go out and find a full-time job, Davis remembers thinking, “‘Why would I leave this?’ It was heaven. I got over my bad period there and I embraced the new reality. I was just so happy.”
He transitioned into the PhD program where he met renowned criminology scholar Graeme Newman, who, to Davis, embodied all the ideals of great professorship and mentoring. “[Graeme] challenged all of us to break down our classic thinking, to get uncomfortable, to think about things we don’t want to think about, read stuff we don’t want to read, to break out of the norm…”
Newman assigned his classes a new book to read every week, a challenge to keep up with for most students. “Not Bruce,” Newman remembers. “Not only did he
Davis Family home in Mohawk, NY
read them all, but he read other books that were mostly related and then peppered me with those books as well, most of which I had not read and in some cases added them to the reading lists for my future students.”
Davis began his dissertation on the topic of indecent exposure within the context of the legal management of bodies, with Newman as his advisor.
Up to this point, Davis hadn’t given his career and life beyond UAlbany much consideration. He was simply having fun being a student, reveling in expanding his ever-growing base of knowledge. When a girlfriend suggested he apply to law school, he said, “Well, OK,” because he had no other plan. Davis deferred his acceptance at Columbia Law School for two more years of criminal justice work but ultimately left UAlbany with his dissertation unfinished.
What followed was a law degree, a spontaneous trip hitchhiking around the world, and a business career that included 24 years as CEO of Digimarc, a company best known for its revolutionary digital watermarking technology. In 2015, Davis won the Alumni Excellence Award for Entrepreneurship where it was noted that “his creativity, leadership skills, and appetite for risktaking and reinvention have produced a track record of remarkable accomplishments.”
PICKING BACK UP
In 2021, Davis was recovering from yet another orthopedic surgery. “I haven’t changed much in 50 years,” he jokes. Retired, in remission from prostate cancer and home-bound due to Covid, he felt moved to contribute something relevant. “And there’s the old [dissertation] draft sitting around,” he remembers. He
read it over and realized he might have something. He sent the draft to Newman, still at UAlbany, asking, “Is this worthwhile, should we pursue it? Get the band back together?”
“I was certainly shocked,” Newman says of hearing from his former student after so many years. “But quickly regained my senses when I began to read the draft and recognized immediately the Bruce I knew.” He saw the well-researched beginnings of a unique dissertation.
Eighteen months later, Davis successfully defended his doctoral thesis, “Indecent Exposure and the Court as Custos Morum.” He says understanding the topic “far transcends my natural life,” but hopes his work opens the door for others to do more and one day make policy recommendations that better society.
On May 11, 2024, he crossed the commencement stage at Broadview Center. “I don’t need the ceremony for me,” Davis remarks. “I’m here to honor Graeme and pay respect for the profound impact he had on my understanding of our world.”
What’s next for the perpetual student? “Avoiding surgery and improving my golf game,” Davis says, as well as spending time with his family. After a knowing pause, he adds, “Then maybe some writing. I’m searching ultimately for truth. I’ve always been searching for it and hoping to make small contributions.”
Davis is certain he will always be connected to UAlbany. “For all the wrong reasons, the guidance counselor was right,” he reflects. “I belonged at Albany. I can’t imagine I could have had a more successful experience. It was just wonderful for me.”
Bruce Davis shares the commencement stage with Graeme Newman (left), President Havidán Rodríguez and Provost Carol Kim.
CommenCement Ceremonies
ROCK STAR GRADUATES
ABIGAIL EVANS, MPA ’24
Abigail Evans, MPA ’24 is currently working in the NYS Senate on Majority Conference Services.
“The Fellowship on Women & Public Policy, through the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, was life-changing,” said Evans. “In this program, I gained valuable professional skills, knowledge of New York State government, and a strong network that opened the door for my current job.”
ANA JERANASHVILI, BA ‘24
CAT SEIFERT, MA ’23
Ana Jeranashvili, an international student from Tbilisi, Georgia and double major in criminal justice and homeland security, was the School of Criminal Justice valedictorian. Ana plans to pursue a master’s degree in security studies.
“I am proud of being chosen as the Valedictorian. As an international student, I had to overcome many obstacles. Most importantly, I never gave up on my dreams and I am proud of that,” said Jeranashvili.
A Women and Public Policy Fellow, Cat Seifert, MA ’23 is currently a Program Advisor in the Commissioner’s Office at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
“The internships and fellowship placements that I had in state government were so important — I got to actually apply what I was learning in my graduate classes,” said Seifert.
MADELEINE WADESON, MPA ’24
Following graduation, Madeleine Wadeson, MPA ’24 accepted a position in Government and Public Service Consulting at Deloitte.
“The MPA program has prepared me extremely well for postgraduate employment because the program focuses on growing an interdisciplinary set of skills that are useful in many workplace settings,” said Wadeson.
Ray Weber, MIA ’23 is currently employed as the community affairs liaison for NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo.
“When I started the program, I was set on doing one thing and by the time I had graduated, my desires had completely changed based on my experiences within the program,” said Weber. “There are so many different positions that the MIA degree can lead you to, and it was important for me to explore those vast opportunities.”
COMMENCEMENT 2025
Tyler Wilk, MIA ’23 works for the NYS Division of Homeland Security Emergency Services in the Office of Counter Terrorism as a Homeland Security Program Analyst.
“I felt that my career lined up with the classes I was taking in the MIA program. I was able to take specific skills or knowledge from the program and apply it directly to my field,” said Wilk.
RAY WEBER, MIA ’23
TYLER WILK, MIA ’23
UALBANY ALUMNI
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
For the past 54 years, the annual Excellence Awards have recognized alumni and friends of UAlbany who have brought distinction to the University through their achievements and service. In 2024, the School of Criminal Justice’s Shalain Garcia, BA ’07, MA ’09 and Rockefeller College’s John D. Porcari, MPA ’85 were honored.
SHALAIN GARCIA, BA ’07, MA ’09
Statewide Race Equity Coordinator, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
COCHRANE EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Shalain Garcia’s drive and determination for change can be summed up in one of her favorite Angela Davis quotes: “I am no longer accepting of the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” With a passion in elevating the voices of youth, families and communities in New York State, Garcia has served locally and nationally as a featured panelist, speaker, and trainer in the areas of race equity, implicit bias, community/ youth engagement, and healing-centered engagement practices. Her work serves as a model for other states in the nation to follow. “Shalain’s leadership is admirable, and her enthusiasm for equity is infectious,” said NYS Youth Justice Institute Director Giza Lopes, PhD.
Garcia received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University at Albany. In addition, she holds graduate certificates in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from University of South Florida and in Juvenile Justice and Youth Development from Rutgers University. After serving for nearly five years as a probation officer in Albany County, Garcia transitioned to work at the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (NYS DCJS), where she currently is statewide race equity coordinator, Office of Youth Justice. Garcia is a certified Girls Circle facilitator through the One Circle Foundation and a Municipal Police Training Council certified instructor.
A frequent collaborator with state agencies and organizations, Garcia has developed, delivered and implemented several trainings and programs that directly address systemic racial and ethnic disparities in New York State. She lends subject matter expertise related to research and implementation in the areas of reducing racial/ethnic and gender disparities, girl-centered practice, school pushout and disproportionate school discipline and addressing community violence. As a member of the NYS Education Department’s Girls of Color Interagency Advisory Workgroup, Garcia helped to develop guidance for schools on issues pertaining to the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). She also was instrumental in the creation and implementation of Project RISE: Respond, Invest, Sustain and Empower, a $20M initiative to assist neighborhoods disproportionately affected by gun violence. Garcia was critical in the development of curriculum for NYS Policy Equity Academy for local youth justice practitioners as well as the NYS Office of Mental Health Trauma-Informed Care Train the Trainer Initiative. She also assisted in the development of inclusive board structure for Visions to Opportunity, a nonprofit that works to improve the well-being of youth, families and communities. Garcia co-chairs the Race, Equity and Inclusion Workgroup sponsored by the NYS DCJS Trauma-Informed Care Collaborative and is incoming chair of the NYS Racial and Ethnic Disparities Committee. She also serves as a member of the YWCA of Northeastern NY Board of Directors, whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women.
The Coalition for Juvenile Justice honored Garcia in 2023 with the Andrew Smith Award in recognition of her contributions to addressing racial and ethnic disparities present in the youth justice system.
JOHN D. PORCARI, MPA ’85
Managing Partner, 3P Enterprises
MILK EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE
When you consider the trajectory of John Porcari’s career — from his early days as a fix-it guy to his current reputation as a nationally recognized public and private sector infrastructure leader — it’s clear that he has always aimed to serve others. Porcari’s experience as a 20-something construction laborer and apprentice electrician, paired with the MPA degree he earned in 1985 from the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, has led to various roles in delivering some of the country’s most challenging projects and driving the adoption of equitable, community-serving infrastructure policies and projects at local, state and federal levels.
He currently is co-chair of the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition, working to ensure that unauthorized aircraft engine parts are prevented from being introduced into the worldwide supply chain. Porcari is an operating partner with Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners and serves on the board of directors of Vantage Airport Group, which recently completed the award-winning transformation of LaGuardia airport through a public-private partnership and operates 10 airports around the world. Porcari served as founding executive director of the Gateway Project Development Corporation, a joint venture of Amtrak, the Port Authority of NY/NJ and New Jersey Transit dedicated to the construction of the first new passenger rail tunnel into New York City in 112 years. He also has served as an executive, principal and board member for several national engineering/architecture firms. Porcari is co-founder of the Equity in Infrastructure Project, a non-profit dedicated to creating generational wealth for Historically Underutilized Businesses by elevating subcontractors to prime contractors, joint venture partners, and equity participants.
Porcari recently completed a temporary role as the White House port & supply chain envoy to the Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, established during the COVID-19 pandemic. As port envoy, Porcari led a series of operational and structural changes to relieve the pandemic-induced global stresses on the U.S. supply chain. He served as an adviser to the Biden-Harris Transition Team as co-chair of the Infrastructure Policy Committee during the 2020 presidential campaign. Porcari also served in the Obama-Biden Administration (2009-2014) as deputy secretary and chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Other public sector leadership positions include twice serving as secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation. Porcari also has served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the University of Maryland and in economic development and environmental planning positions at the local and state levels.
Porcari earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1981. A proud UAlbany graduate, Porcari credits the Rockefeller College MPA program with providing the skills he needed to have a long and successful career in public service. He has served on the Rockefeller College Advisory Board since 2015 and delivered the keynote address at the college’s graduate commencement ceremony that same year. He has hosted students at UAlbany’s Semester in Washington Welcome Reception and is always eager to mentor fellow Great Danes. “His dedication and involvement with UAlbany and Rockefeller College have had a profound positive impact on our students,” said Rockefeller College Dean Julie Novkov.
ROCKEFELLER COLLEGE PROFESSOR HAROLD W. ADAMS
STUDENT EXPERIENCE FUND
The Rockefeller College Professor Harold W. Adams Student Experience Fund, established by Timothy Murphy, MPA ’77, continues to make a profound impact on the student experience at Rockefeller College, enriching the academic and professional journeys of our students. This fund, named in honor of Professor Harold W. Adams, who dedicated many years to shaping the lives of his students as an Associate Professor and later Chair of the Department of Public Administration and Policy, has been instrumental in supporting numerous events and initiatives in 2024. Here’s how the Student Experience Fund has been shaping opportunities for students this year:
NYC Career Trip
The Fund enabled 30 students to travel to New York City for a careerenhancing trip, connecting them with Deloitte professionals and offering a chance to network with NYC alumni. This experience, which included transportation and meals, allowed students to forge connections that will help shape their future careers. Scan the QR to watch student Orobo Obaro-Ogbovoh’s NYC experience from her perspective.
Presidential Debate Watch Party
In a politically charged year, the Fund provided the resources for students to gather and engage in a lively watch party for the September 10th Presidential Debate. With food and drinks, students connected over national events that shaped their academic focus.
Presidential Election Night Results Watch Party
On election night, the Fund helped host a gathering with refreshments for over 100 students, providing a space for them to experience and discuss the historic event together in a supportive and communitycentered environment.
NYC Career Trip
Election Watch Party
Election Watch Party
Coffee Connections & Social Study Hours
Aimed at fostering closer faculty-student engagement, the Fund supported a series of Coffee Hour and Social Study Hours, creating informal opportunities for students to connect with professors in a relaxed setting, encouraging both academic and professional growth.
Student-Alumni Networking Lunches
The Fund facilitated networking lunches for students to meet with alums, including Cecelia Pelkey, Julie Trivedi, and Saima Akhtar, along with members of the Rockefeller College Advisory Board. These intimate gatherings allow students to form connections that can guide their career paths.
Foreign Policy Association’s 2024
Cultural Diplomacy Dinner
Thanks to the Fund, MPA student Andrew Fleckenstein attended the prestigious 2024 Cultural Diplomacy Dinner at the Harvard Club of New York City. The dinner honored influential leaders like Mrs. Daisy Soros and Mrs. Judith Lund Biggs, offering Andrew a chance to network with some of the nation’s most notable figures in diplomacy and policy.
Undergraduate Research Award Program
The Fund provided $500 stipends to six undergraduate students, supporting their research endeavors under the mentorship of Rockefeller College faculty. This investment in student-driven research helps enhance critical thinking and academic exploration in public administration, political science, and criminal justice.
Munch with Law Enforcement Event
The Fund sponsored lunch for an event aimed at connecting students with law enforcement professionals, providing them an inside look into careers in criminal justice and law enforcement. Seventeen students took advantage of this opportunity to expand their career horizons.
NASPAA Student Simulation Competition
The Fund also supported five MPA students to attend the 2024 NASPAA Student Simulation Competition in New York City, a prestigious event that allowed students to apply their learning in real-world policy simulations.
Munch with Law Enforcement Event
Student-Alumni Networking Lunches
Coffee Connections & Social Study Hours
ROCKEFELLER STUDENT PHILANTHROPISTS
AWARD $10K TO UNITY HOUSE OF TROY
After a semester-long project, Associate Professor Susan Appe’s Spring 2024 Private Philanthropy, Public Problems and Power undergraduate students awarded $10,000 to the nonprofit Unity House in Troy, N.Y.
The Student Philanthropy Fund at Rockefeller College seeks to advance student learning by allowing students to distribute funds to nonprofit organizations as part of coursework in which they learn about philanthropy and the essential role nonprofit organizations play in building vibrant communities. Its mission is to contribute to students’ preparation for engaged citizenship and as public service professionals, to develop philanthropists with integrity who will work in communities and continue to benefit our world, and to build relationships with and fund nonprofits across local communities. The Fund is in partnership with the Learning by Giving Foundation (2020-2024), as well as funded through the generous donations of private donors.
Throughout the Spring 2024 semester, Professor Appe’s students divided into teams to research the missions, projects, and impacts of select local nonprofit organizations. They then presented their findings, discussed as a class, and ultimately selected the awardees.
Through research and deliberation, Professor Appe’s class concluded that Unity House could greatly benefit from the $10,000 donation and continue its mission of “making life better.” The students were impressed by the work being done to actively address poverty and homelessness in the Capital Region, including facilities that provide safe spaces and shelter, Unity House’s collaboration with other local organizations, as well as
its community outreach to address social issues and raise community morale.
David L. Bach, CEO of Unity House and Rockefeller College MPA program alumnus, was pleased and thankful with the news of the award. “We are grateful to the class for the generous gift,” said Bach. “More importantly, we thank Rockefeller College for offering a class that helps to instill the importance and understanding behind philanthropy to its students.”
Professor Susan Appe commended this semester’s results, stating, “The students were adamant about supporting a local organization that used multiple prongs to address the root causes of poverty. UAlbany students in the class were deliberate, thorough, and caring in their research of local public programs and local organizations working to alleviate them — Unity House’s mission rose to the top when they were making their decision.”
The Student Philanthropy Fund, through the Rockefeller College courses RPAD R527: Philanthropy and Civil Society and RPAD 399: Private Philanthropy, Public Problems and Power has distributed $52,295 to nonprofit organizations in the Capital Region and beyond from 2019 through Spring 2024.
The Student Philanthropy Fund is supported by Rockefeller alumni, private individuals, and the Learning by Giving Foundation. You can support the fund with a donation at albany.edu/giving. Nonprofits interested in being considered for future funds should contact Susan Appe, PhD (sappe@albany.edu) for more information.
A LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE & SCHOLARSHIP:
THE PROFESSOR MICHAEL J. MALBIN
WASHINGTON SEMESTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
A note from Professor Malbin:
As you may know, I retired from the UAlbany faculty this semester. My proudest contribution to the University over my 34-year career here was the Semester in Washington Program (SIW). Since 1997, hundreds have participated as students or mentors. While enrolled, many spoke to me about the challenges of balancing the academic program with holding down an internship and coming to know a great city. I have been fortunate to hear lately about some of the same students’ feelings looking back. It has been truly gratifying to learn about the lifelong memories and relationships that stayed with them from Washington.
But this is not only a time to look back. I am grateful to our campus and college leadership for their continued support of the program. I am also grateful to my successors Meredith Weiss and Timothy Weaver for their service as SIW Program Directors. And, as always, I think about the students to come.
I have spoken to many of you about my modest background. I was the grandchild of immigrants — a first-generation college student on a full scholarship. In grad school, I had the chance to intern at the President’s Bureau of the Budget. That experience changed my life,
leading directly to my DC career before UAlbany. That is why I proposed SIW. I wanted our students to have the chances I had. It was all about paying forward.
I am deeply proud to have seen how many of you have paid forward to future students — as mentors, guest lecturers, and donors.
I am now asking you to take one more step together with me. To celebrate my retirement, I made a contribution to The Professor Michael J. Malbin Washington Semester Scholarship Fund at UAlbany, which was established by alumni and friends of the Semester in Washington Program in 2014. Please join me in paying forward to the next generation of SIW students!
You can make your gift online at the link below. To make your gift another way, or if you have any questions, please contact Casey Crandall, Director of Development for Rockefeller College at ccrandall@albany.edu.
You can also reach me at mmalbin@albany.edu — not to make a contribution, but to share more of your stories.
Thank you for considering this. I wish you all the best in your professional and personal lives.
To donate, scan the QR code or visit albany.edu/give
MICHAEL J. MALBIN
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS & NEWS
John McCluskey has been named the UAlbany School of Criminal Justice’s new Senior Executive Director. Dr. McCluskey has built a distinguished career, most recently conducting pathbreaking work on the use of body cameras in policing and on issues of school safety, including victimization of teachers. Dr. McCluskey’s tenure officially begins in January 2025.
Luyi Jian joined the School of Criminal Justice as an assistant professor in Fall 2024 as part of the UAlbany AI initiative. Her work applies quantitative methods and new data science tools to understanding and evaluating youth behavioral change interventions and juvenile justice policies. Dr. Jian holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.
Camela Hughes has joined SCJ as a visiting assistant professor and director of the Cold Case Analysis Center. Dr. Hughes has years of experience in juvenile justice and child welfare research, practice, and policy, including evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care. The Cold Case Analysis Center moved to UAlbany under the leadership of Dr. Hughes in spring of 2024.
Diana Falco joined SCJ in Fall 2024 as a full-time lecturer and leads UAlbany’s new fully online BA in Criminal Justice.
Justin Pickett was appointed associate editor for the Journal of Quantitative Criminology.
Teddy Wilson was awarded a $450,000 NSF grant for a project entitled, “Deterrence and Deterrability in Transportation Security.”
ABOUT UALBANY SCJ
• The internationally renowned UAlbany School of Criminal Justice is home to the 5th ranked PhD program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
• Established in 1968, UAlbany SCJ was the first program in the nation to offer a PhD in Criminal Justice.
• In 2020, UAlbany SCJ was once again brought under the Rockefeller College umbrella, joining the Department of Public Administration & Policy and the Department of Political Science.
• Rockefeller College is a national leader in public affairs education, ranking in the top-25 in five public affairs specialties.
David Hureau was promoted to associate professor in the School of Criminal Justice. In addition, his research was cited in the widely publicized advisory issued by the Surgeon General declaring firearm violence a public health crisis. The research was also featured prominently in Time Magazine.
PhD candidate Hilary Jackl’s research was used in a report issued by The Sentencing Project that offers advice for journalists covering crime and justice. Jackl’s research, “The effects of language on the stigmatization and exclusion of returning citizens,” is cited in a recommendation on using humanizing language.
JOHN MCCLUSKEY LUYI JIAN
CAMELA HUGHES
COLD CASE ANALYSIS CENTER COMES TO SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
UAlbany students can now help investigative agencies and the community solve cold cases — including missing persons and unsolved crimes — through internships in the Cold Case Analysis Center, located within the School of Criminal Justice on the Downtown Campus.
The Cold Case Analysis Center, or CCAC, moved to UAlbany under the leadership of Camela Hughes after the College of Saint Rose closed in spring of 2024. Hughes, now a visiting assistant professor in UAlbany’s School of Criminal Justice, got her master’s and PhD degrees from UAlbany.
Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for CCAC internships through the UAlbany website. Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation and pass a background check. Those chosen will be placed on interdisciplinary teams to work along with investigative agencies, prosecutors, nonprofits and families to try to resolve cases.
“Students in a wide variety of disciplines, including criminal justice, forensics, psychology, sociology, history and biology, have the opportunity to work together to analyze cold cases,” Hughes said of the center. “The collaborative work not only gives students hands-on experiences that help them understand the complexities of the criminal justice system, it also teaches critical thinking and organizational skills that will benefit them later.”
Intern teams’ work includes analyzing case files, making recommendations for additional interviews or forensic tests, reconstructing crime scenes, conducting archival research and identifying suspects. Students will also participate in weekly lectures to reinforce concepts
learned in other courses, such as Criminology, Wrongful Convictions, and Victims of Crime. Because some cold cases are decades old, CCAC interns also help to raise awareness of victims’ stories.
“The Cold Case Analysis Center enriches Rockefeller College’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to learn by doing,” Rockefeller Dean Julie Novkov said. “It also expands our college’s mission to serve the public interest. Our students will benefit and contribute to the public good by doing concrete work through the CCAC now that also prepares them well for future careers.”
Pamela Hoxha, a senior criminal justice major who transferred to UAlbany from Saint Rose, plans to continue working at the center.
“I wanted to join CCAC because I knew that by participating in the program, I would have the chance to be a part of a team that would put in a lot of effort to try and provide the families of the victims with closure,” Hoxha said. “I became more detail oriented and thorough when working on cold cases. It gave me practical experience with unsolved crimes and made me feel part of the solution.”
Hughes said the CCAC is a great fit for UAlbany. “In addition to the connection with a top-5 ranked criminal justice program, being embedded in a comprehensive, diverse, public research institution with access to renowned scholars in related fields like psychology, sociology, atmospheric and environmental sciences and forensic chemistry and biology will provide students with amazing support as they analyze cases.”
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES, NEW POSSIBILITIES
ABOUT THE COLD CASE ANALYSIS CENTER (CCAC)
Moving to the University at Albany in 2024, the Cold Case Analysis Center (CCAC) provides vital support to investigative agencies, prosecutors, and families in resolving cold cases. It also offers a unique, hands-on, projectbased learning experience for students pursuing careers in forensic science, criminal justice, and related fields.
Through real-world cases, students gain experience in criminal investigation techniques, while honing critical thinking and organizational skills that are applicable to any career path. The center also provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by investigative professionals in solving complex cases.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
At the CCAC, students apply classroom knowledge to realworld cases, gaining hands-on experience while working alongside professionals in the field.
INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Organizing and analyzing case files
• Collaborating with investigative agencies
• Identifying and interviewing suspects
• Reconstructing crime scenes and developing maps
• Conducting archival research and locating key individuals
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students from all majors, though particularly relevant for students in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, anthropology, cybersecurity, and related fields.
Requirements: Application, letter of recommendation, and background check.
BENEFITS TO PARTNERS
The CCAC partners with investigative agencies, prosecutors, and families to bring resolution to unresolved cases. Student interns contribute by:
• Analyzing case files
• Identifying persons of interest and potential witnesses
• Reconstructing crime scenes and developing crime maps
• Recommending additional interviews or forensic testing
CONTACT CCAC
Camela Hughes, Director of CCAC camhughes@albany.edu I 518-591-8736
COLD CASE EXAMPLE
RUTH WHITMAN COLD CASE (1959)
CASE OVERVIEW
Ruth Whitman, an 18-year-old woman from Albany, New York, was found dead in a drainage ditch in Colonie, N.Y. on December 8, 1959. She had been severely beaten and drowned. Despite decades of investigation, the case remains unsolved. Whitman’s family and the community have waited over 65 years for answers.
THE CRIME
• Date of Death: December 8, 1959
• Location: Sandcreek Road, Colonie, NY
• Cause of Death: Asphyxiation from drowning after being struck on the back of her head
KEY FACTS
• Whitman’s clothing showed signs of possible re-dressing
• There was no evidence of sexual assault
• Witness statements about her whereabouts that night conflict, adding complexity to the investigation
THE VICTIM
Ruth Whitman’s life remains largely mysterious. Last seen in the Lancaster Street area, she lived with her fiancé, Nelson Paul, and was reportedly in the early stages of pregnancy at the time of her death.
THE COLD CASE
The case has been complicated by conflicting witness statements. While some neighbors claimed to have seen Whitman at a building fire on the night she died, others denied it, and some stated she was with an unknown male. Over time, most evidence has been lost or is no longer testable.
HOW CCAC IS ASSISTING
Students at the CCAC have actively worked on the Ruth Whitman case by analyzing decades-old files, re-interviewing key individuals, and developing new leads.
A notable breakthrough: CCAC students helped confirm that Whitman’s fiancé, Nelson Paul, was not the perpetrator. After serving 25 years in Canada for an unrelated charge, Paul’s statements about the night in question were corroborated.
The CCAC team has also uncovered possible connections to serial killer Robert Garrow, who lived near Whitman at the time and may have known her. Students have assisted in retrieving court documents and conducting research to explore this new lead.
While solving a case this old is challenging, the CCAC continues to pursue every lead, aiming for justice for Ruth Whitman and closure for her family.
FACULTY & PHD STUDENT NEWS
MILA GASCÓHERNANDEZ JANET
Gang Chen received funding from the Samuels Public Affairs Fellowship to examine fiscal issues in rural schools of New York State.
Mila Gascó-Hernandez was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Digital Government Society.
Luis Luna-Reyes was named a Fellow of the Digital Government Society.
Mikhail Ivonchyk garnered a Gil Crain Memorial Research Grant from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) on the topic of “Analyzing the Dynamics of Management Discussion and Analysis Content in State Financial Reports.”
Mimi Arnold Lyon received the 2024 National Academy of Education Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship to continue her research on teachers’ strikes and their impact on students and communities.
Janet Mayo-Hyde received the 2024 Arnold Steigman Excellence in Teaching Award from the New York State Academy for Public Administration.
Kayla Schwoerer was awarded the APSA Volcker Junior Scholar Research Grant to study UX Design and Citizen-State Interactions.
Battulga Buyannemekh, a PhD student in Rockefeller College’s Department of Public Administration and Policy, received a Samuels Doctoral Fellowship from Baruch College to support research for his dissertation, which looks at how county governments in New York State strategize information technology to improve public services and streamline operations. The fellowship supports doctoral students conducting research focused on New York state and local policy.
Rockefeller College PhD student Miyeun Jung won the first place APPAM Student Paper Award from the Korean Association of Policy Studies. The award was presented at the 2024 APPAM Fall Research Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
David Ferkaluk received the 2024 Best Dissertation in American Political Thought award from the American Political Science Association for his work, “A Broader and Deeper Foundation: The Alternative Vision of James Wilson’s Political Philosophy.”
GANG CHEN
MIMI ARNOLD LYON
MIKHAIL IVONCHYK
KAYLA SCHWOERER
MAYO-HYDE
LUIS LUNA-REYES
Niloufer Siddiqui was promoted to associate professor in the Department of Political Science. She also received the 2024 Robert A. Dahl Award for her book, “Under the Gun: Political Violence and Parties in Pakistan.”
Book Description
Political parties are integral to democracy and yet they frequently engage in antidemocratic, violent behavior. Parties can employ violence directly, outsource violence to gangs and militias, or form electoral alliances with non-state armed actors. When do parties engage in, or facilitate, violence? What determines the strategies of violence that they employ? Drawing on data from Pakistan, Under the Gun argues that party violence is not a simple manifestation of weak state capacity but instead the intentional product of political incentives, further complicating the process of democratization. Using a rigorous multi-method approach based on over a hundred interviews and numerous surveys, the book demonstrates that a party’s violence strategy depends on the incentives it faces in the subnational political landscape in which it operates, the cost it incurs from its voters for violent acts, and its organizational capacity for violence.
NILOUFER SIDDIQUI
Miyeun Jung received the APPAM Student Paper Award from the Korean Association of Policy Studies.
David Ferkaluk received the 2024 Best Dissertation in American Political Thought award from APSA.
ROCKEFELLER COLLEGE AWARDS CEREMONY & RECEPTION
Each year, Rockefeller College proudly bestows its highest honor on a number of distinguished individuals for their exemplary service to the public and to the College. Save the date and join us on Friday, May 9, 2025 for the annual celebration!
2023-24 AWARD WINNERS
Lifetime Achievement Award
Scott Heil, MPA ’94
Distinguished Service to the College
Libby Post, BA ’82, MA ’84
Distinguished Alumnus in Criminal Justice
Ivan Sun, MA ’97, PhD ’00
Distinguished Alumnus in Criminal Justice
Richard O’Brien, MA ’01
Distinguished Alumna in Public Administration
Angela Albertus, BA ’88
Distinguished Alumnus in Political Science
Fred Kowal, PhD ’98
Young Alumna in Criminal Justice
Vanessa Panfil, MA ’08, PhD ’13
Young Alumnus in Public Administration
David Belsky, MPA ’09
Young Alumna in Political Science
Jessica Pidgeon, PhD ’15
10 UNDER 10 AWARD
Daniel Butterworth, MA ’11, MPA ’13
Marc Cohen, BA ’16, MPA ’18
Diana Cruz, MIA ’19
Craig Famoso, MA ’14
Casey Fenton, BA ’17
Monique Gibbs, BA ’13
Leo Moscatelli, MA ’15
Matthew McLarnon, BA ’13
Rebecca Prince, BA ’14, MA ’16
Alyssa Shanderson, BA ’17
ROCK SNAPSHOTS
Representatives of the SAPA Board of Directors, Rockefeller College, Public Service Excellence Award Review Committee, and the Rockefeller Award Committee presented the 2024 Rockefeller Award for Distinguished Public Service to Governor Kathy Hochul at the State Capitol.
Eight UAlbany students were recognized with the 2024 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, including Rockefeller College’s Eva Alvarez Ero, Jillian Benedict, Jude Klein, and Biancamaria Scricco.
President Havidán Rodríguez awarded 2024 President’s Excellence Awards to Rockefeller College’s Edmund Stazyk (Excellence in Academic Service Award), Justin Pickett (Excellence in Research), Meredith Weiss (Excellence in Research), Sheena Loughlin (Excellence in Professional Service), Stacey Zyskowski (Excellence in Professional Service), and Arzana Myderrizi (Excellence in Teaching).
Mila Gascó-Hernandez was honored with the 2023-24 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Faculty Service
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D) and retired NYPD Detective Mike Sapraicone (R) participated in a debate for the New York Senatorial Election on the UAlbany Downtown Campus.
Candidates for the 109th District Assembly spoke during a community forum sponsored by the Albany NAACP in partnership with Rockefeller College.
UAlbany School of Criminal Justice alumni and faculty gathered for a reception in San Francisco at the American Society of Criminology (ASC) annual conference.
Susan Appe received the 2024 President’s Awards for Exemplary Public Engagement.
