Correctional experiences inspire Elite 50 recipient to work toward change

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Leslie Wells

Blaire Viehweg stands in Statehouse rotunda — O’Neill MSCJPS student Blaire Viehweg earns a spot among IUPUI’s Elite 50 graduate students.

Stepping into the world of criminal justice and corrections can be an eye-opening experience for some students. It’s often a world very different from their own—and for Blaire Viehweg, it was one in which she knew she could make an impact.

“I studied criminal justice as an undergraduate and found my passion for positive programming inside Indiana’s correctional facilities,” she says. “My experiences through classes and internships gave me a realistic perspective of the criminal justice system.”

After her undergrad experience, Blaire wanted to continue her education in the corrections field to deepen her knowledge and take on new challenges. Since beginning the program, she has done just that.

(more…)

O’Neill alumna returns to campus, earns spot among IUPUI’s Elite 50 graduate students

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Leslie Wells

Professional photo of IUPD Police Chief Jill Lees in her uniform, American flag behind. — O’Neill alumna, current MPA student, and IUPD Chief of Police Jill Lees earned a spot among IUPUI’s Elite 50 graduate students.

Jill Lees is no stranger to the O’Neill School or Indiana University. She has served as the Chief of Police at Indiana University in Bloomington for the past two years. She earned her Graduate Certificate in Public Management at O’Neill in 2006. She became a member of O’Neill’s Distinguished Alumni Council in 2020. And this year she will earn her Master of Public Affairs degree in Public Management from O’Neill IUPUI.

“It has been a long journey but worth every step on the way,” she says. “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

After earning her graduate certificate, Jill took time off to focus on her career in law enforcement and to raise her son. But she came back to finish what she started.

(more…)

Premiere 10 & Elite 50 recipient to become first in family to earn graduate degree

Posted on April 7, 2021 by Leslie Wells

Fabio Yataco stands in front of city seal for Indianapolis and flags — O’Neill MPA student Fabio Yataco named one of IUPUI’s Premiere 10 and Elite 50 graduate students.

Deciding whether to attend graduate school can be a complex process, filled with uncertainty. For Fabio Yataco, the idea of continuing his education toward a master’s degree was riddled with doubt.

“I initially second-guessed myself,” he admits. “I was unfamiliar with the application process, unsure of my ability, and unaware of how I would pay for school.”

He had worked in the public sector and wanted to stay in that space, but he knew he needed to expand his skills if he wanted to take a holistic approach in addressing issues in society. In the end, Fabio’s ambition and desire to grow were greater than the unknowns he faced.

“I wanted to challenge myself, broaden my horizons, and enhance my knowledge,” he says. “I chose to pursue my Master of Public Affairs in Public Management degree because I believed it would allow me to further develop my skills in strategizing, leading, and cross-sector collaboration.”

Fabio Yataco celebrates his graduation with his family and credits them for inspiring him to continue on to earn his master’s degree.

Yet Fabio says his decision to enter graduate school was also about making his family and community proud. He’s about to become the first in his family to earn a graduate degree. The importance of this achievement isn’t lost on him. In fact, he’s used it as motivation throughout his academic career.

“My goals and aspirations stem from the sacrifices of not only my parents but all who came before me,” he says. “They are the foundation upon my success and my motivation to break the chains of societal expectations. As a Latino and first-generation graduate student, I feel a sense of responsibility to take all that I have learned and use it to bring about much-needed change, to continue to pave the way for the generations to come, and to invest in others so they can do the same for someone else one day.”

(more…)

Elite 50 recipient shows dedication to nonprofit education

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Leslie Wells

Ali Emswiller stands in front of a fountain — O’Neill MPA student Ali Emswiller earns a spot among IUPUI’s Elite 50 graduate students.

O’Neill Master of Public Affairs student Ali Emswiller’s mantra hasn’t changed much during her time at IUPUI.

“There are many needs in this world,” she says. “I feel a personal responsibility to do all that I can to help meet those needs in the most effective way possible.”

Ali has always been interested in service organizations both for the help and hope they provide to those in need. She wants to be part of that. She joined IUPUI’s Jagathon dance marathon board, helping to raise record-setting donations for the patients and families at Riley Hospital for Children.

Ali says Jagathon helped her develop a passion for fundraising. During her final year of undergrad, she felt she was hitting her stride and didn’t want to quit. Instead, she wanted to take the next step toward a career in the nonprofit sector.

“I wanted to keep up the momentum and learn even more about what it means to be a leader in my chosen field,” she says. “I’ve always had a passion for learning, and I thought that pursuing a graduate degree would challenge me in new and meaningful ways.”

(more…)