Valedictorian: Abigail Evans, BA '23

Abigail Evans, BA '23

Name: Abigail Evans
Hometown: Burnt Hills, NY
Major: Public Policy & Management, Concentration in Gender, Race & Society
Minor: Mathematics
Awards: Department of Public Administration and Policy Valedictorian; First Penguin Undergraduate Research Award; Distinguished Undergraduate Achievement in Public Policy & Management Award


What activities were you involved in during your time at UAlbany?

During my undergraduate career, I was founder and president of Democracy Matters at UAlbany, a member of Dance Council, and a transfer student in the Tau Sigma Honors Society. As a Great Dane, I also interned at the Office of the New York State Attorney General, the Office of former Congressman Antonio Delgado, and EMILY’s List to gain an understanding of public service from multiple organizational points of view.

 

What were some highlight experiences of your undergraduate career?

Rockefeller College’s Semester in Washington Program was transformative. That chance to explore life in the epicenter of public policy showed me what I was made of, who I wanted to be, and how I could become that person.

 

What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

I am proud of my work with Democracy Matters at UAlbany. I began this student advocacy group as a newly transferred student in the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. Before setting foot on campus, I invited my peers to join the movement to expand voting rights and secure the integrity of elections. In my time as president, our numbers grew to become the largest DM chapter in the nation, and we made an impact as advocates for good governance. But I’m most proud of my fellow students—and dear friends—who took up the baton in my stead and continue to nurture this club into an empowering force for change.

 

What is next for you after graduation?

I will complete my Master of Public Administration at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, study abroad at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, and continue to build my career in public service.