The SPP POLIgraph: Learning the Truth about Alison M. White, SPP Alumni Chapter President

The SPP POLIgraph is a brief interview that reveals the “truths” about a School of Public Policy (SPP) faculty or staff member, student, or alumnus.

As president of the SPP Alumni Chapter, what are you most excited about in the coming year for the chapter? We’re trying to kick things up a notch! We want to provide even more opportunities for alumni to connect with their favorite faculty members, the Arlington Campus, and current students, and, of course, to demonstrate their continuing support for the school. First, we’re going to sponsor a number of Meet the Author gatherings. At each, SPP faculty members who’ve recently published will speak about their work, sign books, and generally celebrate their accomplishment with alumni, students, and fellow faculty members. Food and drink from local Arlington restaurants will be provided.

Dean Haynes, SPP Alumni President Alison White, and Faculty Advisor Delio Gianturco

Our annual signature event will be as fancy as it sounds. We’re planning for a December affair, and as always, we’re committed to developing an evening of superior conversation about an important and timely issue, served with fine wine and dinner. This year, we’re hoping that our topic and speakers generate interest not only for our alumni, faculty, and students, but for the Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia business community, as well.

Which SPP program were you enrolled in, and what is one of your favorite memories from that time?

I received an MPP in 2005, with a concentration in international telecommunications and e-commerce. The highlight of my Mason experience was a three-week trip to India in January 2004. I was enthralled by the culture, stunned by the poverty, and truly enriched by the lectures about India’s economy and future. My final paper for the trip was an analysis of India’s public broadcasting system (the largest in the world) and how it might stay relevant as India enters the modern media fray.

How has your SPP experience entered into your professional life?

I have been employed in public broadcasting for most of my adult life, beginning as a work-study student at New Hampshire Public Television/UNH. At midcareer, I found myself at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], which does not make policy but implements it by distributing an annual federal appropriation to various producers, public stations, and technology innovators. I continued to work part time at CPB while I attended Mason full time, and I would honestly say that during every single night of class, I found some kind of connection between what I was learning and what I was doing every day. I have often told friends that attending grad school when you’re mid way through life is a powerful thing; it’s almost as though everything you’ve done and learned before comes together into a cohesive structure in your head. I now work in a more analytical role at CPB, helping us make our investments more effectively and efficiently.

Why do you encourage SPP alumni to get involved, and how do you think the SPP Alumni Chapter could be even more active?

There are many reasons for alumni to get involved and stay involved. First, supporting a treasured institution like SPP is a way to express your own values. I think most alumni are very proud of SPP and Mason in general. It simply feels good to stay connected to a school that offers so much to its students.

Second, active alumni are a part of a thriving school. The positive things alumni do reflect well on the school, and conversely, when the school excels, alumni are served. To be blunt, our degrees become more valuable.

What is one thing that we might be surprised to know about the SPP Alumni Chapter and about you?

First, our chapter, although young, is considered by the Alumni Association to be a very strong group—self-supporting, active, and on-target. About me? Perhaps it’s not so surprising, but my long career in public broadcasting has made me unabashed about seeking support for a worthy cause.

Because SPP and Mason in general have a diverse student body from around the world, what is one place you enjoyed visiting and one place you’d like to visit?
 
As I mentioned earlier, my trip to India was wonderful, and I have Mason to thank for it. This summer I traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, and Tallinn, Estonia. If SPP hasn’t planned a trip to Estonia yet, we need to! Very beautiful, and an economic success story.

I understand the president of the SPP Alumni Chapter only serves one year. What would you like to accomplish this year?

I’d like to build on the groundwork laid by previous chapter leaders, such as Ozge Koray and Kate Trygstad, and increase the chapter’s capacity to get things done. It’s not easy because we are all volunteers, but if we can structure our activities well and widen the net of helpful alumni, I think we can make this year a great success.