CUPPA Alumni

Moving tassel on grad cap

Learning doesn't end when you take off your cap and gown.

Part of getting a degree is knowing that there is more to know. You're on track and you're ready so keep up your connections and pay attention to what you need to know next.

That's where the CUPPA Alumni Association helps you. Founded in 1997 by a dedicated group of recent grads from Urban Planning and Public Administration, the CUPPA Alumni Association (CUPPA-AA) offers educational and career development opportunities to alumni, current students, and faculty. The group also organizes events and activities for the informal sharing and exchange of information and to encourage professional relationships. The CUPPA-AA strives to foster and strengthen relationships between alumni and the college.

We invite all alumni of UIC's Public Policy, Management and Analytics Department  and Urban Planning and Policy Department to join us!

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If you are interested in serving on the CUPPA alumni board, please complete this form and tell us a bit about yourself. Our board leadership will get in contact with you to discuss next steps. PLEASE NOTE: For the 2025 board election on Tuesday, May 13, please complete this application by 5 P.M. on Friday, May 9, 2025. Please contact us at uic.cuppa.aa@gmail.com with any questions.

The CUPPA alumni board includes between 15-20 leaders from a wide array of professional backgrounds and experiences. Membership is open to any CUPPA alumnus and voted on every two years at the May meeting. Each term lasts two years, and board members may be reappointed to a maximum of four consecutive terms.

Board members are expected to make an annual monetary contribution to CUPPA that is meaningful to them, attend at least three of the quarterly meetings each year, and engage in other ways such as actively participating in a committee, serving as a mentor to a current student, and attending alumni board events.

APPLY HERE

CUPPA Alumni: Update Your Information

Alumni Assn. Establishes CUPPA Last Mile Fund

The almost 3000 CUPPA alumni spread across the globe hold positions in non-profits; state, local and federal government; and for-profit organizations. Alumni are invited to join our LinkedIn group to see what our folks are doing.

Our Alumni Profile Series highlights the extraordinary efforts of our Public Administration and Urban Planning and Policy alumni to promote just, resilient, and livable communities. Check out the whole series on our Facebook page here.

  • Professional Title
  • Members of the CUPPA Alumni listerv must be graduates of CUPPA and are subject to the UIC Acceptable Use Policies. Membership on all CUPPA listservs is at the ongoing discretion of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs Office of the Dean.

As CUPPA Alumni board members, we provide students and fellow alumni with mentors, social events, resume and portfolio reviews, one on one career advice, networking and meet ups, and professional development. Our alumni even grill at the annual CUPPA Block Party on Peoria Street!

Michael McDermott  |  Alumni Board Past President and Member
Mike McDermott and Nicole Sims, board presidents

Serving as president of the CUPPA alumni board has given me opportunities to network with so many in our profession and to give back to current students. Mentors are key and I’m so glad I volunteered.

Nicole Sims  |  CUPPA Alumni Board President 2015-2017
Jun 2 2025

Masters Info Session for Public Policy, Public Admin, Data Analytics

Monday, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Virtual
Jun 6 2025

Overview of BNSF, UP, and CN, And the Freight Rail Industry’s Footprint in Chicago

Friday, 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
Jun 6 2025

Sparky’s Summer Kickoff

Friday, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm
SCE Millennium Lanes
Jun 19 2025

UIC Celebrates Juneteenth. Offices Closed, No Classes

Thursday, 12:00 am–11:59 pm
Jul 4 2025

Celebration of the July 4th Holiday. Offices Closed. No Classes.

Friday, 12:00 am–11:59 pm