Political Science Cyber Newsletter
Number 18 - March 8, 2004
Hi All. Somehow we’ve consumed two-thirds of another school year,
soon the war in Iraq will enter its 2 nd year, the nation is gearing
up for next Fall’s quadrennial Presidential election (and it looks
like that means eight months of campaign ads, fund raising, and
partisanship at an intensity level surpassing anything we’ve seen
in the past), and this marks the 18 th CyberNewsletter – i.e. I’ve
been doing this now for about six years. The common thread running
through all these benchmarks is that they prove that famous Latin/Western
U.S. saying, “tempus sure does fuget.”
Barring some truly earth-shakingly weird event, we now have our
two nominees (but can’t be sure of either V-P candidate). Given
the issues on the table (even if some are hiding beneath the table
cloth), the outcome will have long lasting results. One only need
briefly consider: foreign policy issues that will be dominated by
the Executive branch, court appointments and a host of key issues
involving fundamental Constitutional rights, and a panoply of legislative
domestic issues (such as health care, trade, environment, social
security, debt/taxation/spending, education, and corporate responsibilities),
to recognize that despite the checks and balances, despite the staying
power of the status quo, and despite all those things that can’t
be changed and those that could be but won’t be, and all the things
that won’t be directly affected, this election will matter. (How’s
that for a long sentence. Morgenthau would be proud – but not necessarily
Strunk and White.)
The early sparring over the two candidates’ Vietnam era records
and their relevance (or not) to questions of leadership and honesty,
suggests that Ole Doc Clemons will teach the Vietnam War class in
the Fall to a group of students already attuned to the continuing
resonance of this politically epochal event in our country’s past.
Anyway, I’m sure most of you are as ready as me for spring, so
I will keep this short and bring Winter Term to an official conclusion.
I didn’t hear from as many people this time (but got some great
updates), and fear my computer problems may have lost some addresses
and updates that came in before the crash. SO please pass this on
to anyone you stay in contact with and tell them that if they didn’t
get it, they should contact me and get back on the alumni list.
Those of you on the list, who didn’t send an update, should pledge
to do so for the next CyberNewsletter….Speaking of which, the late
May or early June post-graduation edition will be chock full of
news about the current students (and especially the seniors), so
I’m keeping this one focused on the alum’s. Enjoy.
[Editor’s Note: I’m going to begin and end with two students who
often were closer together than that. The first one is rather long,
in part because I wanted to leave it largely in its original and
enthusiastic format. It is an interesting and effective plug for
Americorp, just one of many interesting routes chosen by our alumni,
but a route chosen in the recent past by three of our alum’s, all
of whom have had a great experience.]
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WHO’S DOING WHAT (ALUMNI)
Morgan Tracey ’03 (Major) –
“I have been meaning to write and let you know of my adventures
and now I finally have a second and just in time for the much
anticipated CyberNewsletter. :) I'll do anything to get
a little plug out for this program, its awesome and more students
should definitely know about it.
“Anyways, I have been incredibly busy as usually. The best
news is I officially am a proud owner of a red card. Yep,
that’s right, I am a wildland forest firefighter. It’s crazy
but I learned everything from how to anticipate changing weather
patterns, to assembly of a chain saw and troubleshooting.
Oh yeah, and there is that pesky long, long hike carrying 50 pounds
of gear. It’s definitely worth it though, its hard work
but I'm seeing some incredible country.
“Jumping around.....my last project ( I have 5) was in Blythe,
CA and I was building low income houses for migrant workers.
I learned lots of Spanish and so much about the culture.
I had the opportunity to work in the fields with the workers.
Those people work 16 hour days and work everyday for 6 months.
They live in vans, or in parks, its incredible. I meant
to thank you for all the Cesar Chavez knowledge. I actually
met his right hand man from back in the day when I was working
in Southern California and got some good connections. He
was really interesting and impressed with my knowledge. The
area was sculpted by Chavez and it was so interesting to understand his
movement and how it’s represented today.
“Anyways, now I am in Astoria, Oregon and it’s the most beautiful
place I have ever been. I love it here. I work for
a community action group who is an umbrella organization for so
many nonprofit organizations. Last week I worked in a women’s
shelter and spent the week teaching a 42 year old women how to
do just normal everyday things, like making coffee. Her
husband had locked her in the basement for a year along with constant
physical and mental abuse. The days are long and hard but
experiences like that make it all worthwhile.
“As for next year I applied to law school and am waiting.
I also applied for a position after I am done with Americorps
in July, with the forest service as a hot shot on a fire
team .... So who knows where the wind or fire rather will take
me. I am currently working on my peace corp application
so…. I am learning more in the program than I ever
thought possible. Not just skills like firefighting or carpentry
but about non profits, the environment, the poor, the hungry,
the country, politics and a whole lot about myself. It’s
so neat to see in real life all that I learned in those text books.
I finally see the bigger picture. I would recommend Americorps
to any Mercyhurst student, it’s by far not a blow off year but
truly the toughest yet most rewarding thing I have ever done.
“On a more personal front, I am doing my first marathon in San
Francisco on August 1st, wish me luck. Now I am off to Phoenix,
Arizona to file tax forms for low income families. Should
be interesting.”
Elizabeth Kolojek ‘00 (Double Major) – for some
reason sent her “Sympathies to the students currently suffering
through blue books.” Liz commented that “Despite the claim that
‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’ blue books will never
be fun. In fact, the memory of them still haunts me. My writing
hand even starts to cramp with the thought. Just kidding J ” [Ed.
Note: She wasn’t the only student to hide her envy beneath a table
cloth of clearly insincere bad memories…But I digress.] Late last
year, Liz accepted an offer for a job at the State Department as
a Foreign Affairs Analyst. She started in January and reports
that she is really enjoying it. It’s a civil service position that
she reports is exciting and feels like a great fit. She notes that,
“There are so many more opportunities for me at State than there
were at ExxonMobil. I will be in the A-100 course for a few months
before I actually get to a desk. I feel like I am much more in
my element here. It makes it so much easier to get up for work
in the morning when I don’t feel like I’m going against the grain.
So, I’m back in Washington!”[Ed. Note: DC is where she earned
her Masters and is also closer to family. Since Barb Deleo
’97 (Major) works at State too, perhaps Liz can ask her
why she didn’t send an update?]
Karen Petho ‘99 (Major) – is using her Environmental
Studies and Politics degree. Karen is working for Lockheed Martin
as a contractor at the Federal Aviation Administration and is a
member of their Environmental and Safety team. She is primarily
involved in site investigations and environmental compliance work.
Karen notes that, “I have been using the policy analysis skills
I learned at Mercyhurst to create a Lead Management Program. This
is the first time I have been involved in worker safety issues and
it has given me a chance to do policy research which is great. I
have also started to take classes at Tufts University in the Urban
and Environmental Policy and Planning program. The program is
very broad and will allow me to explore a few different career paths.”
She has also been volunteering with Mass Audubon at a farm/nature
preserve they own right outside of Boston, getting to enjoy a beautiful
spot and learning a lot about the wildlife in the area. Speaking
of presidential elections, Karen and Sarah Lelle may volunteer to
work at the Democratic National Convention. Finally, since it is
a long three months until the Summer Reading List is published,
I’ll pass on her book recommendation. Karen recommends Don't
Let’s go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller, calling it
“one of the best books I have read in a long time” and describing
it as “a tragic but amazing story.”
Sarah Lelle ‘00 (Major) – recently graduated from
Boston College Law School and is now looking for a job. She’s hoping
to eventually work at the DA's office here in Boston. In the meantime,
she reports that she is training for the Boston Marathon in April.
[Ed. Note: I don’t care how many alums start doing marathons, I’m
sticking with half-marathons. That’s crazy enough.]
Chris Ferratella ’02 (Major) – in his own words
“I'm still here at UB Law School. It's hard to believe I'm already
more than half way done. (I thought my time at the 'Hurst went fast)
In addition to classes, I've been keeping busy by starting a chapter
of the Federalist Society on campus as well as looking for a summer
job. Outside of school, I am getting ready to go to North Carolina
next week for spring break in the hopes of finding warmer temperatures
and some sunshine.”
Jen Krause “02 (Minor) – will be back in Erie
this summer, working as an intern at MacDonald, Illig, Jones &
Britton, LLP, on State Street. She’s anxious to practice all the
different types of law they do, (and by reputation they have a wonderful
intern program). Out in CA, she’s still externing at the Yolo County
Public Defender Office. Now in her second year at UC-Davis, she
has begun to practice in misdemeanor court with her own clients,
and is loving it and learning. Jen discussed plans for a Kings game
and a Metallica concert, so she isn’t spending all her time doing
homework on federal income tax law.
Ed McIntyre ‘98 (Major) – is still practicing
law in Venango County (and the surrounding counties) and coaching
basketball at St. Stephen School in Oil City, PA. I’m happy to say
I have an upcoming lunch date with Ed.
Rob Vescio ‘96 (Major) – just accepted an exciting
new position with
the Pittsburgh based law firm of Tucker Arensberg as their first
non-lawyer
lobbyist. The firm has partnered with Rob to create a lobbying
division
within the firm. This venture will increase the firm’s visibility
among government officials and allow Rob to run a lobbying division
with the backing of a respected law firm. He’s also on track for
an October wedding date and just adopted a dog from the SPCA (part
shepherd, part lab). In sum, Rob’s found a way to be in both the
private sector and politics, and for the first time since graduation
won’t have a job hinging upon election results.
Casey (CJ) Kilroy ’03 (Major) – is still a part
of Mercyworld serving as Advisor to the Mercyhurst College Ambassador
Club and in May she will become not only officially a double-major,
but the first, last and only student to receive a Musical Theatre
degree from Mercyhurst. Casey recently spent the day at Asbury Elementary
School presenting two programs for the 4 th grade classes. One was
"What is a Democrat versus a Republican" and the other
was "How our government works.” She worked on this project
for about 60 students in collaboration with one of the top aides
from Phil English's office and called it a fun day. Casey is currently
appearing in another Erie Playhouse production ("The Pajama
Game" in the supporting role of Poopsie!). This famous play
(set in the 50s) is about workers at the Sleep Tite pajama factory
and their union's battle for a 7 1/2 cent raise. Thus proving that
CJ can't get away from politics - even on the stage!
Billy Byrnes ‘02 (Double Major) – cruelly pointed
out that “Spring is here. The blossoms in California have birthed
and they make the air smell like fresh potpourri.” Spring term classes
will finish his course work at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley,
making way (and time) for the thesis project and a projected graduation
a year from May. After that, his future depends upon decisions
he hasn’t yet made, involving options such as teaching, volunteering,
more school, or...Billy reports he is “looking forward to what ever
I do.” Nice to see the old carpe diem spirit lives on after the
‘Hurst.
Rich Johns ’03 (Major) – has found his time at
Duquesne University to be exciting. Rich reports that he is
doing very well, and it is obvious that he is beginning to shine
there since he was asked to moderate an upcoming March program where
the department is holding a first annual conference on Public Policy
and Conflict Resolution. Rich says he didn’t so much accept because
it was an honor, as for the free hot meal. J
Tammy (Duke) Connelly (ck) ‘00 (Major) – kept
her update to informing me that her sister would be a victim this
spring, er, enrolled this spring, in Geopolitics class. She’s looking
forward to having a sibling simulating and hoping I’m stimulating,
so her recommendation doesn’t look bad. [Ed. Note: I’ll try not
to disappoint. Actually this will be two terms in a row of little
sisters of alums, as Laurie Weaver’s ’03 sister was in Geo in Winter
term. By the way, siblings are fine to send our way, we have a fine
tradition of that. Start sending me your children though, and it
will freak ME out.]
Jo Ann Hanes ’03 (Major) – is back at the ‘Hurst
after deciding she wanted to teach high school. She started classes
this Winter, will continue part time this spring, and be ready to
student teach next spring.
Emily Howard ’03 (Major) -- has revised plans
again and has moved to Boston. She is presently working at P.F.Chang's
in the Theatre District in downtown and just getting hooked up with
Halley House and an alternative newspaper, whatsupmagazine.org.
Halley House is comparable to Dorothy Day except more people with
addiction vacate the premises. She staying in East Boston
(go Eastie!!), riding the T to work everyday, and interested in
finding a job that combines doing good, with a paycheck you can
live on. (They do exist!) She’s also looking into graduate school
in Boston.
Gina Giachetti ’93 (Major) – our favorite DEA
Special Agent, reports that w ork has been extremely busy. She is
“nearing the end of a three year investigation where we have traced
the drug supply line directly to its members in Mexico (imagine
that?). As a result I have been doing quite a bit of traveling but
missing my six month old in the process.” The new Mom reports that
other than work and taking care of the little one, there’s not much
else “new at the Double G Ranch except that I started a small business
at home boarding and caring for other peoples’ horses. So far we
have two other horses and hope to expand this summer.”
Mike Jones ‘01 (Minor) – sent this interesting
update. Nice to see him using that Masters in Journalism. I’ll let
Mike tell his story: “I've been meaning to send in an update for
some time, rather than living vicariously through other alumni.
(though if any alumni have become millionaires, I'll gladly live
vicariously through them!) In a nutshell, I've spent the past two
years working in both faith and politics, and often times a combination
of both. Before his death, I had the awesome privilege of working
on Senator Paul Wellstone's 2002 re-election campaign in Minnesota.
It was a great experience for me, and the time I spent working
with Paul (and the campaign staff) was some of the most rewarding
work I've ever done. Now I'm working at Pax Christi USA, a Catholic
peace and justice organization, doing public relations, editing
their newsmagazine, and managing their Web site, among other things.
I've also had the opportunity to travel a bit with Pax Christi,
including on a human rights delegation to Venezuela last month,
where we were invited to appear on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's
weekly television show, "Alo Presidente." It was interesting,
to say the least, but one good piece of news (depending on your
political orientation, I suppose) is that the Chavez government
agreed after our meeting to reconsider whether it will send any
more Venezuelan soldiers to the Western Hemispheric Institute for
Security Cooperation (formerly the School of the Americas). Baby
steps to world peace, perhaps!” [Ed. Note: Dave Robinson
’84 is the CEO of this national NGO.]
Rich Wagner ’96 (Major) -- has completed the
transition from New York City back to Washington, DC. Rich joined
CommCore Consulting - a crisis communications firm. Rich explains
that, “CommCore was the primary communications groups for Health
Canada during the SARS outbreak in Canada and is currently advising
the Catholic Church (on matters relating to the sex scandals, etc.).
CommCore was the primary advisor to Johnson & Johnson during
the Tylenol crises and worked with NASA in the recent space shuttle
accident. In addition to working on crisis "stuff",
we coach CEO’s and other senior staff on media interactions and
investor-related presentations (including some witness testimony
on the Hill).” Rich’s title is Director of Marketing, meaning he
is largely responsible for marketing the firm, authoring communications
plans for clients, managing accounts, and (as he put it) “yawn
- other really exciting stuff.” More exciting news from Rich’s perspective
is that he and his wife Lisa (married in November – Congrats!) bought
a house in Silver Spring, MD...a suburb of DC. After having his
car stolen (twice) he decided the city life was not much fun. However,
his morning commute (walking) now takes him about 10 minutes and
after he moves estimates it will probably take him an hour...
Brooke Emmerick ‘01 (Major) – decided teaching
was not really what she wanted to do, so she returned to DC and
is “happy as a clam” “to be back in my city!” Brooke is back with
The Progress & Freedom Foundation (and since they wanted her
back she even got a raise and promotion out of leaving them temporarily).
She’s now their Special Events and Publishing Coordinator, which
worked out well for her since those responsibilities were the parts
of her job she liked most.
Kristen Brown ’03 (Contract Major) – is now less
than four months from completing her MPA degree at Maxwell. [Ed.
Note: that reminds me, it has been a while since I’ve heard from
Stacey Tate ‘02 ] Like President Bush, she’s hoping
the economy rebounds, and is in hot pursuit of a job. Besides taking
classes she’s interning for the Manufacturers Assoc. of Central
New York, doing grant writing, program implementation, surveys,
and other things for them.
Jen (Kraus) Bach ‘94 Ck (Major) – was another
one who responded not only to my plea, but also to my bluebook comment.
Having recently moved she found some not long ago. She enjoyed reading
her answers in “the dreaded bluebooks” but used them as kindling
in her new fireplace L . Jen is still loving her job at the American
Cancer Society, keeping busy with the many programs and services
they provide. Congrats are also in order now that she has
officially graduated (a Masters in Public Administration).
Kari Wells ‘99 (Major) – will be graduating in
May with an MA in Political History from the University of Maine
and plans to begin their Ph.D. program in the fall. Kari’s thesis
is entitled War of Words: The Case of Sheck v. Baileyville School
Committee. She noted that her constitutional law classes at Mercyhurst
(Thanks Dr. Federici!) have been helpful as she formulated her thoughts
about the case. Kari will soon be traveling to Washington D.C. for
some last minute research at the Library of Congress. There she
will be “elbow deep in the ACLU archives” and is “looking forward
to every minute of it!” [Ed. Note: Yup, that’s the poli sci spirit
I like to see.]
Bill Melville ‘99 (Minor) – is working as an editor
now. Bill reports (can editors still report?) that he is “writing
little except columns on city budgets in peril for the near future.
But at least Columbus is not in Cleveland's position yet.” Although
it is now “old news” Bill did write a story on John Edwards' campaign
stop at Ohio State University. He found him both hopeful and engaging.
And, “quite a speaker. “Two Americas” went over well with the 1,000
people who came out to see him. Kerry was here 2 days prior, so
we put together a nice package on the presidential candidates visiting
with the locals”. Actually, Bill’s changed my job a bit ---editors
typically don't write--- to punch up the amount of political writing
they have in their papers.
Sara Seidle ’02 (Contract Major) – left her job
working as a reporter for her hometown newspaper (Clarion) and started
law school at Duquesne this fall. She sent this message some time
ago, but the editor of this Newsletter lost it temporarily. Here’s
her interesting note of particular interest to current students
contemplating law school:
“And, with finals only a week away, things are quite tense. But,
I have to say that Mercyhurst prepared me well. I feel like many
of my political science classes, especially all those cases I
briefed for Dr. Federici's classes, have given me somewhat of
an edge over many of my fellow students. Although, I have to say
that nothing really completely prepares one for the law school
experience, having been exposed to some basic legal concepts and
legal reasoning in college does help. The whole process of learning
the law still feels like learning a foreign language when you
start out though.…I am happy that I took a year off before starting
law school though. My advice to anyone thinking about law school,
but not 100% sure that's what they want to do, take time off,
away from school, to think about it. Having done so, I can say
that I was much more disciplined and enthusiastic about law school
than I would have been if I would have started directly after
graduating from Mercyhurst. From my experience so far, law school
is not like college and can't be treated like college, but should
be approached more like a job. I've noticed some of my fellow
students here at Duquesne, coming directly from college, have
had a tough time adjusting to that fact….Please tell any Mercyhurst
students thinking about law school at Duquesne, or law school
in general, to feel free to e-mail me with any questions. I'd
be more than happy to share my thoughts with them.”
Melissa Poliseno ’03 (Major) -- also pretended
she’s not missing finals…
She noted though that as of 2/26, it is only 162 days until her
wedding, and that she has been accepted into Law School at Western
Michigan and Dayton (and is still waiting to hear from five other
schools). She also bought her first new car - a midnight blue
Jeep Liberty, making her officially part of the “Jeep Family” [Ed.
Note: Gotta love advertising!] Melissa is still working at her old
high school as the In-School Suspension Teacher, and she says “me
and my pipes are laying the law down.” She noted that at least she
may be “picking up potential clients for the future.” She’s still
coaching and working for her town recreational department, and is
also heading up a soccer clinic for all of Western New York. Melissa
notes, “it will be a bit of a challenge, but a lot of fun. I really
feel like I am making an impact on a lot of children’s lives through
these programs.”
DEPARTMENTAL NEWS:
The faculty updates will provide some dept news, but I wanted to
mention that things are humming along. For example, we had two Ad
Hocs in Winter Term, the last one featuring Dr. Kozak from Gannon
talking about the Road to the White House in 2004 and the first
one, ably led by Dr. Gerry Tobin, focused on issues of Jungian psychology/mental
health/perception and politics. We also had the Christmas party
at Dr. Federici’s house (pictures on the departmental web site),
and Dr. Clemons – unable to say no to a couple of our Honors students
– watched The Life of David Gale with a bunch of honors
students and then facilitated an enjoyable discussion of the death
penalty afterwards. Some of you may also have noticed the nice story
in the Mercyhurst Today alumni magazine about Senior Joe Delgado’s
accomplishments and honors. We are also pleased that this Spring
term, Atty. Chad M. Templin will be offering our Environmental Law
course. Although not really connected to our department, it also
seems worth noting two politically oriented speakers coming to campus
this Spring. April 19 th the college will welcome the shy and retiring
James Carville. A month earlier, March 16 th , Kevin Phillips is
speaking.
FACULTY NEWS:
Dr. Federici recently resubmitted his application
to the U.S. Department of Education for a Teaching American History
Grant. Applicants are notified in June. Dr. Federici has also
accepted an invitation to write a chapter in a political economy
book/reader. His chapter is on the economist Wilhelm Roepke and
will include an essay and selections from Roepke’s works.
Dr. Morris is teaching three courses this term:
two sections of American Government and one section of American
Political Parties and Interest Groups. He recently served as the
moderator for two panel discussions organized by the Erie Regional
Chamber and Growth Partnership. The panelists, which included
Mayor Rick Filippi and County Executive Rick Schenker, made presentations
on cooperation and conflict between Erie City and County government.
Dr. Morris is preparing for two presentations he will make this
spring. The first presentation will address environmental policymaking
in the Allegheny National Forest, while the second concerns the
politics of same sex marriage.
Dr. Ripley has returned from his sabbatical and
is happy to be back in the classroom. He is offering a new course
in Comparative European politics. He will also be serving once again
as a member of the Honors College selection committee. Dr. Ripley
and members of the Model UN team are excited about upcoming events
including a planned scrimmage at the College of Wooster (Ohio) in
March and a trip to New York in April for the National
Model UN conference, where Mercyhurst will proudly represent the
republic of Kyrgyzstan. Finally, after a twenty year hiatus, Dr.
Ripley “has returned to playing the tenor saxophone (but, thankfully,
out of earshot of the Mercyhurst campus)!”
Dr. Clemons is more jealous that Dr. Ripley has
returned to playing the saxophone, than that he had a sabbatical.
He traveled out West recently, to lead a 1 credit International
Studies Simulation Course, then traveled to Portland, Oregon for
the Western Political Science Association meeting. He was a discussant
on one panel (the focus is Foreign Intervention and paper topics
– 3 of the 4 involve solid social science quantitative research
-- range from Plan Columbia to the connection between foreign aid
and democratization, and from questions involving the duration of
occupations to the connections between state strength and terrorism).
He also presented a paper on a panel focused on Theoretical and
Methodological Issues in Foreign Policy. The paper addresses combining
the “new” tool of narrative analysis with the venerable “old” tool
of the case method. Oh yeah, and he helped prepare St. Joe’s for
their title run (according to rumor).
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