O’Neill School – Bloomington

HRA-IU student group recognized for excellence five years in a row

Posted on October 10, 2024 by ebatman

The students of the Human Resources Association at Indiana University (HRA-IU) are on a roll. The group has been recognized with a Superior Merit Award by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for the 2023-24 academic year. This marks the eighth consecutive year that HRA-IU has received SHRM recognition and the fifth consecutive year that the group received a Superior Merit Award.

HRA-IU student leaders from the 2023-24 academic year included (left to right) Abby Lake, Keirstan Oeffinger, Kalyn Whitted, Laney Fouts, and Christian Sanders.

HRA-IU is a professional student organization for undergraduates interested in human resource management. Last year, under the leadership of O’Neill students Kalyn Whitted, Keirstan Oeffinger, Abby Lake, Christian Sanders, and Lainey Fouts, the group planned a variety of activities for students to sharpen their skills and grow their professional networks.

Prof. Dan Grundmann, HRA-IU’s faculty advisor, praised the group’s achievements, saying, “This is a self-governed student organization in the true sense and spirit of the term. These students demonstrate the achievements of which O’Neill undergraduates are capable in an empowered environment with student autonomy. The recognition reflects the outstanding work and programming by the group, whose efforts resulted in resume and interviewing skills workshops, employer site visits, participation in career fairs and case competitions, and practitioner speaker discussions on important HR topics.”

Current HRA-IU president Abby Lake hopes to continue the group’s tradition of excellence. Reflecting on the previous year, Lake praised past leadership for their teamwork and collaboration. “Last year’s board put a lot of emphasis on planning intentional events that allowed students to be immersed in HR-related events … This year, we are planning even more events, meetings, and site visits, which has increased engagement not only from HR majors but from all undergraduate students.”

Lake also noted that the group plans to organize community-oriented service projects in the ‘24-’25 academic year.

Nancy Woolever, Vice President of Academic, Certification, and Student Communities at SHRM, said, “On behalf of SHRM, I am pleased to confirm that Indiana University – Bloomington has been awarded the Superior Merit Award for the ’23-’24 application window. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in Student Chapter operations and a commitment to providing meaningful programs and services to your members and HR students in your community. It also is recognition of your continued growth and development as a future business leader, capable of developing strategies that lead to business success! We are immensely proud of your chapter’s success and thank you for your continued partnership with SHRM.”

Sustainability in Action: O’Neill Students’ Costa Rica Program Experience

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Caroline Rourke

Group photo of students on Costa Rica trip This past summer, a group of students from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs embarked on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Costa Rica, immersing themselves in the country’s rich biodiversity and sustainability efforts. From hands-on experiences at local coffee farms and fisheries to eye-opening lessons on environmental policy, the trip offered students the chance to not only learn about sustainability but to witness its impact firsthand.

Program Director Sarah Mincey highlighted that the course was built around Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom’s Social-Ecological Systems (SES) framework, which underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between environmental, social, and governance factors in achieving sustainability.

“You can’t take nature and separate it from social and governance factors—they are intertwined,” Mincey explained.

Costa Rica, known for its environmental stewardship, served as the perfect backdrop for students to critically engage with sustainability practices.

Throughout the trip, students traveled across Costa Rica to explore local ecosystems, including sustainable fisheries, family-owned coffee farms, and national parks. Mincey noted that students were constantly applying the SES framework to evaluate sustainability in various sectors, from agriculture to ecotourism.

In addition to academic site visits, students took part in service-learning projects, including removing plastic from beaches and rivers, then sorting and recycling the collected materials. On one memorable day, students removed over 1,000 pounds of plastic from a beach in just two hours!

Photo os students with all the plastic they cleaned up.

The trip not only provided students with practical learning experiences but also fostered deep connections with local Costa Ricans. MSES student David Orth shared how inspiring it was to see Costa Rica’s national values of education, peace, and sustainability reflected in everyone they encountered.

“I will continue to carry the sublime appreciation to see these values reflected in the people we interacted with throughout the country: nature guides, business owners, NGOs, governmental representatives, and even our bus driver,” Orth said.

For Orth, one of the standout moments was visiting Mare Blu, an NGO committed to tackling coastal pollution. He was particularly inspired by the organization’s founder, Geronimo Ciuti, who transitioned from a corporate career to dedicating his life to environmental conservation.

“Within six months, he had quit his job and started Mare Blu, and within four years, his organization gained global recognition,” Orth explained, highlighting how Ciuti’s journey exemplifies that “anyone can start a movement with motivation.”

Chris Ercoli, MES’26, was equally moved by the people he connected with during the trip.

“The guest speakers and local people were enlightening, empowering, and diverse,” he said, highlighting the unique friendships he formed with fellow students and locals.

For Ercoli, the visit to El Toledo Coffee Farm in Atenas was particularly impactful. The experience deepened his understanding of the complexities of sustainability and the challenges that even the most seemingly perfect solutions can present.

“The farmer lectured us on the broader scope of environmentalism in a rabidly capitalist world as much as he told us about coffee production. It was a truly eye-opening three hours,” Ercoli shared.

Since 2019, the Costa Rica Summer Program has offered students an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. By engaging directly with local ecosystems and communities, students are able to see firsthand how sustainability operates in real-world contexts. Through their work with local organizations, students contribute to meaningful environmental and social efforts, leaving a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Each year, the program provides practical skills, knowledge, and deep personal insights that prepare students to address environmental challenges in their future careers. They return home with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to applying what they’ve learned—making a real difference in the environmental field.

Skinner awarded Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Ken Bikoff

Alex Skinner, a graduate student pursuing a dual degree in public affairs and environmental science from the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, has been selected for the Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and the national policy decisions affecting those resources. Skinner has interned with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is currently serving an internship with the Public Consulting Group.

“Earning the fellowship was a massive honor for me,” Skinner said. “I studied marine science in undergrad, but when I originally came to O’Neill, I was unsure how this degree would be applicable or relevant to my future career. The Knauss Fellowship allows me to combine all my interests in public affairs, marine science, and environmental science and work specifically in marine policy, which is something I really never thought possible when starting my master’s journey.”

This fellowship program catapults fellows into a career in policy and service in the public or private sector. The position will allow Skinner to develop the practical skills needed for government or policy work.

Skinner is still waiting to hear which agency she will be assigned to but she’s looking forward to the opportunity.

“One thing at the O’Neill School that really resonated with me was the slogan ‘Lead for the greater good,’” Skinner said. “I hope to continue that into my future career through this fellowship experience, which will provide ample career development opportunities and allow me to meet many experts within the field and in policy. These experiences will help me grow as an individual and in my career and as a policy advocate.”

The Knauss Fellowship is named after former NOAA administrator John Knauss, one of the founders of Sea Grant. Knauss Fellows enjoy a one-year immersive policy experience living and working in the Washington, D.C., area while working on the latest issues in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes management and research. The Knauss Fellowship was established in 1979.

Navarro honored with 2024 ABFM Michael Curro Student Paper Award

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Ken Bikoff

Luis Navarro, a doctoral student at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 ABFM Michael Curro Student Paper Award by the Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM) Executive Committee.

The Michael Curro Student Paper Award is given to a graduate student who has written what is judged to be the best paper in the field of public finance as part of a course, independent study, or other faculty supervised project. Navarro’s paper, “Federal Assistance and Municipal Borrowing: Unpacking the Effects of the CARES Act on Government Liquidity Management,” addresses the classic public finance concern of federal aid’s crowd-out or crowd-in effect on local government spending. The study showed that federal aid can stimulate local financial outcomes.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by the ABFM community of which I am thankful and proud to be a part,” Navarro said. “I am immensely grateful for the guidance and support of my amazing advisors, including Professor Justin Ross, Associate Professor Craig Johnson, and Associate Professor Denvil Duncan, who have been pivotal in improving the quality of this paper since its early stages. I am also happy that my work contributes to the reputation and success of the O’Neill school.”

Navarro will be recognized during the ABFM Annual Conference to be held Sept. 26-28 in Cleveland, Ohio. ABFM is a section of the American Society for Public Administration whose mission is to advance the science, process, and art of public administration as it relates to budgeting and financial management. Along with the American Association for Budget and Program Analysis, it is the editorial home of the scholarly journal Public Budgeting & Finance, regarded as the top field journal in public administration on public finance.

New minor in Leadership, Advocacy, and Public Service launches for IU undergraduates

Posted on August 7, 2024 by ebatman

female student in professional attire smiles while shaking hands with someone seated near a laptop — Students from the NextGen Leadership Program explored different leadership styles through a policy case competition.

If you are interested in public service and want to develop your leadership and advocacy skills, you might be interested in a brand new minor offered by the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. The minor will launch this fall and will be open to all undergraduate students at IU.

What you’ll learn

The minor in Leadership, Advocacy, and Public Service consists of five courses (15 credit hours) that will help you understand the role of public service in society, the challenges of leading and managing public organizations, and the strategies behind effective advocacy.

The minor’s three core courses are:

SPEA-V 203: The Call of Public Service: History, Philosophy, Values, and Outcomes: Examine different motivations for public service, as well as its historical roots. This course is taught by instructors like Tom Guevara, director of IU’s Public Policy Institute and an experienced public servant.
SPEA-V 407: Advocacy, Policy Change, and Government Relations: Examine how citizens join together to shape issues of public importance and advocate for change. One instructor for this course is Jill Nicholson-Crotty, associate dean of graduate public affairs and policy programs at O’Neill.
SPEA-V 412: Leadership and Ethics: Explore leadership dilemmas and ethical frameworks for decision-making. Learn from instructors like Karen Gahl-Mills, director of O’Neill’s Arts Administration program and former CEO of various nonprofit arts organizations.

You will also choose two elective courses from a list of options offered by the Kelley School, O’Neill, and the English and Military Science departments.

Join a network of future leaders

The minor in Leadership, Advocacy, and Public Service will help you learn how to become a more effective and ethical leader, advocate, and citizen. It will also help you develop connections with students and faculty who share your interest in governance and making a difference.

This new academic program is an outgrowth of themes explored in the NextGen Leadership Program. NextGen was launched at IU in 2021 through the support of the Volcker Alliance, an organization that seeks to educate, connect, empower, and inspire current and aspiring public servants. To date, more than 270 students have participated in workshops and seminars, competed in policy case competitions, or earned scholarships through NextGen.

Other hands-on ways to explore leadership at O’Neill include the O’Neill Leadership Program, which provides funding to support professional experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, and the Washington Leadership Program, which gives students the opportunity to spend a semester in Washington, D.C.

Get started

The minor in Leadership, Advocacy, and Public Service is a unique and exciting opportunity for IU students who want to make a positive contribution to their community and the world. To learn more, reach out to O’Neill’s Undergraduate Programs Office or email oneillug@iu.edu.

New Wise book explores relationship between judiciary and U.S. president

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Ken Bikoff

The Courts and the President: Judicial Review of Presidential Directives by Charles Wise

As the U.S. approaches the presidential election, significant questions and concerns have been raised about how the victorious president will exercise his powers and if any effective checks on presidential overreach are in place.

In a remarkable exploration of the intricate balance of power, “The Courts and the President” by Charles Wise, a professor emeritus at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, delves into the complex relationship between the judiciary and the president of the United States.

Wise examines the historical and legal foundations of presidential directives and their judicial review. His analysis sheds light on the evolution of federal courts’ treatment of executive actions, revealing a trend toward more restrictive principles in recent times.

Considering the recent period of heightened scrutiny of executive power, the book offers a nuanced perspective on the checks of and balances that are fundamental to the American political system. “The Courts and the President” is not just a scholarly treatise but a call to engage with the principles that govern the nation’s highest offices.

The book will also serve as a critical resource for understanding the implications of these dynamics on presidential, congressional, and federal agency policymaking.

“The Courts and the President” is available wherever books are sold. It is published by Cambridge University Press.

Ethan Fragoso: Building a brighter future through public service and advocacy

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Caroline Rourke

Ethan Fragoso participated in the first-ever NextGen Leadership and Policy Case Competition.

Ethan Fragoso’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to community service. Originally from Lake Station, Indiana, a suburb of Gary, Fragoso has overcome numerous challenges to become a dedicated advocate for underserved communities. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of leadership.

Fragoso’s life took a pivotal turn at the age of 12 when he lost his mother to a drug overdose, and again at 17 when he became a father to his son, Atreus. Reflecting on these significant moments, Fragoso shared, “I’ve been through a lot. Becoming a father in high school pushed me to go to college and better myself for my family.” This life-changing responsibility fueled his determination to pursue higher education and carve out a future not just for himself, but for his family. “I want to pursue a career in public service, helping others and advocating for those who can’t stand up for themselves,” he said.

Fragoso always had his heart set on attending Indiana University, the only school he applied to. Like many students, Fragoso bounced around majors before settling on public management and leadership. When asked about his decision to join the O’Neill school he said, “I took a course here, and I feel like their values aligned with mine. I knew I wanted to help people and felt like O’Neill was the best place for me.”

Ever since becoming an O’Neill student, Fragoso has taken advantage of everything the school has to offer. Fragoso’s involvement in the NextGen Leadership Program and as President of the Rotaract Club at IU highlights his dedication to leadership and service.

Under his leadership, the Rotaract club has tackled issues like homelessness and mental health through initiatives such as a clothing drive and volunteer work at the Shalom Center in Bloomington.

Fragoso’s participation in the NextGen Leadership Program has been instrumental in shaping his approach to public service. “The NextGen Leadership Program teaches you the different ways to be successful and make others successful,” he said. This experience, coupled with workshops and policy competitions, helped refine his skills in advocacy and policymaking.

Fragoso put these skills to work through an internship in his hometown of Lake Station. Though a formal internship program did not exist, Fragoso contacted city officials and convinced them to let him work as a City Hall intern. Fragoso initiated many impactful projects, coordinated a business development workshop, and set goals on how to strengthen the community.

Fragoso’s unpaid internship was made possible through the Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award, a scholarship from the Volcker Alliance, which encourages students to get involved in public service. The scholarship application was recommended to Fragoso by a mentor, and it gave him the financial support he needed to pursue his goals. Fragoso said, “The scholarship helped me out tremendously, and if it wasn’t for that scholarship, I couldn’t have helped out in the manner that I did.”

Speaking of his hometown, Fragoso said, “Back where I’m from, not many people venture out to go to college or pursue higher education. My main goal before going to college was essentially to get out and find better opportunities. I’ve spent many years away from home and have realized that instead of leaving to find a better life elsewhere, I could go back home and make it a better place for me, my family, and my friends.” Fragoso’s commitment to his hometown has been unwavering and he has dedicated his life to helping underserved communities like his own.

Fragoso’s aspirations extend far beyond his current endeavors. “My big dream is to be President of the United States. I would like to pursue a career in public service and advocacy,” he shares. His motto, “No matter what you go through, you can do anything in life,” encapsulates his resilient spirit and optimistic outlook.

Fragoso’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. His journey from a determined high school student to a community-focused leader is inspiring, reflecting his belief in the power of public service to transform lives and communities.

MS in Healthcare Management students benefit from a week with Value Capture experts

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Caroline Rourke

Our MS in Healthcare Management graduate students recently had the privilege of attending a weeklong learning experience with Value Capture, a company founded by our school namesake, Paul H. O’Neill, with his son Paul O’Neill Jr. as a co-founding principal.

Guided by the expert team of Lisa Beckwith, Vickie Pisowicz, and Shana Padgett, Value Capture provided impactful learning sessions grounded in Paul H. O’Neill’s leadership principles. The instructors challenged students to think deeply and presented opportunities to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.

The week with Value Capture was packed with valuable insights and practical knowledge. Students observed and engaged with different professionals, including hearing from Paul O’Neill Jr.

Beckwith emphasized the importance of the student’s dedication to learning through direct observation and personal engagement with staff members.

“The students approached the week with willingness and an open mind to learn from the example of Paul H. O’Neill’s leadership hypotheses and the principles of operational excellence,” Beckwith said.

MSHM student Cecelia Gonzalez noted how engaging, challenging, and interactive the sessions were. She felt that Value Capture cultivated an environment where students were encouraged to think outside the box to develop a deeper understanding of concepts. She gained newfound confidence and belief in her potential.

Student smiling and using legos for learning simulation. — MSHM students use Legos to simulate systems of learning.

“This program really helped me to believe in myself and provided me with the skills and knowledge to be a transformational healthcare leader,” said Gonzalez, as a testament to the program’s effectiveness in fostering personal and professional growth.

Zachary Crouch, MSHM’24, commended the way Paul H. O’Neill always upheld the values of respect and equality and never compromised his principles.

“Leadership is about bringing those who work with you to achieve their highest potential through safety, guidance, patience, and morals,” Crouch said about his takeaways from the program.

Padgett admired the students’ deep curiosity, willingness to practice new concepts, and genuine desire to engage in vulnerable yet rewarding experiences.

“I am energized for how healthcare can improve and innovate with future leaders like those in your program, and the depth and breadth of content that they receive, including the world-class leadership principles of Mr. Paul O’Neill,” Padgett said.

We are thankful for Value Capture’s continued investment in our students and their learning. This was a transformative experience for MSHM students, equipping them with critical skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead in the healthcare sector. We are grateful for the O’Neill family’s support and Value Capture’s role in preparing our future leaders to make significant contributions to healthcare management.

From dreams to degrees: The inspiring journey of Alex Sanchez, first-generation college graduate

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Caroline Rourke

Sanchez shaking hands with one of his faculty mentors during the graduation ceremony.

Born and raised in Hanover Park, Illinois, Alex Sanchez embarked on his college career in 2019 at the College of DuPage. Initially uncertain about his path, he dreamt of a career in healthcare to help others on a larger scale. Reflecting on his roots and his parents’ sacrifices as immigrants from Mexico, Sanchez felt a profound drive to succeed academically and honor his family’s aspirations.

“My parents never had the opportunity to attend higher education, but I knew it was a dream of theirs to see their own kids succeed where they could not. My success is not my own but shared amongst me and my parents as they supported me nonstop no matter how hard things got for them.” he said.

His journey faced a significant disruption with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Like many, Sanchez struggled to find his footing amidst the uncertainty but opted to return to his studies in the spring of 2021 with a renewed purpose. He sought to specialize in healthcare management and policy, driven by personal experiences watching his parents struggle to communicate in everyday situations.

“I knew that I wanted to make a difference in marginalized communities that may not have the means to communicate in similar situations,” Sanchez said.

Transferring to Indiana University proved to be a pivotal decision. Enamored by the campus and inspired by its opportunities, Sanchez immersed himself in his studies at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Here, he found mentors such as lecturer Christopher Wayne, who provided personal guidance, academic support, and assistance with career planning.

“Christopher Wayne really pushed me to go to the next level with my education,” Sanchez said. “He cares about his students’ success not only in the class but outside of it as well.”

Sanchez’s journey at IU was marked by academic achievements and personal growth. Despite financial challenges, he worked hard and took advantage of each opportunity he received. He pursued internships and engaged deeply in coursework that prepared him for a career in healthcare analytics and management. His internship at IU Health solidified his passion, allowing him to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.

“I envision my career evolving where we can be more proactive in helping marginalized communities,” he said.

As he neared graduation, Sanchez reflected on the milestones he achieved and the challenges he had overcome. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree was not just his own success but a culmination of his family’s sacrifices and unwavering support. Sanchez remembered walking across the stage at graduation and being struck with emotion.

“Hearing my mom and dad cheer for me in the crowd is what really got me right in the heart at that moment. I knew that their sacrifice to come here all that time ago had finally paid off,” he said.

Looking forward, Sanchez plans to pursue a Master of Science in Healthcare Management, aiming to set higher benchmarks for himself and continue advocating for marginalized communities. As an O’Neill alum, he is taking advantage of the O’Neill Alumni Fellowship to receive a 25% tuition reduction.

Sanchez offered his advice to any incoming or current O’Neill students and emphasized the importance of not letting fear prevent you from embracing new opportunities. He encouraged students to lean on the support of faculty and peers and dive into all that IU has to offer.

“Every day at IU is a chance to really make something of yourself and be incredibly successful with whatever you want to pursue in your life,” he said.

Alex’s story resonates beyond academic achievements; it embodies the power of determination, familial support, and a commitment to serving others. As he continues to pave the way for his future, Alex remains steadfast in his mission to transform healthcare and empower communities.

NextGen Leadership students get crash course in pedestrian safety, advocacy

Posted on April 30, 2024 by ebatman

Undergraduate students got a crash course in pedestrian safety at the third annual year-end retreat of the NextGen Leadership Program. Then, they used what they learned to develop a plan to make campus safer for walkers and bikers.

a group of five students is gathered in a classroom. They are casually chatting and smiling. — NextGen students were joined by Hank Duncan, Bloomington’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator, and O’Neill graduate students Pauly Tarricone and Sheryl Doades.

Throughout the year, NextGen students participate in programming designed to strengthen their leadership skills, explore public service, and promote civic engagement. At their retreat, they got a refresher course on leadership and advocacy from professors Karen Gahl-Mills and Laura Littlepage before being asked to put those skills into practice.

This year’s retreat involved a case study in how to navigate the competing incentives of different stakeholders. Students explored pedestrian safety on IU’s campus, where the interests of the university and the City of Bloomington occasionally conflict.

They focused on an area of particular interest to O’Neill students: the intersection of Fee and Law Lanes. This busy intersection has been flagged as a high injury area by the city. It’s also where O’Neill professor Frank Lewis was struck by a car in the fall of 2023.

Students learned about the city’s process for addressing pedestrian safety from Hank Duncan, Bloomington’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator, and discussed reasons why the city and university have struggled to make significant changes to Fee and Law Lanes. They were then tasked with coming up with their own interim plan for the intersection.

three students are seated facing two older males in professional dress behind a table. — Brian Payne and R.J. Woodring offered NextGen students constructive feedback on their pedestrian safety plans.

O’Neill colleagues were drafted to role play representatives from the competing stakeholders so that the NextGen students could practice pitching their ideas. Associate Dean R.J. Woodring and Executive in Residence Brian Payne teamed up to play the part of the university’s administration, while M.A. Arts Administration students Sheryl Doades and Pauly Tarricone represented the city. Though the exercise was fabricated, Tarricone’s position as Bloomington’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Commissioner lent authenticity to his role.

At the end of the retreat, students received constructive feedback—as well as encouragement to consider ways they could advocate for the real-life implementation of their ideas.