Students, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered at the Jim Moran Building for the program’s annual MAAPP at the Cap event on March 27.
“MAAPP is honored to have FSU alumna and Florida House Member Rep. Hillary Cassel address our students at the annual MAAPP @ the Cap celebration,” MAAPP Director Bradley Kile, Ph.D., said. “MAAPP is widely recognized as a leading graduate program shaping tomorrow’s political leaders. Our 600+ alumni have set a high standard, and it is inspiring to see the exceptional work of our current students push this program to new heights.”
The Keynote Speaker – Florida House Representative Hillary Cassel – kicked off the celebration, and a luncheon was held before students walked to the Capitol to hear from more speakers.
Rep. Cassell, a COSSPP graduate who majored in political science, is an attorney and member of the Florida House of Representatives for the 101st district. She spoke to students about public service and encouraged them to follow their path but endeavor to broaden perspectives and listen across the aisle.
MAAPP Student John Waters was honored with the Gene and Julie Moran Scholarship for his stellar academic record and outstanding commitment to public service.
The students then walked to the Capitol to hear from various generous MAAPP graduates who shared their practical experience with the students. Speakers included Nicole Albers (MAAPP, ’04) Florida Municipal Electric Association; Caitlyn Brongel (MAAPP ’13) NW Florida Water Management District; Kevin Cate (MAAPP ’09) Cate Communications; Rebecca Henderson (MAAPP ’22) Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA); Colton Madill (MAAPP ’14) Florida Chamber of Commerce; Kinley Morgan (MAAPP ’20) Sachs Media; Evan Power (MAAPP ’05) Republican Party of Florida; Kelly Kibbey Smith (College of Law ’15) Florida Senate; and Brian Welch (MAAPP ’03) Leon County Commission.
Attendees reconvened at the Jim Moran building in the evening for a reception and mixer with alumni.
The program’s 600+ alumni are some of today’s top political professionals in the Florida and Washington, D.C., political arenas.
For more information about the program, click here.
View the full album and download the original resolution images on Flickr!
