Political Science CyberNewsletter

Number 22 - June 5, 2005

Considering their collective accomplishments, it is not too much to say the class of 2005 exited in glory. How appropriate for the class whose first week of class was profoundly etched into the national memory by the tragedy of 9/11. As noted last year, simply graduating from college is quite an accomplishment (and a privilege with the attached responsibilities). However, as part of one of the leading and most academically challenging departments at Mercyhurst, our majors and minors (and alumni) are all entitled to take a little extra pride in their accomplishments. Moreover, as I will detail shortly, this group of seniors capped off a four-year run of success unrivaled by any other department on this campus (and any other political science department we know of). In case you think this is bragging, consider the following facts.

This year’s graduates began in the Fall of 2001. That May (2002) we had the Valedictorian (Chris Roos) and Billy Byrnes, a double major (religion) won the Carpe Diem award. In other words, we swept the top two awards given by the college. The next year (May 2003) the Carpe Diem award winner was again a political science major (Casey Kilroy) and one of our minors (Kathy Antus) received the top award given to an Undergraduate Adult Student. Moreover, Kristen Brown (a contract major) and Danielle Aloshen (a minor) were chosen as the winners of the President’s Awards of Excellence (7 chosen total, 1 from each “school” at the college). Last year, Jill Gloekler (Major) was the Valedictorian, Pat Collins (major) was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence, and I reported on a number of other indicators of excellence as well. To be brief, I touched on things such as 10% of all students graduating with Latin Honors were our majors and minors (including 20% of those graduating Summa Cum Laude (5 majors and 2 minors), and over 33% of the students completing the Mercyhurst Honors Program were our majors and minors. I also noted that fully nine of our majors and minors were directly headed off to graduate and law school and that they had been accepted at top schools around the country (including: Ohio State, Seton Hall, Michigan, Maryland, Villanova, Virginia, George Washington, the GHW Bush school in Texas, Pace, UC-Boulder, Indiana University, Vermont Law School, Dickinson School of Law, and Montana State University . Moreover, last year’s two top award winners sat out a year but are now headed off to opposite coasts (Jill to work on a Ph.D at the University of California , Santa Barbara , and Pat to Bristol , RI to attend the Roger Williams School of Law ). Amazingly, this year’s graduates managed to more than live up to the record established in their first three years here. Consider the following:

The Carpe Diem winner was Tim Krysiek (a minor and the college’s first Marshall Scholar); Kristen Hudak (major) was the first winner of a new award given to the top Honors student at the college; J.J. Mikulec (triple major) and Valerie Nezich (contract major) both won President’s Awards of Excellence; and Mike Foglio (major) was named as a co-winner of the Alumni Recognition award. Further, 7 of the 11 students graduating who completed the Mercyhurst Honors Program were majors (5) or minors (2). Eleven students graduated with Latin Honors (8 majors and 3 minors), including five Summa Cum Laude and four Magna Cum Laude.

Moreover, a partial list of their pans for life after Mercyhurst reads quite impressively, including seven going straight on to graduate school, at least three going straight on to law school, one going into Americorp (our third graduate in the last several years to go this route), one commissioned into the military, and three with jobs in DC and one in Ireland. [I still have several students who have not completed the senior exit interview, some who are taking a year off, some who are still waiting of offers/ acceptances from law schools, etc.] Also, several accepted wonderful financial awards.

Limiting the list just to majors (thereby foregoing a number of minors like Tim Krysiek who will attend the University of St. Andrews in Scotland), this year’s seniors were accepted at: Maryland; Indiana University (and for the second year in a row we have a major, Dana Hyland, accepting enrollment at the number one Masters program of its kind); University of Massachusetts, Clark University, two students accepted at the University of Chicago (the Hans J. Morgenthau school!); George Washington (J.J. Mikulec will attend); American University (2); Georgetown (2 – includes Alyson Pinter who will attend); Catholic University (2 – both Kristen Hudak and Sarah Wagner will attend); Wayne State University (MBA – Joanna Olmstead) and Pittsburgh University (2). Additionally, the law schools where students were accepted include: Suffolk Law School (in Boston ); Albany Union College ; Western New England School of Law (Ashley Litwin); West Virginia University (Albert Veverka) and Duquesne (Lauren Lamb).

In sum, the students in the class of 2005, were incredibly active politically, in sports, in the Honors Program, the Ambassadors, student government, volunteering, and academically engaged. All of them, majors, contract majors, double (and triple) majors, and minors – contributed much to the college and the department. All of them, like those who came before them, deserve congratulations.

The famous Argentinean writer, Jorge Luis Borges, writing in response to his progressive blindness, penned the “Poem of the Gifts” which speaks of God’s “splendid irony” in granting him both books and blindness. Besides paralleling with the editor a shared belief in paradise as a sort of never ending library (How’s that for a lead in to the Summer Reading List?) , Borges’s quote helped capture that familiar feeling – felt very strongly this May – when graduation arrives. In other words, we (the faculty) were, all at once: exhausted and grateful for the end of the academic year, relishing in the accomplishments of all of the graduates, pleased by those whose excellence drew outside recognition, and sad to see them go. It is always bitter and sweet; a splendid irony.

This year’s graduates :

Matt Davies (Double Major)

Lillian Gehres (Minor)

Michael Foglio (Major)         

Timothy Krysiek (Minor)

Michael Fracassi (Major)        

Anneslee Lescovitz (Minor)

Kristen Hudak (Major)         

Brian Maurelli (Minor)

Dana Hyland (Major)         

Zachary Smith (Major)

Lauren Lamb (Major)         

Katarzyna Orzel (Minor)

Ashley Litwin (Major)

James J. Mikulec (Triple Major)

Valerie Nezich (Contract Major)

Joanna Olmstead (Major)

Danae Patterson (Double Major)

Alyson Pinter (Double Major)

Danielle Schwartz (Major)

Katarzyna Tarczynska (Major)

Albert Veverka (Major)Sarah Wagner (Major)

Lindsey Weber (Double Major)

Two final notes: YES, at the end of the CyberNewsletter I have pasted this year’s coveted Summer Reading List . And, secondly, believe it or not, the alumni update also includes some news about other alumni heading back to academe.

WHO’S DOING WHAT (Alumni):

Karen Petho ’99 (Major) – continues to use her degree in Environmental Studies and Politics, while working on a degree, noting that “I am still working at the same job (government contractor at FAA doing environmental regulatory work), and I am still working towards my masters degree at Tufts. I just went to DC for an FAA Environmental Conference where there were representatives from the Council on Environmental Quality and the Federal Environmental Executive, Ed Pinero, spoke. It was nice to hear that this administration is committed to Environmental Management Systems, if not much else on the environmental front. But what I really wanted to do was mention two things. First I had the awesome opportunity to go see the Lakers play Boston College in the NCAA Hockey finals in Worchester , MA . They played well, and I was so proud. Secondly, I attended a panel discussion, at Tufts, on the Woburn toxic exposure case (A Civil Action). The Reverend Bruce Young spoke, as well as activists that are still working to ensure that the Superfund sites are cleaned-up. The final clean-up plan was just issued from the EPA. I hadn't realized that the clean-up was still in progress. I am fascinated by this case and It was great to hear the Reverend reflect on his personal involvement with the affected community. Along the same lines I have a book recommendation. If you've read A Civil Action you should also read No Safe Place by: Phil Brown and Edwin J. Mikkelsen. This book explores the public health and community awareness aspect of the case, and how these communities grow to distrust government institutions. Reading both books gives you a more complete picture of the story.”

Randy Hilliard ’99 (Double Major) –Randy, who joined the Dept. of State last summer, is still stationed in Nouakchott , Mauritania where he works at the US Embassy. Contributed the following report “what to say... what to say.... well life in Mauritania is interesting... although there have not been any coup attempts in the last few months and the locusts have gone away, there hardly seems to be anything to write about.  It was 110 degrees yesterday, so we know that spring has sprung.  The heat is dry, which is supposed to make it more bearable.  It was zero percent humidity and 100 percent sand, as a strong wind brought a heavy cloud of sand in from the Sahara last week and it has lingered for the past few days.  So you look up and see a red haze over the city, which unlike the greenhouse effect is more like a tandoori effect.  But alas, no Indian restaurants in sight.  But the work is interesting and the fishing is great and my family is healthy and happy. Who could ask for more?”

Sherrie Weldon ’97 (Major) -- has made the coastal adjustment (from San Fran to NY) and describes life this way: My husband Lou and I have been having a great time as New Yorkers. During our first year in the City, we have taste tested all the best pizza shops on the West Side; fought through a sea of Republican Convention Protesters; watched the Yankees beat the Red Sox in Yankee stadium; enjoyed a spectacular view of the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks from our living room windows; and learned to cross New York City streets like the locals do - gracefully dodging taxis, bicycles and pedestrian mobs.

Work has been interesting and challenging...my company is growing very fast.

In fact, please share with your students and alumni that we are searching

for public relations account coordinators and account executives in New

York , San Francisco and Boston (see: http://www.text100.com/jobs.asp ;

email jobs@text100.com )

Stacey Tate ’02 (Major) – says… “I'm doing well. I'm still working for PFM in Harrisburg, but hope to make a career move sometime soon...Washington DC has been calling my name and I hope to answer this summer! I would like to get back to more public admin work....I'll keep you posted. Outside of work I'm still competing in distance races. I ran the Cherry Blossom 10-miler in DC in early April and the Allentown half-marathon in late April. My next race is a half-marathon by Harrisburg on June 18th, and then the good old Presque Isle half-marathon July 17th. Running has been a good outlet for work-related stress....”

Rich Wagner ’96 (Major) – is the Director of Business Management & Corporate Communications at USProtect and sent the following update:

“I am still at USProtect but have finally graduated to the ranks of senior management - I have now taken on the responsibility of business management, which means my day-to-day function is focused on building the company from a revenue and personnel-size standpoint. Over the last several months, I have been marching forward on an acquisition strategy in which we a seeking to purchase companies within the homeland security/defense intelligence domain and integrate them into

USProtect. As of today (this may change ;)), I have identified three specific companies that we have entered into preliminary agreements with - totaling about 250 million in annual sales combined. …Aside from work, Lisa and I are doing well...though I do have back surgery scheduled in mid-July to repair an injury I sustained while playing soccer at the 'Hurst...(getting old seems to happen to everyone...). We have adopted two additional cats, which now brings our total of felines to four (I am growing concerned that my wife will be referred to the Cat lady that lives down the street). Take it from me, when you are out numbered 2-1 by your pets, seek professional help. “

Caitlyn Miller ’04 (Double Major) – is still in Texas and was willing to report even though she felt not much exciting was going on. [Ed. Note: Not only do I disagree, choosing not to report is always your choice – but does usurp my role!] Here’s the “not too exciting stuff”: “I have completed my first year of graduate studies at Texas A&M, more specifically the Bush School of Government, where I am pursuing a Masters' in Public Service and Administration. The first year was a great experience. While I found myself reading Max Weber's Bureaucracy for about the 6th time, the economic classes I had to take provided enough new material to keep me busy. Additionally, my research has included everything from prevention of childhood obesity and drug abuse to evaluating potential success of the new position created in response to the 9/11 Commission recommendation, the Director of National Intelligence. Being at the Bush School has also allowed me a chance to meet with a variety of leaders who come to the Presidential Library. This year I got to meet: Former President Bush, Barbara Bush, Justice Scalia (I know how jealous Dr. Federici will be), Campaign Managers from the 2004 election Ken Mehlman and Mary Beth Cahill, General Sanchez, Former Speaker of the Texas House Pete Laney, and many more. I really enjoy Texas , and after about 9 months learned to embrace my Yankee blood. This summer I will be in DC working for the American Red Cross in their Government Relations office, which will help me better understand the relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government and non-profit organizations. In the Fall I will be returning to the Bush School to finish up my Masters' degree and then who knows? Maybe work or maybe more school. Hope all is well at the Hurst !!! Gig 'em.”

Tony D’Abruzzo ’03 (Major) – sent a gracious and (of course) humorous note (take note Agent Forgea – and the anonymous alligator). As an employee of Pitt he was able to take classes virtually free, and he has been doing so, but is now beginning graduate work there as detailed in the edited version of his email below:

“…over the past two semesters I have been enrolled at Pitt taking classes like Macroeconomics and undergraduate public administration courses. By the way, I had to go back and relearn all the fun things from your Intro to Public Administration class, reading the likes of Denhardt and Waldo. That just keeps getting better. I also took a poli sci class entitled Analysis of Political Variables, which had nothing to do with political science and everything to do with STATA. If you ever need factor analysis done with forming dependant and independent variables from data sets, feel free to call. …I received my letter of acceptance from GSPIA this week. As for the rest of my political career, I've done some volunteering on two campaigns for today's election. I did some low -level office work for a mayoral candidate for about two months. I would have liked to do more, but some things happened (family members in the hospital, etc.) to where I could only keep up with school and work. I spent this morning being on of those annoying people handing you things as you walk into the polls and tell you who to vote for. It was for a judge candidate, who I also did some personalized mailings for because his daughter works with my mom and I was promised a letter of recommendation somewhere down the line. I really just wanted a free t-shirt, but I only got a sticker. As for the rest of my time, I've been working on my physical health. I jog about 5 miles a day and learned how to use those nutritional facts on the back of food. From what people tell me, I'm about half the person I was at the ‘ hurst . …You'll also note that I lost nothing on my sense of humor, in fact I may be more sarcastic than before.”

 Stephanie Davison ’04 (Major) –was here for graduation, having finished her first year in the Masters Program at Indiana University in Bloomington . She is heading back home to Montana for the Summer.

Kari Wells ’99 (Major) – noted that she is hoping to visit before too long and informed me that “Since last I wrote, I have a change in position at the University of Maine . I have left the Alumni Association and I am now a development officer in the Office of University Development. It was a promotion for me and I am delighted with the move. I travel all around the state of Maine (nice in the summer, challenging in the winter) and will be traveling around the US in the next few months. I am also starting the Ph.D. program at UMaine in the fall with a concentration in US and British political history. However, I am considering a switch to law school in the near future. I need to figure out whether to finish the Ph.D. first or to leave the program in a year to start my law education. Even if I leave the program and don't receive my doctorate, I feel like I gain tremendously from the courses I take. No regrets. For pleasure, I am taking a week in June for a trip to New York and I am also going to Scotland in late summer. I could not be more excited for my European adventure. I am flying in to London in order to spend a few days there. Then I will be off to Scotland for a couple weeks of hiking in the countryside.”

Gina Giachetti ’93 (Major) – a special agent with DEA says that “Not much has changed for me, continuing unsuccessfully to finish or find the time to complete my thesis. Work is the same and well at home we added a pony to the clan at the Double G Ranch for our son Jack who isn't even 2 yet. Spent some much needed vacation time in Kauai and life is good. “

Sandra Grance ’02 (Major) –sent the following observation and update: “Thank you Dr. Clemons for the reminder that yesterday marks 3 years since my Hurst days!  Yesterday also marks me accepting my 3rd job since graduation.  I was just offered a position with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  I will join their team of  6 people in the DC Public Affairs Department.  The MS Society is headquartered in NYC so they just have a small staff in DC.  I will be working on state policy and helping their 62 chapters with state advocacy initiatives. I am really excited to be working for a non-profit and get ting involved with issues that I can be enthusiastic about. The only downside is that for the past 2 years I have been doing a reverse commute...living in DC and working in VA.  But now I am moving to VA (after both my car and Jessica Krueger's have been broken into) and will be working in DC.”   Congrats on the new job – looking forward to an update.

Rob Vescio ’96 (Major) – edged out a couple of other alums to win the alumni bonus point contest by combining a substantial update with an extended visit (he was coming this way for a golf tournament fund raiser – the life of a lobbyist is not all work). Somewhere, Neal Hammil (’93) is very jealous. Anyway…Rob recommended that any student interested in either the law or applied politics take at least one course in finance. More on that in his update: “Life as a lobbyist continues. I am still with the law firm Tucker Arensberg working on various client issues ranging from technology to sewer reconstruction. I really enjoy the lobbying part, but grow weary of the sales. That is the downside to this business. Note to all future lawyers, minor in marketing and sales, because at least 40% of your time will be spent marketing for new or retaining clients. Lately, I have been dabbling in political races, having played a key (behind the scenes) role in a number of judicial races in Allegheny County . The success from yesterday's primary has undoubtedly sparked by interest to recommit myself to the campaign scene. I guess the old saying holds true that "once politics is in your blood, it stays in your blood." It is clear that I am unable to separate myself from the excitement of election day. Who knows what this will mean for my future, but until then, I plan to continue lobbying. [Ed. Note: Rob’s record when heavily involved was something like 13 wins and 1 loss.]On the family front, I received an immediate taste of what it means when you say the words, "in sickness and in health..." My wife recently had back surgery to correct a ruptured disc in her lower back. Her ailment has already sidelined her for over three weeks and could potentially keep her out of work for another two. She is expected to have a full recovery, however, the timeframe for that recovery is up in the air. Needless to say, it has been a roller coaster eight months since the wedding. … I watched the Mercyhurst mens team play BC in the Hockey playoffs. I was proud of their achievement and to hear the announcers mention Mercyhurst and pay tribute to Sister Damian. “

Mike Jones ’01 (Minor) –carved out some time to send along this update:

“Still working at Pax Christi USA, a Catholic peace and justice organization based in Erie (though we just started a Washington , D.C. office, too). The most exciting news is that I just had my first official article published in print...in a progressive Methodist magazine called " Zion 's Herald." It was on the peace and justice legacy of John Paul II, and it's still online for folks who want to check it out (or for folks who want to humor my self-promotion!) at http://www.zionsherald.org/viewpointMay05.html . Unfortunately, in the print version, they included a picture of me that makes me look like Count Dracula. In other news, my public relations duties at work have been keeping me busy. We spent the latter part of 2004 offering a progressive Catholic voice to the November Presidential elections, and received national media coverage (including a front-page story in The New York Times) for an advertising campaign we did called "Life Does Not End at Birth," which encouraged people of faith (particularly Catholics) to vote on the broad range of issues that impact the common good. Controversial, yes, but I like to think we created a good space for dialogue. I also participated in a delegation to Appalachia with the Catholic Press Association, and have been working on organizing a national conference and public witness in Las Vegas, "Many Stories, One Vision for a Nuclear-Free World," to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the U.S. bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Related to this conference, I got an article written by my boss, Dave Robinson (a poli sci grad from Mercyhurst), published on the progressive Web site Common Dreams, http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0515-22.htm , called "The Racism at the Core of U.S. Nuclear Policy." Personally, I've been trying to read more, and just finished a FANTASTIC book by Philip Gourevitch on the Rwandan genocide, "We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families." And I got a new dog...a Jack Russel/Pug mix named Frida. Hope all is well with everyone else, and best wishes for a great summer.” Mike also sent along the information about the Rwandan opportunity mentioned later in the newsletter. Thanks.

Melissa (Poliseno) Burke ’03 (Major) – sent the following email, confirming that our alumni stay very busy even after leaving the ‘ Hurst .

“HI Dr. C – I’m glad to hear that you survived another year in "MercyWorld."  I just completed my first year of law school without too many scratches!!  But that only means that I am one year closer to becoming an adult!  For the summer I am working in the City of Lansing Teen Court where students put their peers on trial and the purpose is to identify first-time teen offenders ages 11-16 and encourage them to participate in a Peer Jury Model Court Disposition Process.  The purpose is to try and get these kids to recognize the "right" path.  I am also volunteering in the Advent House where I'll be tutoring middle school kids to prepare them or catch them up for the next school year. But coaching is still my favorite – I’m only taking three classes over summer to get ahead but I want to make sure that I have enough time to coach my  little kids - they are sooo cute!! Other than that married life gets better everyday!”

Kristen Brown ’03 (Contract Major) –is still working for MAXIMUS, and reports that “i am alive and kicking.  i move this week into an apartment with my new roommate in Erie .  i am buying a car and working hard.  i am doing local government consulting now and have somehow been deemed the expert on business process re-engineering so i just taught myself a third system and i am being consulted for some RFPs on which we are bidding.  i work with four old men and that is it and it is highly uncomfortable and my boss has a temper problem but i am doing this exciting medicaid project on the side.  my team and i came up with a proposal to combine functions of three divisions within our company that would be a cost containment strategy for states due to the recent cuts in the budget [Ed. Note: She commented unfavorably on those who passed these cuts.]  anyway …i am fully recovered from my surgery and starting to get back to the gym again so life is good.” 

Frank Kostik, Jr. ’01 (Major) – JAG is going off the air, but not out of our reports. Here’s the latest from our favorite (okay, only) military atty.:

“Hope things are going well!  Alison and I are at Fort Riley Kansas, which is located just outside of Manhattan , KS home of the Kansas State Wildcats.  I am currently working in the Legal Assistance Office for the Staff Judge Advocate of the 24th Infantry Division.  I am doing general practitioner type legal work (wills, simple trust, debt collection. adoption, separations, divorce, ect..)  I am also the immigration expert in the office so about 60% of my workload is immigration law.  Which is an interesting title, since I just started studying immigration law about 5 weeks ago.  So far no word about deployment, but I am sure it will be coming.  On a personal note Alison and I are building a home and expect to move on June 15th, assuming things finish in time.  Alison will be starting her Ph.D in molecular biology this fall at KSU.  So the move to  Kansas has really worked out for the best.  Tell everyone I said hi.”

Kyla Smith ’04 (Major) ­ –emailed me the following update:

I hope I'm not too late!!! I fried my computer trying to download a cute little buddy icon and my computer ended up in the shop for 2 weeks. I love the internet! I'll get right down to business. I have been working for Entercom Buffalo since just after new years. They are a radio conglomerate in Buffalo , the own the pop station, the newstalk station, the sports talk station, and a few others. I work in the promotions department, I basically go to a lot of events, talk to listeners, and hand out prizes. It's not very glamorous, but I'm trying to break into writing/reading the news on the news station. I made an audition tape earlier this month and just recorded my first commercial. I am taking a mini -sabbatical to New York City this summer to live and work with my older sister. She works for the American Tap Dance Foundation and I will be working as a production assistant for their summer performance week... fun times. But I'll get to be on the Jersey Shore for Independence Day... I'll be celebrating the founders the way they would have wanted us all to. Just kidding! As for my political science life- my mother bought me an LSAT book and tossed it at me telling me to put some steam on. So my plans to wait to go to law school until I'm thirty have been foiled. I hope to apply to schools for the fall 2006 term. My #1 choice: UB of course! I hope all is well in Mercyworld. I'm already excited for homecoming in the fall, I'm already bugging, er, encouraging friends that this will be the best homecoming ever and they we should all join in. [Editor’s Note: I sense a plan developing, more on that later.]

Casey (CJ) Kilroy ’03 (Major) –followed up her (prophetic) update with a brief visit this week – here’s the scoop: I'm currently working in Bryant , Indiana at Bearcreek Farm Resort as a Singer/Dancer.  I'll be here until the end of May and then will be returning to Harrisburg , PA to work at the Timbers Dinner Theatre, also as a Singer/Dancer.  Since the Timbers is not quite as demanding, I will also be working in PA Governor Ed Rendell's office part-time.  See, I told you I couldn't stay away from politics too long!  However, I'm still continuing to audition and stay employed in the performance arena.  I am also moving my permanent address from the Pittsburgh , PA area back to Erie - to live with my boyfriend Andrew on West 10th.  He currently works as an organizer for the United Electrical Workers Union (UE).  Don't expect to find either of us there very often! We both have been scattered over the country this past year for our jobs.  I do plan on making the trip back to the ' hurst for Homecoming this fall, and look forward to attending the Poli Sci alumni get together!  Good Luck to all the 2005 ' hurst grads, and I hope to see the Poli Sci Dept make a clean sweep of all the grad awards!” [Ed. Note: Dang near, with five students there for awards, three more as guests, and all four of the faculty, we did dominate the room.]

Jessica Krueger ’02 (Minor) – is among those headed back to school but also sent a message of particular relevance to current students and/or recent graduates. The most recent message follows an earlier one: “I was accepted to the University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies and deferred for one year. and...it was definitely worth the wait! The past year has afforded me numerous opportunities with the CSIS Africa program including a trip to Ethiopia and two trips to Nigeria , all focused on global HIV/AIDS and promoting strengthened U.S. engagement. I never though I would work on global health (nor wanted to) but it has been rewarding and inevitable, broaden my understanding/view of global security. I also do a small amount of work on evolving US security and energy stakes in the Gulf of Guinea . I have to say the job is great! Although I have not fully graduated from the grunt work, I have invaluable access to the much adored (and hated) policy making community in DC and an assortment of academics both in the states and abroad.”

“Since my last update that arrived too late for publication, I was accepted into the masters program at the Elliott School , George Washington U. and waitlisted at SAIS - John Hopkins. Looks like I will be heading to GWU unless SAIS comes back in the next few weeks. I will be enrolled in the Security Studies program, focused on U.S. National Security policy. I am extremely excited to be heading to school this fall. The past two and a half years at CSIS have been amazing but I am ready for a change of pace. I am heading home to MN for the summer. The plan is to read, relax, and study for the LSATs (just incase) before started classes in September. Per your last email, if any students are interested in interning at CSIS information can be found at http://www.csis.org/intern/index.htm . I would be happy to talk to anyone that is interested or put in a good word at CSIS.”

Rich Johns ’02 (Major) – who has by now finished up his Masters at Duquesne University (CONGRATS), stopped by for a visit recently since he was in town doing some political work for an advocacy group working on Social Security.

Ashley Gardner ’04 (Minor) – also stopped by for a nice visit. It was nice to hear how well-prepared she has felt for her graduate work in Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall. She also recently sent this brief update: “I just got back from a Virginia where I attended the George Mason Public Choice Outreach Conference. Very interesting, but I haven't turned into a libertarian.

School-wise I am fine. I am working on some summer courses to ensure that I can take the classes that I want. This also may make my fall less hectic. I now need to focus on finding an internship.”

Lexi Toy ’02 (Major) – suggested she would stop by for a visit, but…well, at least she sent in an update: “i figured i'd send you something to let you know i was still alive.  i'm still at the same email, but i rarely have time to check it.   i work for a new company that recruited me from the gap.  it's a small, but growing, fine paper and printing company based out of San Fran called PAPYRUS.  i manage the pittsburgh store in the north hills, but have been traveling to cleveland , chicago , and philadelphia to train other store managers.  so sorry i haven't kept in touch.  it was hard enough trying to get my xmas cards out on time.  although i am still trudging through the retail world, i still try to keep up in the wonderful world of poli sci.  from farenheit to farenhype, this past election sure was interesting.  i made it up to erie for the last john edwards rally”

Kathy Antus ’03 (Minor) – was featured along with her husband and son in an article in this morning’s paper (including the tidbit, that she and her husband still hold a world record as the only husband and wife jockey’s to ever win a daily double). Kathy says “Things are crazy around here.  I'm still running race horses (one of mine won Friday night!).  I'm still volunteering with United States Pony Club, except that now I have a regional position that requires quite a bit of travel.  So there's nothing really new, just more of it!  I love getting the newsletters and keeping up with all the success of my younger classmates!”

Darren Forgea ‘03 (Major) –continues to work for the United States Secret Service and is posted at the White House.

Patrick Collins ’04 (Major) – as noted above, Pat year off from school is over. He choose to attend: “… Roger Williams University ’s Ralph R. Papitto School of Law in the Fall. It is located in Bristol , Rhode Island which is about 20 minutes outside of Providence . It is the only law school in the state so there should be many opportunities for externships and clerkships. I am excited to start the next phase of my education …Although the school is only a decade old, the faculty is impressive. Additionally, the small school atmosphere appealed to me right away. …I will keep you posted on how it goes next year.”

Jill Gloekler ’05 (Major) – while on the subject of those mentioned above, Jill spent this year as a Graduate Assistant with the Honors Program and picked up a certificate in Organizational Leadership during her year off. As noted previously, she will be attending the University of Cal. , Santa Barbara as part of their Ph.D program in political science.

Jo Ann Hanes ’03 (Major) – came back to the ‘ Hurst after deciding she wanted to teach social studies. Jo Ann informed me that “Friday, May 20th will be my last day student teaching 8th grade social studies at Walnut Creek Middle School in Millcreek . Although it was 12 weeks of non-stop work, this experience has solidified the fact that I really do want to teach for a living. I loved it and I will be sad to say goodbye. I will not be sad about actually receiving a paycheck from whatever "lucky" school district wants to hire me. I have applied a few places so far, but the real search is about to begin now that I will have a lot more time on my hands. I will be certified in Social Studies grades 7-12 as of June. Hopefully when the Fall Newsletter comes out I will be able to tell you of my new teaching position-somewhere. “ [Ed. Note: I, for one, would certainly appreciate getting more students in American Government, taught by the likes of Jo Ann (and also Kimberly Meerhoff).]

Adam Blahut ’02 (Minor) – is no longer among the missing. Adam’s email covered a lot of ground relatively briefly. Here it is: “Well, after I graduated from Mercyhurst, I took a year off to pay down some of my loans. I then applied to George Washington University , Duquesne, and the University of Delaware for Museum Studies. I got accepted by George Washington and Duquesne, but unfortunately I couldn't afford either of them without going into massive debt. So, I decided to go to Edinboro, and then go into massive debt for a PhD. I felt the PhD was more of a worthy cause for massive debt. Edinboro obviously accepted me and started in Fall 2003. I met a girl there working on her masters degree in social work and we got married in August 2004. I graduated this semester. I applied to the Universities of Oregon, Chicago , Delaware , and New Mexico for a PhD in American History. I decided to attend New Mexico and am writing this e-mail from my new apartment in Albuquerque . I think that's everything.”

Brad Rybczynski ’97 (Major) – the Executive Director of the Buffalo Building Trades Council does a nice job of staying in touch which, given twins in the two’s is saying something. Here’s his latest update: “All is well. I can't remember what I have updated you on so I will give you a few particulars and keep it brief. I was appointed as a Commissioner of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Hamburg . I was also voted in as President of the Men's Auxiliary of VFW Post 1419. The St. Francis baseball team is doing well. The league is pretty well balanced this year and we are still in the hunt for a first round bye. Work has been insane with the construction season getting into full swing and the politics of Erie County (NY) being an absolute joke. The County Exec and Legislators seem determined on giving a lesson in how not to govern. What was it Einstein said about the definition of insanity. Something about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. County government proves the theory. It is now fact. I will be working on several campaigns this year. The kids are doing well and fast approaching three. Time flies. They are in the process of dismantling my office right now so I must bid you farewell. Enjoy the summer.”

Gretchen Ulery ’95 (Major) –is still working for IBM (see title below) in Arkansas (and flying home to Ohio almost every weekend). She was able to detect my excitement about summer and enjoyed In Dubious Battle (from the Summer Reading List) well enough to pass it on to a co-worker. [Editor’s Note: If curious about why she is in Arkansas , and/or if simply interested in Globalization, be sure to see the note introducing this year’s reading list.] For the sake of the undergraduates (who may have been too busy to notice the last time) I am going to repeat the information she passed on about internships.

Gretchen E. Ulery, PMP®

Associate Project Manager

Project Management Practice

IBM Global Services Americas Business Operations

High Risk Projects | Complex Project/Program Management | Consulting

A MESSAGE FROM BILL LUSE...Senior Location Executive

It is that time of year when students and IBM parents are seeking information on how to apply for a summer position at IBM. Below are the current instructions to send to anyone interested in applying for a summer internship or co-op position. Please note that college graduates should also be referred to the web site to apply for regular full-time employment.

Students seeking co-ops and internships can submit their resumes through IBM's external web site by following these steps:

Go to: http://www.ibm.com/careers/us

Select " University " from the left-hand side of the page.

On the University page, select "Co-op/ Intern Programs".

Click on "How to apply" (in the center of the page)

Click on link that reads "View list of intern and co-op opportunities"

Click "Continue" on the instruction page that pops up.

On the "Jobs at IBM" page you can either choose a specific job by adding that job to your cart and applying. Or you can click on the "Submit Resume" tab at the top of the page.

From the Submit Resume screen, select "next" to begin entering your resume.

WHO’S DOING WHAT (Current Students):

Due to graduation and the length of my opening, plus the length of the alumni news, the editor is going to use his prerogative to limit this to the comment that a host of students are out doing exciting internships that I will report on in the fall, and two brief reports from two of our graduating seniors who finished in less than 4 years and have been keeping busy.

Lindsay Weber (’05) went from working on the Bush campaign, to serving as the campaign manager for the Committee to elect John Garhart Judge (right here Erie ). Lindsey learned a great deal , worked hard, found time to study for the LSAT, and won.

Lauren Lamb (’05) sent me this report: “I'm glad to report that there is life outside of Mercyhurst. Being home has been nice. Its a good feeling to hear everyone back at school complain about finals, papers, and homework, and not have to deal with it myself, not that I won't get my fill in the next three years at law school. For the summer, I am working at a local A.G. Edwards branch. I am a inancial associate and assist one of the brokers. There are a lot of new things to learn, but its also very interesting. “

INTERESTING OPPORTUNITY : PASSING ON INFO

Rwanda : Human Rights Delegation for Young Leaders

December 29, 2005 - January 14, 2006 (tentative dates)

Global Youth Connect, an international human rights organization for

youth, is pleased to announce that we are currently recruiting young

leaders (ages 18-25) to participate in a human rights delegation to

Rwanda from December 29, 2005 - January 14, 2006 (tentative dates).

This experiential education and service program will take participants

to the capital city of Kigali , to Butare (the site of the National

University of Rwanda and an area heavily affected during the genocide)

and other sites in Rwanda to explore the range of human rights issues

that are currently impacting Rwanda 's development.

We will examine the roots of the Rwandan genocide and learn how this

legacy of violence has impacted the country and its people,

particularly youth. Participants will meet with leading human rights

defenders, government representatives, international institutions,

youth and others from local communities to learn about the political,

economic and social challenges faced by Rwandans. We will also

connect with young Rwandans in an interactive workshop designed to

build cross-cultural understanding. Through hands-on service

activities, participants will also have a chance to work side-by-side

with Rwandans in finding positive solutions to social and economic

concerns. We will consider the ways in which we can help raise

awareness on the issues and provide collaborative support to Rwandans

who are already working to create change.

We invite interested young leaders to apply. We are looking for

participants who are between the ages of 18-25, possess U.S.

citizenship or residency, or are studying full-time at a U.S. college

or university. Most importantly, applicants should wish to expand

their knowledge and understanding of human rights and social justice.

The deadline to receive applications is July 5, 2005.

For more information on the program details, costs, and how to apply,

please visit our website:

www.globalyouthconnect.org/countries/rwanda/delegation.html

Best wishes,

Jennifer Kloes

Program Director

Global Youth Connect www.globalyouthconnect.org

Acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS:

To be very brief, Spring Term was once again jam-packed with opportunities. Speakers included the Pi Sigma Alpha induction speaker,

Dr. Paul Kengor, author of God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life , and Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian Walter McDougall (brought in by Dr. Federici as part of the three year, million dollar, federal grant he was awarded last summer). There was an Ad hoc, the DC trip, numerous students and professors participating in both Academic Celebration and the Research Symposium.

FACULTY NEWS:

Dr. Federici completed a book review for the APSA journal Perspectives on Politics (Eric Voegelin’s Dialogue with the Postmoderns: Searching for Foundations by Peter A. Petrakis and Cecil L. Eubanks). He will give two presentations at a conference held at Princeton University in June.  One presentation is on “The Burkean Roots of the American Order” and the other is on “The Conservative Mind.” Dr. Federici will also present a paper at the APSA Meeting in Washington , D.C. in September titled “The Global Imagination and American Jurisprudence.”

Dr. Morris accompanied four students to Lexington , VA , where they presented posters or papers at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Political Science students Kristen Hudak ('05) and J.J. Mikulec ('05) were among the presenters. He served as moderator for two pre-primary election panels and organized the Honors Program Induction and Awards Ceremony. This summer you'll find Dr. Morris paddling his kayak on one of the many lakes in the region or possibly experimenting with whitewater kayaking on a creek.

Dr. Ripley plans to spend the summer as he always does, combining family time, hobbies, work and vacation in the utopian society known as Warren , PA. If the weather cooperates and his non-chemical organic gardening response to Japanese flea beetles works out he plans to prepare an awesome display of vegetables for the Warren County Fair in August. Dr. Ripley will be doing a lot of singing with his four voice ensemble for church and community events, which will help explain why churches and senior citizen centers around Warren will notice a sudden drop in attendance at various points during the summer. (His group has stopped asking for requests since "Quit singing!!" become one of the more frequent ones...) He will be teaching a summer course, reading within the discipline for course preparation, and doing some initial collaborative research (which will be reported in a future newsletter). Finally, Dr. Ripley's family plans to take a brief vacation to Washington DC this summer (which, thanks to many of our Political Science alumni, has become known as the new "Mercyhurst South Campus"). He extends his best wishes to the Class of 2005.

Dr. Clemons presented a paper in mid-March at the Western Political Science Association conference in Oakland , CA on a International Relations Roundtable he also organized. He taught two sections of Geopolitics and one of the most enjoyable (for him anyway) sections of Public Administration ever. In April he led a discussion after a special showing of “Iron Jawed Angels” the HBO movie about the suffragists who fought for passage of the 19 th Amendment (especially Alice Paul and Lucy Burns). He was also elected President of the Faculty Senate in April and immediately began his two-year term. Summer plans include an extended trip out to the Pacific Northwest , doing some aggressive reading (4.5 books since grades were turned in) and trying to combine recovering, running, and research/writing in a way that will leave him – as always – as anxious for the Fall term to begin as he was ready for the academic year to end. He is also very pleased to announce that the College’s Administration recently sent him formal approval of our request to run a search next year to hire a fifth full-time professor. Trying to find a colleague as fine as his current ones will be difficult, but he will try to live up to Weil’s Rule. He is also happy to report that once again the Seniors and Faculty defeated the Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors in a spirited – but lopsided – volleyball contest. Although that one loss still haunts him, each year’s return to victory is balm for his wounds. J

Finally, as a second lead-in to the Summer Reading List, Dr. Clemons wants to mention one book sure to end up on the ’06 version (and probably on the syllabus for his American Foreign Policy class this fall). The book is Thomas Friedman’s newest, The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century. This is more than just an update to his earlier work on globalization ( The Lexus and the Olive Tree ), and it is wonderfully written and informative (and a bit scary).

2005 SUMMER READING LIST

* = New to this year’s list.

POLITICAL SCIENCE NOVELS (Old and New):

Brave New World – Aldous Huxley [In some ways, more relevant than ever.]

*The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini [A top seller that deals with Afghanistan, the Taliban, parent-child tensions, choices we make as youth affecting our lives, etc.]

Reversible Errors – Scott Turow [Death penalty: lawyers, judges, police, crooks, the media, victims, the public, and politics all mixed together.]

Protect and Defend – Richard North Patterson [Brutal Supreme Court nomination process, a thorough abortion debate, & politics. Believable, informative & readable.]

The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver [An evangelical minister, his wife and four daughters arrive in the Belgian Congo in 1959 and cultures clash. A new classic penned by my favorite author. Awesome writing. Fascinating place]

The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood [A classic feminist novel.]

In Dubious Battle - [My favorite Steinbeck....still.]

Nervous Conditions - Tsitsi Dangarembga [Women's lives, Africa , and colonization]

1984 - George Orwell [If you've never read it, you need to.]

Billy Budd - Herman Melville [Much better than Moby Dick.]

The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison [A story about, not for, children. Also about the power of culture, of stereotypes, of words, and of pain. Oprah endorsed :) ]

Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand [Libertarianism's most famous expression.]

Prelude to Foundation - Issac Asimov [His entire sci-fi foundation series consists of seven novels full of politics, psychology, plot twists, and riveting characters]

Atonement – Ian McEwan [WWII era tale of“love and war, childhood and class, guilt and forgiveness,” loss and life, by a masterful British author.]

* Reading Lolita in Tehran – Azar Nafsi [Great story of seven young Iranian women who meet to discuss books banned by their government]

POLITICAL SCIENCE NONFICTION :

*Against All Enemies – Richard Clarke [A must for anyone interested in 9/11, the war on terror, the war in Iraq , and life in intell. and national security at the highest levels]

*Theodore Rex – Edmund Morris [A dense, but enjoyable chronology and analysis of the Roosevelt Administration. Recommended by Dr. Morris (no relative)]

*Mornings on Horseback – David McCullough [TR’s childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood; 1982 book by an author who gained fame later (see next)]

John Adams – David McCullough [Pulitzer prize winning author ( Truman ) makes one of the most important founding fathers seem real. A better read than Truman]

Double Billing: A Young Lawyer’s Tale of Greed, Sex, Lies, and the Pursuit of a Swivel Chair - Carmeron Stracher [You need more than the title?]

*No god, but God – Reza Aslan [A scholarly, but very readable, explanation and defense of Islam. Its theories, evolution, and future. For maximum understanding of this key international topic, read with Karen Armstrong’s book, The Battle for God ]

Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation - Joseph Ellis [The intertwined lives of Adams, Burr, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison, and Washington. This history shaped our politics then and now. A great read.]

King Leopold’s Ghost - Adam Hochschild [Colonialism in the Belgian Congo was a brutal horror portrayed as humanitarianism. Revisit Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” as fact. Also, nicely ties in with Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible.]

How Democratic is the American Constitution? - Robert Dahl [This political science giant’s book is a very readable and thought provoking examination.]

*Freedom Just Around The Corner – Walter McDougal [Pulitzer Prize winning historian spoke with passion about US history (1585-1828) and its impact on who we are today, when he visited Mercyhurst this Spring, as Dr. Federici’s invitee]

The Courage to Stand Alone - Wei Jingsheng [Letters and essays by one of China ’s most celebrated dissidents. Used in Dr. Ripley’s Political Dissidents Seminar. ]

Under the Banner of Heaven – Jon Krakauer [Great author tells tale of politics and religion – and Mormon fundamentalism. Reads like a novel.]

The Lexus and the Olive Tree - Thomas Friedman [Engaging NY Times writer makes the globalization of the world, economically and politically, a fun read.]

*Crimes Against Nature – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. [Famed environmental lawyer presented a powerful argument at the ‘ Hurst this Spring]

Barbara Jordan: American Hero - Mary Beth Rodgers [An amazing woman’s life is chronicled. It was a life of firsts, of meaning, and of importance.]

A Problem From Hell – Samatha Powers [Pulitzer Prize winning examination of US policy and genocide.]

Mountains Beyond Mountains – Tracey Kidder [A doctor making a big difference]

*Democracy and Populism - John Lukacs [Prominent historian/spoke here a couple of years ago/Dr. Federici recommends]

Common Sense and a Little Fire - Annelise Orleck [History you don’t know. Four women who played vital roles in shaping American politics, education, and labor.]

A Sand County Almanac - Aldo Leopold [A legendary environmental book.]

Envy of the World: On being a Black Man in America – Ellis Cose [Critically acclaimed]

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee - Dee Brown [Still heartbreaking and informative history of our nation's war against the American Indians; masterfully written]

Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic – John DeGraaf [Entertaining attack on consumerism. Consider buying it on one of your credit cards!]

Green Rage: Radical Environmentalism and the Unmaking of Civilization – Christopher Manes [Given the current view that all environmentalists are terrorists, buying this attempt, based on social/political theory to justify direct action by environmentalists could put your name on a list somewhere. Pay cash for this one.]

The Impossible Will Take A Little Longer – Paul Loeb [Essays and excepts about the difficulty but possibility of making social and political change.]

Secrets – Daniel Ellsberg [Important history of Vietnam and Pentagon Papers.]

Perfectly Legal – David Cay Johnston [Tax system indictment that claims those earning between $30,000 to $300,000 are the big losers. Pulitzer Prize author]

*The Mission – Dana Priest [Argues that US foreign policy has become too militarized and examines the challenges that brings to our military – get the 2004 version…after Iraq ]

*Disposable People – Kevin Bales [Slavery still exists around the world & here at home – Bales also gave a great presentation at Mercyhurst this Spring]

CLASSIC AND NEW NOVELS & GENERAL INTEREST NONFICTION :

I Know This Much Is True - Wally Lamb [Lamb spins another can’t-put-down novel. Twins, mental illness, loss, love, suffering, redemption, i.e. life.]

Les Miserable - Victor Hugo [Broadway play closed now, better as a book anyway.]

The Plague - Camus [This book could have been listed as a political science novel. Can you figure out why that is true?.]

The Source - Michener [Judeo-Christian heritage, Islam, set in Palestine .]

The River Why - James David Duncan [Families, fishing, life, and metaphysics - a classic? Well, it is a Pacific Northwest cult classic.]

Slaughter House Five - Vonnegut [So it goes, still his best.]

Pride and Prejudice - Austen [Jane's work is part of Columbia 's core curriculum.]

Empire Falls – Richard Russo [This very talented author scores another hit.]

Life of Pi – Yann Martel [Imaginative defense of zoos, belief in God, and survival]

*The Secret Life of Bees – Sue Monk Kidd [Sweet coming of age story of a young girl in the South, touches on race and gender.]

The Botany of Desire – Michael Pollan [Co-evolution. A fascinating look at the interactions between four plants and humans. Apples, tulips, pot, and the potato.]

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft – Stephen King [Part biography, a King makes learning about writing quite amusing. Concludes with a list of great books to read]

A People’s History of the United States : 1492-Present - Howard Zinn [Zinn’s left-wing history is vividly written. It includes history usually omitted, people usually ignored. This revised and up-dated book is thick, often sad, but ultimately hopeful.]

The Good Book – Peter Gomes [An articulate and engaging attack on not taking the Bible seriously and on its use and abuse.] .]

Angela’s Ashes - Frank McCourt [Better yet, get the book-on-tape unabridged version of this Pulitzer Prize winner, read by the author himself.]

Christianity and the World Religions - Hans Kung [Paths to Dialogue with Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.]

On Writing Well - William Zinser [Title.]

A History of the Arab Peoples - Albert Hourani [12 centuries/500 pp../well-written]

The Art of the Personal Essay - Phillip Lopate [Food for thought - great essays .]

Why Christian? – Douglas John Hall [Professor Hall has a dialogue about doubt and belief, with a composite representative speaking for those on the edge of faith.]