In September, Baruch’s Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs invited alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to celebrate its 30th anniversary and bright future. Guests enjoyed a buffet of international food, while a lively Mariachi band provided musical accompaniment. Seven Marxe alumni were recognized as “alumni stars” at the event in honor of their exceptional commitment to public service.
Honorees:
• John H. Banks III (EMPA ’92), who has a long history in public service, serving as chief of staff and deputy director of finance for the New York City Council.
• Claudia Huerta (MIA ’19), who currently serves as the senior manager of diplomacy and campaigns at C40 Cities, which is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities united to confront the climate crisis.
• Allison Sesso (MPA ’04), who has served as president and CEO of Undue Medical Debt since January 2020. Undue Medical Debt is a national nonprofit whose purpose is to strengthen communities by erasing financially burdensome medical debt for individuals and families.
• Melanie Ho (’15) started her career at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability as an Urban Fellow helping to author New York City’s Roadmap to 80×50, a comprehensive strategy that addresses how New York City can meet its aggressive goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050.
• Stephen J. Jerome (MSEd ’01) served as president of Monroe University for 39 years. After stepping down, Stephen became THREE DECADES OF IMPACT chairman of the board and president of the Monroe Foundation, which provides tuition assistance to qualified students, especially the underserved and veterans.
• Denise Pease (MPA ’83) currently serves in the Biden Administration as an appointee to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans. The commission’s mission is to work with the Secretary of Education to identify and raise awareness and support for educational initiatives that address disparities faced by Black Americans.
• Michael Lewan (’72), founder of the New Democratic Coalition, is considered one of the architects of the moderate, business-oriented wing of the Democratic Party. Here’s to the next 30 years of impact at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs!
— Jason Epstein