University Honors Day 2009On Friday, May 8, the School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy held its University Honors Day ceremonies for the 2008–09 academic year. School director Dr. Maria Aristigueta presided over the event. IPA research assistants figured prominently as recipients of the many awards handed out.
This year’s Legislative Fellows were recognized for their contributions to the Delaware General Assembly.
Among those who received the School Director’s Citation, given “for contributions to the mission of the School through exceptional participation in the activities of CHEP’s research and public service centers, of other units at the University, and of outside organizations and agencies,” were Mark Stevens and Amanda Tolino.
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| IPA's Jim Flynn and Lisa Moreland join in honoring School Director's Citation awardee Mark Stevens. | IPA's Martin Wollaston and Troy Mix join in honoring School Director's Citation awardee Amanda Tolino. |
Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for academic achievement in public affairs and administration in NASPAA-affiliated programs, inducted Natasha Edwards and Todd Franzen.
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| IPA's Julia O'Hanlon and Lisa Moreland join in honoring new Pi Alpha Alpha inductees Todd Franzen and Natasha Edwards. | IPA's Martha Corrozi Narvaez and Jerry Kauffman presented Kelly Wolfe with the Excellence in Water Resources Medal. |
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| Erika Farris was presented the Vern Svatos Memorial Award by IPA's Andrew Homsey. |
The School’s Excellence in Water Resources Scholarship (and accompanying medal), presented to a student who has shown superior scholarship and interest in water resources planning, management, or policy, was bestowed upon Kelly Wolfe. Kelly's analytical paper topic examines the performance of New Castle County's water resource protection area ordinance.
The Vernon C. Svatos Memorial Award for Excellence in GIS was presented to Erika Farris for her topological editing and use of LIDAR data to come up with the most accurate delineation of watershed boundaries for a large portion of the state, which information will fit into a consistent nationwide framework.
One of this year’s two United Alumni of Urban Affairs (UAUA) Student Awards, presented to the student who has a distinguished academic record and demonstrated outstanding public service contributions, was given to Todd Franzen. For the past two years, Todd has worked on a Delaware Center for Transportation project to assess the feasibility of bus rapid transit (BRT) in the Delaware region.
Natasha Edwards was also recognized as one of the CHEP Panel of Outstanding Graduate Students for a positive working relationship with faculty and students, demonstration of leadership in the college or outside professional work, and potential for her contribution in her chosen field of study. While at IPA, Natasha has helped coordinate the Women's Leadership Development Program.
