Albertus Magnus College students gain opportunities to bring their knowledge from the classroom to the community. Cecilio Vega, who is earning his Master of Public Administration Degree at Albertus, was chosen to speak about the effects of gun violence in underserved communities in early December of 2021.
“I spoke at the Annual Vigil for Gun Violence in front of the White House side by side with survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, survivors of the mass school shooting in California, and many other advocates against gun violence from all around the country. Also present were Kristin and Michael Song to push for the legislation Ethan’s Law to get passed nationally, which has already been passed in Connecticut. This law requires all gun owners in the state to store their guns safely. It was sought out by the couple after their 15-year-old son, Ethan Song, was shot and killed in 2018 while handling a pistol at a neighbor’s house. Politicians including US Senator Richard Blumenthal, US Senator Chris Murphy, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Representative Jahana Hayes, and many others gave speeches as well.”
-Cecilio Vega, Albertus Magnus College MPA Student
“The Albertus MPA program is designed to keep students engaged in current policy issues by providing them with an in-depth understanding of the public policy-making process while equipping them with the tools to participate in this process as citizens, advocates, and members of the global workforce within their specific careers.”
-Dr. Patricia Birungi, Master of Public Administration Program Director
Cecilio’s trip was sponsored by Mrs. Po Murray, Chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance & Newtown Action Alliance Foundation.
Are you interested in making a difference in the public policy-making process? Learn more about the opportunities within our MPA program here.