Political Science CyberNewsletter
Number 14 - December 6, 2002
Okay. My ideal goal was the 2nd, my artificial deadline was the
6th, and it is now the 7th. Given the viscitudes of life, the
realities of the term system, and some other rationalizations I
couldn't bring myself to include, getting this out now isn't that
bad. Plus, there are home basketball games today, so I have an incentive
to finish this up. After working at it off and on for a week completing
it will feel like a slam dunk. (Ed. Note - we lost both the Men's
and the Women's game. On the heels of the Men's Soccer team's tough
loss in the national semi-finals -- they played a man short for
almost the whole game and lost 2-1 -- it has been a tough weekend
for sports at the Hurst.)
The highlight of the fall, in many ways, was homecoming. Our first
annual Political Science get-together of alumni and current majors
was a great beginning for a new tradition. Approximately a dozen
alumni were able to make it (and many sent regrets and promises
to try to make it next year). I failed, at the time, to record exactly
who attended so if I leave anyone out please forgive the error.
Among those who showed up and shared insights, job and internship
information and opportunities, etc. with the current students were
the following alumni. Jen Kraus-Bach '94, Harley Ellenberger '97,
Chris Ferratella '02, Jule Gardner '95, Jessi Gentile '99, Sandra
Grance '02, Karen Petho '99, Brad Rybczynski '97, Stacey Tate '02,
Lexi Toy '02, and Perry Wood '01. This group alone represented five
people working directly in electoral politics (for the governor,
for a state legislator, for a county legislature in New York, for
the Mayor, and for a firm that monitors media campaign ads). One
is in graduate school and one in law school. Two work in fields
(journalism and analysis) that directly utilize their political
science backgrounds, and one works in business, and another just
finished a year working with Americorp -- primarily in the environmental
realm.
As you can see, even this small sampling of alumni provided a nice
mix representing the different paths people have chosen. I also
utilized those of you who were unable to attend, but sent regrets,
by reading a few excerpts from comments you sent and listing the
various paths you've chosen. That list of paths included one working
for a U.S. congressman, three working at DC think tanks, five more
in graduate school, two more in law school, another journalist,
an Americorp- VISTA volunteer, a couple working for the federal
government, one being a full-time Mom, and more....but I don't want
this to grow too long. The point is that those in attendance had
their horizons broadened, learned of specific opportunities, and
got to meet a slice of what has become a very impressive group of
alumni doing well and doing good.
A successful Fall term ended, highlighted by: a new research course
developed by Dr. Morris; another group of students humping their
way through my Vietnam War course; a large batch of Seniors writing
political memoirs -- while simultaneously facing the future (and
writing their own obituaries) under Dr. Ripley's tutelage of our
capstone course; and another section of Political Theory with
Dr. Federici concluded without a single fatality. Thanksgiving came
and went, Winter Term began, you only have 17 days left to purchase
my gifts, and 2003 will soon smack us in the face. I wish us all
a reflective December, and, in the spirit of the word shalom, a
year of both inner and global peace.
P.S. the listing of alumni below will be in random order. It is
the product of the much appreciated responses of busy alums willing
to take the time to crank out an update and the willingness to let
me share most of it with others. A sincere and large THANKS to all
of you. In fact, this time I have information on so many alumni,
that I'm basically going to skip talking about what the current
students are doing.
WHO'S DOING WHAT (Alumni):
Jill Bucceri '00 (Major) - Has been working for Congressman James
Maloney, but is now looking for work since he did not win reelection.
(Editor's note: this last election gave you all a chance to dredge
up knowledge and discuss the census, redistricting, gerrymandering,
etc. I hope your children, family, friends, co-workers, and significant
others were suitably impressed. Nonetheless, one of the realities
of work in direct politics is that long term employment
is rarely with the same employer.)
Ed McIntyre '98 (Major)- Recently started his legal career at the
Law Offices of Diane E. Hasek in Seneca, PA, where he's
practicing general law (real estate, wills and estates, domestic/family
law, bankruptcy, etc.). He also continues to coach the St. Stephen
School 7th & 8th grade basketball team (off to a 2-1 start).
Stacey Tate '02 (Major) - Is in graduate school in the Maxwell School
(Syracuse). This program is the number one rated program in the
country. Her class is comprised of 133 students from all over the
world, including 35 international students from about fifteen different
countries. Most of the American students are from all
over the United States with only four from Pennsylvania. It
is a very diverse group of students. Some of the other students
already have a master degree or a Ph.D. There are only
about 30 straight from undergrad... the rest of the class has work
experience. Many of the students have worked in D.C.
for Congressmen, think tanks, or nonprofits. Everyone
has something to bring to the table and that in itself is a learning
experience! She took 7 credits this summer (got all A's). Also,
(sorry if I embarrass you Stacey) she took a math placement exam
and was one of 8 out of the 133 who scored a perfect test....Since
she is surrounded by students from Princeton, Dartmouth, Cornell,
and Yale, this was a nice feat. Now, let's hear Stacey describe
life so far:
"After the first week I began a three week/three credit course
entitled Public Budgeting. This was an intense three weeks with
my first taste or group work in graduate school. I have
never been a big fan of group work so I was a little nervous about
working with three others. We had several projects over
the three weeks which involved working with the group. My group
had difficulty because we all had different backgrounds and understanding
of how to go about doing memos, papers, problems, and so forth. The
major project for this class was to set up a budget for a local
daycare. For this project our group of four was separated
into two groups of two. My partner was from Mexico and
we had a heck of a time communicating!!! His English was not too
good, and I know as much as "hola" and "gracias"
in Spanish. This project took us about 30 hours outside
of class. Now, if you would have told me that I would
have a 30 hour project outside of class, other group projects, and
class readings and lectures at the same time in a three week period
before I came to graduate school, I probably would NOT have come!!!
Now I understand that that is the norm here. 12 hours
days at Maxwell is a given and sometimes is a blessing compared
to the 15 and 16 hour days! ... My next class, also
three week/three credit, was entitled Public Administration and
Democracy. Dr. Clemons might like this one the best because it basically
was a three week simulation. The class was set up that
we had lecture in the morning for two hours then the rest of the
day for simulation. If you think about it, there was
no stopping the simulation for the three weeks so it was an intense,
sometimes evil, exhausting experience. The way it was
set up is that the entire class (all 133) were divided up among
the US House (26), the Senate (23), the Executive Branch (20), private
lobbying groups (21), public lobbying groups (21), and the media
(12). I was the deputy director of the OMB. This
was a great position for my because my concentration here is budgeting
and finance. I had a ton of work to do but it was really
fun! The Executive Branch had "power cards"
and money that we could reward congressman with in favor of supporting
a piece of legislation. The whole simulation revolved
around economic stimulus, homeland security, and civil liberties. We
had to research the current plans and make our proposals. The
OMB director and I had to formulate the White House supported economic
stimulus package. I learned more about corporate and personal taxes
that I ever wanted to know!!!! It was very interesting
though. Anyway, the simulation went through presidential
addresses, campaigning by congressmen, committee hearings, floor
debates, conference committee, and then to the president to sign
or veto the proposals. The class collectively came up
with about 150 pieces of legislation with only about 25 pieces making
it to the end. The whole process was incredibly informative
and much better than just learning the process in a text or from
a lecture." Her Fall term will be 15 credits. Public Organizations
and Management (doing actual consulting work for organizations around
the Syracuse area), Intro to Statistics, Managerial Economics and
Public Administration, and Financial Management in State and Local
Governments. Each class is 3 credits and she has an internship
with the Bureau of Research for the City of Syracuse
for 3 credits. Stacey concluded: "Overall, Maxwell has been
a great experience so far. It has also made me appreciate the work
that I did in undergrad... One major piece of advice has stuck with
me from freshman year first term. Freshman year, first
term, I had Dr. Federici for Honors American Government. Dr.
Federici, I don't know if you remember this or not but you said
something like, "don't make absolute judgments about something
unless you know every detail and both sides of the story. Keep
learning as much as you can so you can make informed opinions."...
I appreciate this great advice along with every other piece of advice
that the poli sci department has given me throughout the years."
Ann Bula '00 (Major) - Sent me information on The Heritage
Foundation's Internship Program and Job Bank. Ann is the Internship
Coordinator for The Heritage Foundation. (Thanks for the information
Ann, one of the goals of the CyberNewsletter was to help alums and
current students network. Several other alumni have also let us
know of possible intern and employment opportunities. Thanks to
all.)
Kari Wells '99 (Major) - Is working as the Reunion Giving Officer
for the University of Maine's Alumni Association while working on
her Master's in Political History. I had the pleasure of talking
with her on the phone this fall (about her thesis and dealing with
dissertation advisor's on sabbatical).
Jennifer Kraus-Bach '94 (Major) - Is also looking for a new work
situation, since Governor Ridge left to become the Homeland Security
Director and his replacement not only didn't run for office, but
will also be replaced by a Democrat. She is also nearing the end
of her MPA program.
Gina Giachetti '93 (Major) - Has been balancing her career as a
Special Agent with the DEA, graduate school, and her new equine
pursuit "gymakan horse racing." She recently went to Fresno,
CA to receive her silver buckle for qualifying in her division on
the California Gymkana Circuit.
Jennifer Krause '02 (Minor) - Is in her last week of classes before
two weeks of finals in law school at UC Davis. She reports that
she is liking both law school and Davis, but that California has
been a little tougher to get used to. She finds it "VERY different
than Erie" where she grew up. She notes that "there
is so much to do and so many things to get distracted by; it's easy
to focus on things other than school :) (But also very
fun.)" In response to people from other parts of CA saying
this part of California is the rural area and their calling it "cow
town" she told them that they "can't imagine cow town
until they've visited Ripley :)" (Ed. Note: I don't think she
meant any offense, Dr. Ripley.) She also noted that it's very weird
to be watching football when it's 75 degrees outside.
Lexi Toy '02 (Major) - Is working in a new management position in
the private sector, and while I know she is traveling quite a bit,
but I don't know which firm she is with now.
Amanda Bhame '00 (Major) - Finished what she has described as a
very worthwhile adventure with VISTA and is in graduate school in
Baltimore. Her Fall term classes are Legal and Ethical Foundations,
Legal Research, and Legal and Ethical Arguments. She also read,
and found very helpful, the book ON WRITING WELL, by William Zinsser.
Randy Hilliard '99 (Double Major) - Completed his Masters in International
Commerce and Policy, from George Mason's School of Public Policy.
His thesis not only received a rare designation of "Distinction"
but his firm is also extensively utilizing his work on the anti-money
laundering aspects of the (so-called - Ed.) USA Patriot Act. Congrats,
Randy.
Bill Melville '99 (Minor) - Is still working as a reporter in Columbus.
One of his recent interviews was with an attorney who argued two
cases before the Supreme Court, winning the one in which he represented
former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher.
Brad Rybczynski '97 (Major) - Ran his mother's campaign and she
won her election with 63% of the vote and was the first town wide
candidate to win every election district in Hamburg. He noted that
this marks the first time in over 180 years that every elected official
in our town is a Democrat. While in the early 80s they
were lucky to have one town board member. The twins, Walt and Madeline
were not that impressed with our homecoming gathering, but as potential
Mercyhurst students, we'll let it go. At work, having just finished
the budget process, Brad reports that although he "never thought
I would say this, I am not looking forward to seeing a billion dollars
again any time soon." (Ed. Note - send it my way if you want.)
Billy Byrnes '02 (Double Major) - Cannot believe he is now on the
other end of the Alumni Newsletter. He is in graduate school at
the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, working on a Master's
in Theology with a concentration in Ethics and Social Theory. Billy
reports that this has proven to be more difficult and time consuming
than he thought, that his social life is nonexistent, and that all
of his time is spent reading and writing. He reports enjoying it
nevertheless, and that he is constantly learning fresh and fascinating
theories and ideologies. He recommends the book, "Resisting
Reagan; The U.S. Central American Peace Movement" by Christian
Smith.
Frank Kostic '01 (Major) - reports from Harrisburgh where he is
attending law school and getting ready for his third round of finals
(the halfway point). Frank will be heading to the Brooklyn
School of Law in April for a evidence moot court competition. Last
year Justice Scalia showed up for the finals. Frank also
sent a generous comment about my Public Administration course, one
that was not his favorite, shall we say. He is now taking a course
entitled Administrative Procedure and Practice and discovered that,
in essence, he had "while at the Hurst trudged through that
same course. I must have actually learned a thing or two. That is
to say I was virtually leaps and bounds ahead of my fellow classmates
in the area." He also reports that his first publication will
be out soon, in the form of an Administrative Law case note that
will appear in an upcoming issue of the PA Administrative Law Journal. Frank
says that although Con Law is still his preference his days are
permeated with administrative law.
Rich Wagner '96 (Major) - Who moved to New York City (from DC) to
take a position at the marketing strategy and research firm of Penn,
Schoen & Berland, left the organization in early September having
decided "that money is not everything, that regardless of how
much you’re paid you cannot show up everyday and act like you love
what you do when you do not, so I contacted some American University
alums (where Rich got two masters degrees) who, in turn, connected
me with a public relations firm based near Wall Street (Spector
& Associates, www.spectorpr.com)." Initially,
he interned for free but he is now working for the firm and enjoying
it a great deal. As part of his job, he sits on the USAF Media Advisory
panel, which advises the USAF's media outreach group on how to position
the AF through the media. Also, the pr firm’s founder
created the Downtown Business Alliance www.downtownbusinessalliance.com).
The DBN is basically an effort to rebuild Lower Manhattan through
the earmarking of procurement dollars from large enterprises. The
economic principle is that the health the Lower Manhattan’s economy
(and thus New York City) is dependent upon the health of small business. This
effort seeks to restore the health of the area and the DBN has received
4 Million in funding from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
and an additional monetary grant from the Mayor’s office. Rich was
awarded 6% ownership in the DBN, and reports that "though the entity
has no monetary value, it is a nice feeling to build something that
has a purpose beyond simply making money." Also, he recently
had an article published in an online journal. [ http://www.poolonline.com/archive/issue21/iss21fea2.html
]
Rob Vescio '96 (Major) - recently returned from a three-day trip
in Harrisburg trying to convince PA state legislators to pass Allegheny
County's legislative priorities. (Ed. Note - Rob works for County
Executive Jim Roddy as his top legislative aide). Rob was happy
to report that all of their initiatives were finally approved
at 2:30 AM Thanksgiving morning. Rob also noted that
budget process is moving along and that Roddy will likey use his
"line-item veto" power for the first time in
its brief history. As Rob noted (as did the Supreme Court
when they ruled it unconstitutional at the federal level) the line-item
veto is a powerful tool, especially in the negotiating process.
After the budget is put to bed at the end of December, we will embark
on "the dreaded reelection campaign." Rob great
history in campaigns works to Roddy's advantage.
Sandra Grance '02 (Major) - Is still working for Rep. Stevenson.
No offense meant Rob, but she did note that he won his reelection
campaign with 62% of the vote, his largest margin of victory ever.
There is talk that he may run for the open state Senate seat in
that area vacated when that poll won a seat in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Diane (Ashmore) Dean '94- is back in the states (near the NJ shore)
and enjoying being able to stay home full-time with her one year
old daughter. By the way, many of you have sent along pictures of
your adorable children. It is one of the nice things about the internet.
However, when looking at Diane's daughter's picture, I did get the
eerie feeling she might grow into the sort of student who would
amuse her friends by doing imitations of her professors. Welcome
back anyway.
Sarah Hoppe '00 (Minor) - Sent me one of the most interesting
updates in years. I hope she doesn't mind if I pass it on virtually
verbatim. If so, I apologize, but I doubt you'll mind. "Dr.
Clemons, well, a lot has changed since the last time I wrote you.
I am engaged now, I found the other half of my soul on the summer
solstice in Seattle. We are moving down to Florida where
I can run an organic garden year round and we can take in the sun. We
just moved from Seattle and are traveling in an old metro bus. It's the
most amazing thing ever!! We removed all the seats and put in a
living room, kitchen with stove, sink etc., bedroom and dining room.
It is a riot, the outside is an old-school rounded bus with charlie
brownish stripes down the middle. The best part is that it runs
great and ... we are converting it to solar power via roll-out panels
on the roof and even working on converting it to run on Bio-diesel!! Never
thought I would be happy for a McDonalds on the road until I knew
I could use their old veg.oil!!! It should be a self-sufficient
completely recycled home very shortly. Before we bought
it a new engine was installed so we had smooth sailing all through
the mountains and across the country. No date for the
wedding yet, we are taking some time to travel around and then want
to look for some land. I need my own place to drive the
proverbial stake into and say "hell no, not on my land!" Should
be interesting in Florida, Jeb has some shady dealings there no
doubt. All in all, every day I see a bit more of some divine plan
unfolding before me....Hope that you are all well and smiling."
Dain Shirey '00 (Minor) - Accepted a job this summer in the Wilson
School District, in Reading, PA. He's teaching 8th & 9th grade.
The 8th grade curriculum is World History and 9th grade
is U.S. history - from colonization to about 1900. He noted that
they are starting the unit on the Articles of Confederation
and the Constitution right after Thanksgiving. "So I'll be
using some of my political science background for sure." He
also noted (pay attention current students) that they used my reference
letter as something they obviously took into consideration when
he was interviewed. The Superintendent even read him a few lines
from it "word for word."
Liz Kolojek '00- Complete her Masters at Catholic University of
America and congrats are in order. She has continued to work and
took some Russian classes through the USDA's Graduate School. She
was also recently informed that she had decided to transfer to Houston,
and pointed out that the classic jury-room drama "12 Angry
Men" is now available on DVD. Most importantly, well, sort
of, she recently asked me a question about a quote I had offered
up in a class she took. She remembered it almost verbatim, and I
was able to provide her with the source. It is comforting to know
that sometimes some of you were listening, and still remember. Heck,
combined with the kind words earlier from Mr. Kostic and Ms. Tate,
I've decided to keep teaching. Seriously, good luck in the land
of Enron.
Jessica Krueger '02 (Minor) - is interning at CSIS with their Africa
program in DC. She recently wrote Dr. Ripley, who helped her secure
this position, that it has been a great place to learn how the policy
world works and how things get done in DC. She reports she is learning
a great deal, and spends most of her time researching, or consulting
with people involved with Africa.
Tammy (Duke) Connely '00 (Major) - Is one of two Webmasters for
CATO in DC. She has been very busy lately -- evidently -- but did
send a note of regret about not making the homecoming gathering
which was, in part, her idea.
Chris Ferratella '02 (Major) - Last reported the typical response
we hear from our majors in law school. There is a tremendous amount
of work, but because of his experiences here he has found the work
not overwhelming and not that difficult. He is attending "Buff.
State."
Jessi Gentile '99 (Double Major) is back on this side of the continent,
in Chicago, and was one of the alums who mentioned the opportunity
for students to pursue internships with the company she works for.
Harley Ellenberger '97 (Major) - As earlier reported,
is glad to be back in Pittsburgh (not DC) and still working with
CMAG. He also mentioned the possibility of internship opportunities.
I'm also sure that I lost a few emails about a month ago. The one
I know for 100% that I lost was from Beth Stoessel '00, because
she sent it around the time of homecoming. Another one wiped off
my hard drive was from Amy Kovach '96. Apologies to any and all
affected. Of course, some of you (e.g. Neal Hammil, Megan Bulllotta
and sister, Barb Deleo, Chris Jurisik, Gretchen Ulery, Jody Robinson,
Jody Kim, Eric Wagner, Mike Jones, Sarah Lelle, Jon Miljus, and
Chris Zimmerman) could try to use this as an excuse for not keeping
us informed lately, but....)
WHO'S DOING WHAT (Current Students):
Thanks go out to Marty Rieck for providing the following information:
Local Assistant District Attorney James Vogel offers one-on-one
tutoring for the LSAT. The cost is $50 per sessions (up to three
hours in a sitting) and Marty reported he was very helpful. His
home phone is 459-4550 and work is 451-6349.
FACULTY UPDATE:
Dr. Federici - Participated in three conferences over the Summer.
He participated in a conference, Progress & Revolution: Utopian
Ideology, Terror, and the Human Cost in Washington, D.C. July 30-
August 4 and presented a paper, Eric Voegelin on Utopia and Gnosticism. He
attended a conference in Nanjing, China August 15-18. It was the
7th Triennial Congress of CCLA (Chinese Comparative Literature Association). He
also resented a paper, Irving Babbitt and the Ethical Foundations
of Cultural Relations. He attended a conference in Boston,
MA August 28-September 1 at the American Political Science Association’s
annual Meeting where he presented a paper: The Humanitarianism of
Judicial Activism. He also participated on another panel there:
Roundtable on a New American People for a New American Century,
and was a discussant on the panel Modernity and Themes in Political
Theory. Dr. Federici also participated in a campus debate on war
in Iraq on November 4. The debate was sponsored by the
Honors Students.
Dr. Morris - Dr. Morris recently presented a paper at the Pacific
Northwest Political Science Association's conference in Bellevue,
Washington, titled, "The New West, Old West, and the New Ecological
Paradigm: The Environmental World Views of Montana Elected Officials." He
has also been busy completing the final draft of a questionnaire
for a public opinion survey. The survey will be administered
to residents of the Pennsylvania Lake Erie Watershed in late February,
and is part of Lake Erie Region Conservancy's effort to develop
a river conservation plan. Finally--and keeping in line
with the environmental theme--Dr. Morris is in the process of updating
and revising the Environmental Studies and Politics program for
the Department.
Dr. Ripley - Will be on sabbatical during Winter Term. This is slated
to be the first of two winter term sabbaticals over the next two
years. He will be working on a number of writing projects, including
the preparation of a case study on Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro
Koizumi for the International Studies Association conference in
February. Much of his time during this sabbatical will be devoted
to reading and research on contemporary Asian politics.
Dr. Clemons - Also presented a paper at the American Political
Science Association meeting in Boston, the topic of the paper was
Realism and Bush Administration. Then, in November, he was invited
to participate in a Roundtable as part of the Southern Political
Science Association's Annual Meeting (in Savannah, GA). The topic
of the roundtable was teaching public policy analysis at the graduate
level. The focus of this presentation, and the reason for the invitation,
was his co-authored policy book. (The number of schools using our
book has steadily grown, and while I'm not yet up to minimum wage
in terms of royalties, the list includes quality schools like Duke,
UCLA, University of Pennsylvania, George Mason University, Syracuse,
American University, UC Davis, Cleveland State University, Florida
State University, etc.)
Finally, to all recent and not so recent Vietnam War students.
The movie version of "The Quiet American" has been getting
rave reviews and should be available soon. I can't vouch for it
personally, but the book is a classic and the reviews indicated
the movie well-captured the novel's spirit.
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