With a background in environmental management from the O’Neill School, Joshua Stockton, BSPA’24, found a role that aligns with his interests and the growing demand for water professionals. Today, he’s working at the City of Bloomington’s water treatment plant, applying what he learned in the classroom to protect one of the state’s most essential resources. … Read more »
Alumni Story
Future arts leader Lucia Walker hits all the high notes at O’Neill
Lucia Walker, BSAM’25, didn’t have to look far to find inspiration for her college journey. Growing up in Bloomington, surrounded by the arts, community service, and Indiana University’s vibrant energy, she found a natural home at the O’Neill School. She began her time at IU as a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, a highly competitive… Read more »
Connecting Communities with Capital, Alumna Stephanie (Sievers) Barrett Builds Meaningful Career in Affordable Housing Finance
When Stephanie Barrett, BSPA’94 graduated from Indiana University with a degree from what’s now the O’Neill School, she didn’t know her path would eventually lead to helping thousands of people find a safe, stable place to call home. But with a passion for community and a sharp eye for finance, she carved out a career… Read more »
Alumna Abby Henkel Roman, MAAA’10, to perform original choral piece with local ensemble
This weekend, local chamber choir Voces Novae will perform the Midwest premiere of Perigee, an original choral selection composed by O’Neill alumna Abby Henkel Roman, MAAA’10. The text of the piece is drawn from a poem by Abby’s friend and fellow soprano Mary Craig, written to honor the memory of Mary’s son, Simon. When Abby… Read more »
A Lifelong Learner: Robert Sarikas and His Journey Back to School at 76
When Robert (Zeke) Sarikas decided to return to school in his 70s, he wasn’t just pursuing a degree—he was chasing a new chapter in life. Enrolling in Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs to earn a Master of Environmental Sustainability (MES), Sarikas exemplifies the power of lifelong learning and the drive to… Read more »
From dreams to degrees: The inspiring journey of Alex Sanchez, first-generation college graduate
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… Read more »
Charting the green path: Kiryssa Kasprzyk’s journey from O’Neill to global leadership in climate policy and conservation
In a Zoom call, I had the pleasure of interviewing O’Neill alum Kiryssa Kasprzyk amidst a backdrop of lush tropical plants. I immediately resonated with her dedication to preserving tropical forests, seamlessly integrated into her urban life in D.C. On that brisk winter afternoon, the panoramic view of greenery, extending from floor to ceiling inside… Read more »
From Kathmandu to Everest: O’Neill School alumnus sheds light on Nepal’s environmental progress
Written by: Glenn Montgomery, MSES’77, entrepreneur In October 2023, Glenn Montgomery, MSES’77, and his fiancé, Marie, were married high in the majestic Himalayas along the world’s foremost trekking destination—Mt. Everest. O’Neill Dean Siân Mooney’s asked Montgomery to provide a few cultural and environmental observations of their trip among the Earth’s loftiest peaks. The borders of… Read more »
The true calling of Black History Month and Women’s History Month
Written by: Jori Mundy, MPA’15 This time of year is always special for me because it provides the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the groundbreaking achievements, undeniable resilience, and uncompromising fortitude of my ancestors and the instrumental individuals who created the many avenues of revolution we experience today. Their stories remind us that our call… Read more »
Aligning Passion with Education: Brandon Hough’s Inspiring Success Story
In the realm of conservation and environmental leadership, Brandon Hough, MPA’23, stands as a passionate advocate for biodiversity, driven by a commitment to leave the world in a better state for future generations. As the executive director of Homegrown National Park, Hough’s journey from a military background to his current role is an inspiring testament… Read more »