Students, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered at the Jim Moran Building for the program’s annual MAAPP at the Cap event on February 8th.
“MAAPP is honored to have FSU alumnus and Florida House Speaker Designee Rep. Danny Perez 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 providing practical career training in an intellectually challenging environment for individuals committed to making a difference in the world through the political process. Our 550+ 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 – Representative Daniel Perez- kicked off the celebration and a luncheon was held before students walked to the Capitol to hear from more speakers.
Speaker Designate Perez – a COSSPP Alum who majored in political science and criminology – spoke to students about his philosophy of public service and encouraged them to follow their passion for service.
Perez got his start in public service as Class President in Columbus High School and dominated as an FSU student as an intern for then State Representative Nan Rich.
MAAPP Student Jacqueline Rao was honored with the Gene and Julie Moran Scholarship in recognition of her stellar academic record and outstanding commitment to public service.
The students then walked to the Capitol to hear from a variety of generous MAAPP alums who shared their practical experience with the students.
Speakers included Bennett Napier (M.S. Applied American Politics & Policy ’02), Kim Bane (M.S. Applied American Politics & Policy ’22), Amanda Gorman Fraser (M.S. Applied American Politics & Policy ’15), Anthony Serge (M.S. Applied American Politics & Policy ’22), and Cory Dowd (M.S. Applied American Politics & Policy ’18).
Students also heard from Melanie Griffin (J.D. ’06, MBA ’06; B.S. Finance ’03) – the current Secretary of the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
Attendees reconvened at the Jim Moran building in the evening for a reception and mixer.
MAAPP is a top national master’s program for applied learning in several political fields, including campaigns, fundraising, political communications, lobbying, legislative affairs, and more.
The program’s 550+ 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.
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