Political Science Cyber Newsletter

Number 26 - December 12, 2006

Hello All. The last thing you need is someone droning on with holiday platitudes or pop psychology, but as the editor charged with writing an introduction I will note that several of my email conversations with alumni served to remind me of Abraham Maslow’s comment that the lesson from the great mystics that is available to everyday people is that the sacred is available in the ordinary daily lives we live. So, have a great holiday experience and new year.

Here at the ‘Hurst things are going very well, and the Poli Sci department faculty continues to see the positive fruits of our labor in the good work and lives of our alumni and current students. One of the highlights this Fall was the Annual get-together at Homecoming. A dozen alums (and too few current students) gathered with faculty to visit, update each other, network, and pass on some insights to current students. [Editor’s Note: I lost my notes from that day, so if I leave anyone out please forgive me.] Those in attendance included: a surprise visitor -- Pierre Priestly – (Poli Sci ‘81) - who has been very active in Alumni Affairs and who was in from Chicago for homecoming; J.J. Mikulec ’05 whose travel from Geo Wash University in DC was via Maine which made him late; Ashley Gardner ’04 who just finished up her Masters at Seton Hall; Rob Vescio ’96 with an MPA from GSPIA and a long track record in applied politics (see update); Brad Rybcznski ’97 whose applied politics history includes elections, administrative work in a legislature, and his current job in Labor; Alyson Pinter ’05 (working and graduate school in DC – see the last Newsletter); Rob Englert ’06 teaching and coaching in Erie; Jo Ellen Taylor ’06 working and taking classes at the Univ. of Pitt; Ramona Ramos ’06 who was working on the Board of Elections and an Elections Review Panel in Ohio; Kathy Antus ’03 whose work, at several levels, with horses is keeping her very busy here in Erie; and Caitlyn Miller who just finished her Masters in Public Service and Administration at the Bush School in Texas and was selected for a Congressional Management Fellow in DC (a two year rotation with HHS).

Once again, the excuses for those not in attendance were quite good, e.g. people in graduate school from Scotland to California; working or living overseas (Japan to Ireland); running a half marathon and a big soccer game in DC; just too dang busy due to work, law school, or children. A few people also got special dispensation for visiting at other times including Jody Robinson ’01 on his way home to Canada; Sarah Wagner ’05 whose travel problems from graduate school in DC made her a couple of days late for homecoming, Mike (Rims) Carr ’04 who played in the Alumni Charity Basketball game in Sept. and couldn’t make it again so soon from Dickinson Law School; and Liz Kolojek ’00 (State Dept.) who visited after returning from Iraq and before leaving for her next posting in Pakistan.

Prior to that, one of the highlights was a panel organized by Dr. Ripley as part of President Gamble’s inauguration and focusing on lessons learned on the 5th anniversary of 9/11. Both Dr. Federici and Clemons appeared. The plan for all of you in deep withdrawal is to put our presentations on streaming video through the departmental website in January. [Ed. Note: Yes, Dr. Federici quoted fairly extensively from the Federalist Papers and I managed somehow to discuss things like the power of words and stories, the founders “invitation to struggle’ for control of American Foreign Policy and realism versus idealism.]

We also had an excellent Fall Ad Hoc featuring Dr. John Olszowka and the topic of immigration (this Winter term he is teaching a cross-listed course for us on the Civil Rights Movement).

Finally, the updates below feature a bare minimum of editing. I removed a personal note here, turned several well-written paragraphs into a single run-on paragraph there, inserted Editor’s Notes here and there, but mostly (due to time constraints) chose to run’em like you sent ‘em, ignoring emailese as much as possible.

WHO’S DOING WHAT (Alumni):

Zach Smith (Minor ’05) I'd like to thank you for the bonus week, as you can see I'm cutting awfully close as it is, and without the extra week you would likely be lacking this input. Things have been incredibly busy here lately, there is never a moment's rest in the consulting world. I have been working on a wide array of projects including developing and giving training courses, facilitating and participating in wargames (Think simulation in Geopolitics), and working on a project dealing with analyzing and predicting the trade flows of non-energy resources in Asia (thank you Dr. Ripley). Outside of work life has been good, I've been traveling a bit just got back from England (vacation), headed to Mexico in March (for a wedding), and hopefully going to Germany (for work) in the Spring. One DC Alumni plug, as well as anyone else who will be in town. The first week of February Dr. Gamble will be here in DC for a conference and Alumni Relations is sponsoring an event for all local DC alums. I drew the short stick and got tasked with planning the event, Kristen Hudak has graciously offered to help (or I conned her into it) but if anyone else wants to help it would be appreciated. Drop me an email at zsmith52@gmail.com And even if you don't want to help I hope you'll come for the food and drink. There will be more details in January. Happy Holidays to all. Cheers

Jamie Winters (Major ’06) Hey Dr. Clemons, Glad to hear all is well up at the Hurst. Things are going really well down in DC. At the end of September I finished my internship with the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns. I spent my last week with them at the UN DPI conference. It was such a great experience where I learned so much and met so many people from in all aspects of the governmental and non-governmental worlds. Since then things I have gone through a great transitional period. I have a new roommate and he’s from Britain – nice lad he is. I now work for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation MetroDC Chapter- and I’m loving it!!! Great news about CFF- November 11 we had our Breath of Life Gala (our largest fundraiser) and raised 3 million dollars making us the number one CFF Chapter nationally. Also it’s the most lucrative event for charity in the region. Other fund-raisers have had a larger gross number, but no other event directs more money to its intended cause. It’s a great place to work; everyone is great from my co-workers to the families we work with. I never could have imagined myself working in a place like this, but I am very happy here and so grateful for this chance. There doesn’t seem to be much of anything else going on. In about a month I will be moving out of the city to the Alexandria area. In the next update I’ll be telling you all about my great new place. Hope everyone is doing well and early Merry Christmas and a splendid New Year!!! paz, Jamie

Eric Wagner (Major ’00) Doc Clemons:I have finished the formal courses at PItt. I am now working on several research credits in preparation for my Phd qualification paper. At that time I will take my exam in my second field (American), work on my overview, and then work on the dissertation. Presently I am interested in Burke's aesthetic work ENQUIRY... and how his aesthetics may connect with his politics, especially as it concerns fear and the sublime. RECOMMENDATIONS: At many schools it becoming necessary for students of political science to have an understanding of quantitative methods. Many of the fields such as IR and American are based heavily in statistics. If someone is thinking of a political science graduate program I would look closely at what type of program the school runs. It would probably be a good idea while at the Hurst to take several statistics classes and try and become familiar with SPSS and Stata. I had a statistics class while at Mercyhurst and it really helped when I hit Pitt and had to take the first of two classes on methods. [Ed. Note: I agree, this is also why we now have Dr. Morris’s excellent Research Methods course. Several alums in graduate school have written to give it credit for saving them and/or helping them star.]

Chris Ferratella (Major ’02) Doc Clemons, It's been a while since I have submitted an update, so I wanted to make sure I got one in this time. I shouldn't have waited this long (especially after being called out by name a few newsletters ago), but like the prodigal son I have returned. Things have been going very well. Back in '05 I graduated from law school. I passed the bar exam in New York that summer. I have been working as a public defender in Chemung County. We were recently made somewhat famous as a stop on the summer hit parade of alleged cop killer Ralph "Bucky" Phillips. (Now that I'm a public defender I have to use words like "alleged.") [Ed. Note: I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when a local TV news report’s “crawl” reported that the one trooper who lived was “allegedly shot in the chest. – Good writing, or should I say writing well, is important.] The job is very interesting, but not something I ever anticipated doing when I was in law school. I sort of fell into it after law school and I'm glad I did. While being a public defender has been a great experience, I must confess that this Monday I have an interview at the District Attorney's Office in neighboring Steuben County. With some luck, I may be switching sides soon. Additionally, I have been doing some private work that I enjoy. I am writing wills, probating wills, I'm even doing one divorce and on Wednesday I did my first eviction. Professionally things are going great. The personal side of life is great too. This past summer I got engaged to a wonderful girl, Colleen is her name. We plan to wed on June 29. Possibly the best development of all is that I became an uncle and godfather this summer. My brother and his wife have a 5 month old girl. The only drawbacks are I feel old being an uncle and with title of godfather my family has to suffer through a lot of really bad Marlon Brando impersonations. I hope all is well back at the 'Hurst for both the faculty and students.

Kriten Hudak (Major ’05) Things are really the same. I will have Masters comprehensives in the spring. [Catholic University] TA-ing is going well. I'm also serving as a research assistant to my professor. He's working on a project about the effect of various incoming classes in Congress. I'm still an intern at Evan Bayh's PAC-soon-to-be-campaign headquarters and I've been really involved in the grassroots team. Video: Evan Bayh on Iraq/Announcement: http://www.allamericapac.com/files/20061203_eb_abcthisweek.asx

Ray Johnson (Major ’99) Dr. Clemons, Here we are at yet another Holiday season and times continues to fly by. Not too much has changed on the home front. I am still with the Army, going on seven years now. I continue to work in the Counter-espionage and Counter-Terrorism fields. I have been married for three years now and our daughter is 18 months old and we are trying for number two. I am toying with the thought of leaving Active Duty service and working as a Civilian for the Army in the same field but who knows. This last year I have seen a lot of travel time, spending time in Iraq, the Sudan, and South America as well as in more States then I care to remember. Overall my complaints are few and I am enjoying life. I wish everyone a happy holiday season one of these days I need to make my way back to Mercyhurst to say hello.

Christie (Stratthaus) Grisseti (Major ’98) Hi Dr. Clemons, I am just ahead of the deadline! I wanted to be sure to check in, but I don't have much to report. [Ed. Note: Christie is still working at Litigation Solutions] All is well here in the Burgh...except for the Steelers season, but that is another story :) My husband and I are getting ready for another Christmas with our daughter, Ava. Last year she was only 2 months old at Christmas time, so we are really looking forward to this year. Hope all is well at the Hurst! Happy Holidays, Christie

Robert Vescio (Major ’96) Well as you know, I became a first-time father when Andrew Reagan was born on October 15th. It has been an amazing first month watching him grow. Speculation has already arisen as to whether his name has destined him for elected office. Could this be the next political dynasty? Or will Andrew's Mom break out the "veto pen"? Stay Tuned... Speaking of politics, Andrew is one-for-one on elections, having voted with daddy on election day. He was a little upset to see the Senate go Democrat, because it hurt Pennsylvania's standing in leadership. Not only did we lose the number three ranking member of the Senate, but more importantly, we lost the potential of Arlen Specter becoming Appropriations Chairman in 2008. (Ed. Note - its amazing how fast Andrew grasped this concept) I actually thought the elections would be worse nationally. The PA elections were about right. We expected the House R's to lose quite a few seats. As of today, the State House is still up for grabs. The House republicans unofficially have a 102-101 margin. However, 2 Chester County House seats are still in play. One in particular is only a 19 vote difference, with 250 absentee and provisional ballots yet to be counted. Stay tuned...All in all, Pennsylvania voters were responsible in electing 55 new house and Senate members. That equates to a 22% change in "new blood". No matter if you are a republican, democrat, or independent, we can all take solace that Democracy does work. Inevitably, the people do stand up and make their voices heard. It may take longer than one would like, but the ship does "right" itself eventually. It happened in 1994 and now in 2006. [Ed. Note: Rob is right about the last election calming people somewhat about whether or not voting made a difference, and about ships eventually righting (or lefting) themselves. As a lobbyist who runs a PAC he pays rather close attention to these things. However, to bring things up-to-date, the PA House did eventually go Blue by one seat.]

Mike Jones (Minor ’01) Good to hear from you...especially since your voice now resonates from a soon-to-be Santorum-free place! It's best that I send in my update now before I forget, though it's been a long day, so please accept my apologies in advance for mispelled words and/or grammatical mistakes! [Ed. Note: Ironically, the only error I caught was that you misspelled misspelled J]. It's been an eventful Fall! In August of this year, I started my new job as the communications coordinator for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School. Thus began my immersion into the world of international law! So far the semester has been wonderful...it is so great to be around students again, and I've also had a chance to interact and help plan events for some really great scholars and activists, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Samantha Power (she won for her book "A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide"), and Justice S. Sandile Ngcobo, a member of the South African Constitutional Court and a former member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One other focus has been working with students on clinical projects where they travel abroad to do international human rights “lawyering” in the field - either through interviewing witnesses, documentation, legal research, or more. This Fall students traveled to Lebanon and Israel with Human Rights Watch to study the use of cluster bombs in the recent conflict between the two nations; to Liberia to provide a training for child protection agencies on interviewing former child soldiers, and also children who have been victims of violence; to Brazil to document prison abuse in a series of prisons in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro; and more. And in January, I will be lucky enough to travel with students to Mumbai, India, where we will also be documenting prison conditions, and also working with a local NGO on access to HIV/AIDS medicines and challenging India's very punitive law on sodomy. So that's the news from Cambridge, MA for the moment. I've been lucky enough to also attend services at Harvard's Memorial Church, where Rev. Peter Gomes is minister. [Ed. Note: Gomes book “The Good Book” has made appearances on the famous Summer Reading List.] And I've also been enjoying eating my way through Boston, watching the Yankees lose in the playoffs, and attempting to do some freelance writing and blogging (www.mikeajo.blogspot.com). Have a great night, Dr. Clemons, and best wishes grading those blue books. To think, one day we will live in a world where blue books will be non-existent, and you will grade your students by downloading a podcast of their final exam... :)

Tim Krysiek (Minor ’05) Greetings from a very dark and rainy Oxford. Weather and cuisine aside, I've had a great first term at "the Ox". I'm a member of St Antony's College in North Oxford. St Antony's is ideally situated next to the Russian and Eurasian Studies Centre, the Middle East Centre and the Institute for Energy Studies so I have easy access to all the professors and materials I need for my coursework and research. Last week I completed the first class in my master's course, Modern Russian History with Robert Service. Next term I'll take a class on political and economic transition in post-communist states and then in March I'll move on to the research component of my course. I hope to write my master's dissertation on the politics of oil production sharing agreements (PSAs) in the post-Soviet space. I'll likely use the corporate-government deals over Sakhalin-II and Kashagan as my initial case studies. Academics aside, I've been having a great time in the UK and beyond. All of the students at St Antony's are graduate students and most are reading for degrees in regional studies or international relations so I'm meeting lots of new friends with similar interests. In November, I rowed in the #3 seat of the St Antony's boat in the annual Christ Church Regatta on the River Isis; unfortunately, we lost to New College in the quarter-finals. I managed to travel to Northern Ireland, Hungary and Turkey over the past few months. Despite the ceasefire, Belfast looks like a war zone. Catholics and Protestants still live in segregated neighborhoods, often partitioned by walls and barbed wire. Countless memorial murals pay homage to those killed during "the Troubles." Budapest boasts some outstanding Baroque architecture and fantastic food. Turkey was an adventure. After a few days exploring the mosques, bazaars and palaces of Istanbul, my fellow travelers and I ventured across Anatolia. Highlights include sleeping in a cave in the Taurus Mountains, haggling with Kurdish rug dealers and visiting some 12th century Orthodox churches in Cappadocia. Wherever you go in Turkey, the father of the republic is watching you; portraits of Ataturk are everywhere! I'll be in DC and at home in PA over the next 4 weeks. I look forward to seeing as many Lakers as possible over the break. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.

Sarah Lelle (Major ’00) Here is my long overdue update. Professionally things are pretty much the same. I am still working at Peabody Properties and living in Boston. I work as an in house atty. for a real estate developer and the last year has been interesting to say the least as the market here has softened. It will be even more interesting to watch the spring market as my prediction is that things will start to balance back out between buyer and seller. Personally, things have been slightly crazy. My husband and I just adopted a baby girl, Sheyla, from Guatemala. The agency predicted we would have 3 to 4 weeks notice before our US Embassy appt. in Guat. City. Of course, we ended up with about 30 hours notice. After frantically booking flights, hotel, and making a mad dash to Baby's R Us in the middle of the night we were off to Guat within about 15 hours. Once we were there everything went well and we have been home now with the baby for a couple of weeks. Thankfully, we are all starting to settle in. Hope all is well at Mercyhurst.

Bill Melville (Minor ’99) Not much new to report. [Ed. Note: An odd thing for a reporter/editor to say…] We had some interesting local election coverage here in Columbus, as you might imagine. Even though the Daily Show came to Ohio and was to again represent the nation as a whole, the results were a whole lot surprising elsewhere. Ted Strickland trounced the ultra-conservative Ken Blackwell, and Sherrod Brown picked up the Howard Metzenbaum playbook to show again a liberal Democrat can recast himself as a populist then knock off a moderate Republican incumbent (Mike DeWine). Those key races were as anti-climactic as Pennsylvania's governor and Senate races. Unlike Pennsylvania, gerrymandering carried the day for incumbents. The only Ohio seat to change from red to blue previously belonged to Bob Ney. It amazes me how quickly the fear of a "San Francisco" agenda arose --- take a look at the Congressmen and Senators the Dems elected to Republican seats. Aside from Sherrod Brown, I wouldn't consider most of the Senators liberal Dems by any stretch: Junior Casey, Jim Webb and Jon Tester and Claire McCaskill aren't even close. This Congress is going to have to work toward modest, middle class-oriented goals if it is to find any success. Otherwise, that majority is going to bounce back and forth between parties in years to come.

Brad M. Rybczynski (Major ’97), Our family is doing well and growing again. We are expecting our fourth July 25th. Merry Christmas to all. Brad M. Rybczynski, Executive Director Buffalo Building Trades Council [Ed. Note: Brad’s brevity still earned him full points, since he was one of the homecoming attendees.]

Janet Strukely (Minor ’04) I feel like I have written the same 3 sentences with every alumni update, but I suppose if I'm still happy doing what I'm doing its worth it, right? [Ed. Note: Yes, and the department appreciates those of you who stay in touch, so don’t worry about it, ya’ll.] That being said, I'm still in St. Louis, my third season with St. Louis Ballet. This season I am joined by another Mercyhurst alum, Pamela Swaney. I also teach dance and perform with various free-lance artists and agencies throughout the city. I love every minute of it, I think I have the best job(s) in the whole world and maybe eventually I will do something with my political science education when my toes can't hold me up anymore. Hope all is well back in Erie! Take care!

Albert Veverka (Major 05) Things are going really well here. I had an outstanding summer experience clerking for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. I could not have worked for a more thoughtful and down to earth individual as Justice Baer. I enjoyed seeing the real world side of the law and I am no feverishly looking to find something for next summer. I am hoping to work for the state government in some capacity before pursuing my ultimate goal of becoming a labor attorney. The popular saying among my classmates is that we are all 1/2 lawyers and I guess that will have to do for now. The Steelers abominable year has been tough but at least we have those 5 Super Bowl trophies to ease the pain. My summer plans are still up in the air because as you can imagine I have applied for several government positions and they seem to be dragging their feet until after the holiday break. For now I am working hard to prepare for my finals over the next week. As far as the advice, thoughts etc. this is probably coming late since those on trimesters already had finals but I just learned my Business Organizations and Transactions final will be 5 and 1/2 hours closed everything. So needless to say I am missing those blue book exams right about now. I hope everyone is getting off to excellent start this term and enjoy the holiday season. Best Wishes to all.

P.S. I just can resist commenting on the fabulous, tremendous and outstanding events of the midterm elections!!!! Let's hope for the best from our new Speaker!!

Maureen Grady (Major ’02) I have some very EXCITING news. My boyfriend of 3.5 years finally proposed over the Thanksgiving holiday! We are very excited about this new chapter of our lives and are already in the process of planning a November wedding in 2007. Other than that, nothing has changed. I am still working for Oracle as Financial Analyst and continue to work LONG hours. Happy Holidays!

Jennifer Krause (Minor ’02) did not send in an update, but the editor has his sources. She left the private law firm she was working at to accept a position as a staff attorney for Erie Northwestern Legal Services. Jen got her law degree at Univ. of Cal – Davis, where she was the Chair of the King Hall Legal Foundation, a non-profit organization that did fund raising for public interest legal services, so she is returning to her roots.

Kristen (Barone) Hoag (Major ’06) I was waiting to see if i got my new job to write with good news....and I got the job so I have good news. I decided to take the "real person" route and got a job at a bank; a stable, full time position that is satisfying enough for me. Living in a small military town offers very, very little to those with majors other than business or nursing, so it has been a long road. Life other than that has been really good....a little hard to adjust to post-college life, but I'm managing well.

Ashley Litwin (Major ’05) Dr. C., I hope everything is well at the Hurst. I am still at UB Law and excited that I am halfway done. It seems like it is flying by. I work at a law firm downtown and I am looking forward to being done with school completely. Working with clients is very rewarding and it makes the ridiculous amount of reading associated with law school worth it.

Tony D’Abruzzo (Major ’03) Good Ole Doc, I thought I'd wait til the last day to send you my update, just to stay consistent with what I've been doing all semester. Well, I'm just finishing the fall semester (Pitt/GSPIA). Not too much to report here, just a lot of projects and finals I'm looking forward to finishing. Highlights of the classes of this semester include Financial Management (Hardest class to understand ever. Really, what is the difference between a credit and debit?) and GIS for Public Policy (Nothing but making maps. I'd be better at this if I wasnt color blind). After this, its going to be 3 straight weeks of applying for summer internships before the new semester starts. Sorry I didnt make it to the homecoming gathering, but I was on the golf course all morning playing the best round I ever played. I dont play the score, I go by how many balls I lose, and I stayed under 10 that day. Hope everything is going well at the Hurst. Say hi to the Poli Sci Faculty Crew for me.

Danae Patterson (Major ’05) [Ed. Note: Danae didn’t really send an update, this is a message sent prior to her visit home from graduate school @ Northern Illinois.] Hello Professors! I will be in Erie Oct 13-15, so I may very well drop by Friday morning or afternoon to say hello. Let me know if you have a preference. My courses are excellent and the grad students (there are about 40!) are very sociable and friendly people. I have only managed to sneak into Chicago just the once but I am sure I'll make it back before November. The King Tut exhibit is at the Field Museum, and who would want to miss that? There's lots of mudslinging in the media (the governorship is up for grabs) and two of my courses entail slogging through 'material conditionals' and 'counterfactuals,' but on the whole I find the whole experience quite enjoyable.

Kristen Brown (Contract Major ’03) hi dr. c, this email finds me in a frenzy of activity. as i told you last night, my company is going through some trying times. i personally had to lay off ten people last week, which was a very sobering and somber experience. it is really the crappiest thing imaginable when you realize what a big negative impact you are having on a person's life. but, i believe in our product [Ed. Note: Railpower Hybrid Technologies], and i have decided to stay the course and sink or swim with the team, so i believe it will be a long road ahead, and it will take a lot of convincing in the investment community. i am running the turkey trot next week and my company has a soccer team (that is soo bad, morgan would cringe haha), so i am staying active. i tried to take a class that i mentioned was cancelled, but i am not giving up; you may see me around the campus come spring time studying my brains out.

Melissa (Poliseno) Burke (Major ’03) Hi Dr. C. Very clever rhyme you have there [Ed. Note: it was lame, but thanks.] I will officially take my LAST law school final on Dec. 13 and graduate on May 19, 2006. I will be sitting for the July Bar in NY! Needless to say that I am very excited! After I graduate I will be returning to Buffalo to work in a civil firm that also does some work in the sports arena. Plus they have season tickets to the Buffalo Bills and Sabres - what more can a girl ask for? Besides that, Shawn and I recently celebrated our 2-year Anniversary (back in August) and we are starting to save up for our first house!! Dont worry, no kids are in the plans yet! So that is all from Michigan. Shawn and I hope to make in back to Mercyhurst sometime soon!! I heard the men’s and women’s soccer team got knocked out in the first round of the playoffs - but I was glad to see they both made it!! Next year I guess!

Jill Bucceri (Major ’00) Hi Dr. Clemons, I'm currently working in Las Vegas at a law firm... Snell & Wilmer. Hope all is well! GO BLUE!!!!Bob Casey: Because Pennsylvania Deserves Better www.BobCaseyforPA.com

Jo Ann Hanes (Major ’03) Here's my report from the Shenandoah Valley: I am still teaching World History from 1500 to the Present. This year I have added an Honors section, which is so much fun. All of the History Honors classes at Millbrook High School took a field trip to DC,(250 kids, 5 buses--I was in charge of Bus #3-that's a big step in my career-to be in charge of an entire bus load of teenagers). We visited

Arlington, the wonderful WWII memorial and the Holocaust Museum. It was quite an experience to say the least. In other news, I was just accepted into the M.A. program in Poli. Sci at VA Tech thanks to the wonderful recommendations of you and Dr. Ripley no doubt. I will be starting their online program, which is identical in content to the program offered on campus in Blacksburg, VA. I still have to head down there to defend my thesis, etc. I am very excited to get started in January! Other than that, nothing new. I am Thanksgiving and Christmas break and the cybernewsletter as always. I hope all is well with you. Talk to you soon! Millbrook High School, Winchester, VA

Pat Collins (Major ’04) I hope all is well at Mercyhurst. I completed my post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting at Robert Morris University in July. This past September I began my career at Schneider Downs & Co. It is the largest regional public accounting firm in Pittsburgh. I am a staff auditor and have begun studying for the CPA exam. I recently took the Financial section and I am waiting patiently for the results. I am also waiting for 2008 when maybe real Republicans (i.e. pro-business, small government, fiscally responsible, geopolitical) run for national office. Then again, who knows if they still exist? Please tell Drs. Federici, Ripley, and Morris that I send my regards. Happy holidays!

Ahmed Omerhodzik (Minor ’01) great to see your words!!!! What i want for thanksgiving is a bulletproof vest for my class, and a copy of randy clemon's recent book..........oh wait....do you write books? GOD bless.........and justice has been served to the saddam!!! iraq, welcome to walmart!!!! [Ed. Note: I would harass Ahmed for once again no-showing at homecoming, despite the fact that he is so close geographically – but at least (unlike some people, e.g. those named Dain) he stays in touch.]

Casey Kilroy (Double Major ’03) Hey Doc! Pretty much the same story from me here - just a new locale. Performing at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Wisconsin (an old playboy mansion actually). It's beautiful here and I'm looking forward to spending the holidays in a place where I know there will be snow for Christmas! Believe it or not, I was home in Erie for an entire two days before this job started, and my last one ended. I actually got to spend election day at home! Andrew and I hit doors in the GE neighborhood with some other labor folks for a few hours, but only after Andrew seriously questioned the poll workers about the validity of our electronic vote. It was quite the sight! I was glad to be able to at least take a small part in some of the Democratic victory in PA. Hope all is well in Blue Book land and look forward to the Alumni update. Peace, CJ

Billy Byrnes (Major '02) Time continues to move faster. I am busy this year as I continue to teach religion at Archbishop Mitty High School, but also in my new position as Director of Student Activities. This just means I don't use my Master's degree and I have to go to all the football/basketball games and dances, coordinate all the spirit activities, and moderate the student government. There is also an administrative role to it. This, in turn makes me incredibly busy and tired. On the flip side I feel completely in touch with the high school generation. I know the latest songs, shows, technology, and vernacular. I luckily finished my degree in the Spring, but still don't have much time to read, though I just finished a book called, "Mountains Beyond Mountains" about Paul Farmer, M.D. [Ed. Note: Also on the Summer Reading List.] He started Partners In Health and works to provide health care to the poorest parts of the world. I backpacked through Europe this past summer and made it to 8 countries over 5 weeks. Many highlights, but most of all it was an incredible experience to see the museums, churches, and landmarks, meet amazing people, taste delicious cultural food, and attempt to speak foreign languages. Lastly, I'll say that I was glad to see a change in leadership in Washington, and hope we continue to move in the direction of questioning and ending an unjust war. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Hope to see friends, and of course attend the Political Science gathering, at next year's reunion. Peace.

[Ed. Note: the closings from alums included all the usual suspects; i.e. cheers, regards, happy holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, hope all is well, take care, Paz and peace. Given the state of the world, and the time of the year, it seemed best to close with a couple of people who closed with peace. Also, many of you contact us throughout the year with news (e.g. Lindsey Weber ’05 who was one of 360 students selected from almost 6000 applicants for the University of Michigan Law School and Kelly Diskin ’04 who just started a Masters program, or Quinn Sullivan ’02 who is nearing the end of her Masters program) and that is appreciated too. Plus it keeps your name off “the list.” Finally, the Cyber-Newsletter has been published three times a year, at the end of every term, but from now on we are going to a more sane twice a year format. Once, around the Christmas holiday season, once after graduation.]

While we had many, many students active in campaigns, dance and other performances, sports, even presenting at conferences, etc. – I only got one (thank you) update submitted in time.

WHO’S DOING WHAT: (Current Students)

Maeve Kelly ’07: What can I say? We took back Congress! I worked with a $12,000 grant from the DNC for PA College Democrats and devised a field plan that we implemented in the final weeks leading up to the election. I hired 6 field organizers which helped me recruit volunteers for weekly canvassing at the GOTV effort and had the opportunity to work with Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi, Senator-elect Bob Casey Jr. and Governor Rendell throughout the campaign cycle. In short, the young voter turnout was amazing! For example, at the University of Pittsburgh precinct, we had an 80% voter turnout increase from 2002. Now, I'm just relaxing and basking in our victory (oh and I'm trying to secure a job with Senator Bayh's presidential campaign in Iowa). [Ed. Note: Maeve is the President of PA’s Young Democrats.]

FACULTY NEWS:

Dr. Ripley helped coordinate Mercyhurst participation in three successful Model UN scrimmages (ably assisted by Lindsey Kole who did much of the behind-the-scenes work) during a busy fall term. The Model UN team also had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Michele Crumley as a new coach and co-advisor upon her arrival in the department. The three scrimmages (part of the Mid-Atlantic Model UN Consortium headquartered at Mercyhurst) were on the topic of Iraq (hosted by Mercyhurst in mid-September), human rights in Myanmar (hosted by Lakeland College, Cleveland, in early October) and the crisis in Darfur, Sudan (hosted by Mercyhurst in late October). Mercyhurst earned second place team awards at the first two scrimmages and a first place team award at the final scrimmage. Among the Political Science department majors and minors who were recognized for distinguished individual performance (i.e. earning either an “Excellent” rosette or “Superior” medal) during the fall term were: Chris Bodley ‘07, Adam Hammer ’09 , Jim Kelly ‘09, Lindsey Kole ‘07, Nicole Kubit ‘07, Allison Moore ‘07, and Mark Schneider ‘07. More scrimmages are on the horizon for 2007 and, thus, an opportunity for any student who would like to try their hand at a Model UN event.

Dr. Federici delivered a paper at the APSA Meeting in Philadelphia in August titled, “Parchment Barriers and the Unwritten Constitution: Judicial Power and the Ethical Center of American Constitutionalism.” He attended the 2006 Project Director’s Meeting for his Teaching American History Grants in Cleveland (October 4-6). He also gave a presentation, “Rights and Duties: The Original Purpose of the Constitution,” at a conference (“America and the Idea of Ordered Liberty”) at Tufts University on October 28, 2006 and he participated in a conference (“Center-Building Summit”) at Harvard University November 9-11. He published an article, “Russell Kirk and the Politics of Prescription” in the journal The Political Science Reviewer (Volume XXXV 2006), pp. 159-178.

Dr. Crumley was the invited guest speaker at the Nu Delta Alpha Honor Society luncheon in October, and she spoke about leadership, courage, and perceived duty of women in post-communist Russia. Dr. Crumley is especially looking forward to the coming year. She will be accompanying members of the Mercyhurst Model UN to Geneva, Switzerland, at the end of March for Harvard’s World Model UN Conference. Mercyhurst is providing an Academic Enrichment Grant and an Academic Affairs grant to supplement the Model UN travel budget in order to pay most of the costs for the 8 Mercyhurst students attending the conference. In addition, Dr. Crumley is happy to report that MSG is bringing Paul Rusesabagina to the ‘Hurst in February. Mr. Rusesabagina’s experiences as manager of Hotel Mille Collin during the Rwandan genocide of 1994 were portrayed in the film “Hotel Rwanda.” Besides activities outside the classroom, Dr. Crumley is excited about teaching new courses at Mercyhurst, such as Global Balkans, Politics of Russia, and Ethnic Conflict.

Dr. Morris accompanied a senior political science student, Dina Bastianini ‘07, to the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Philadelphia, PA. Dina presented her research on neoconservative foreign policy to honors students from across the nation. This term Dr. Morris is teaching a course titled Contemporary Environmental Issues. The course focuses on the multiple environmental discourses that shape environmental policy debates in the United States. This year he’ll be spending is Christmas with friends and family in Erie.

Dr. Clemons has been busy with administrative/college duties, but managed to serve on the 9/11 panel, to guest lecture at Gannon for Dr. Kozak (his class is using the public policy text Dr. McBeth and I co-authored), taught two sections of Geopolitics and my Vietnam War course (where the war in Iraq never seemed too far out of consciousness for the students and I and where one student scored a perfect 180 on the final exam), and still managed to work my way onto two panels at the Western Political Science Association conference in Las Vegas early in March. [Ed. Note: Finally, you may have noticed that the editor left in many of your greetings to me. In part this was a poll. I’ve been sending out emails to alums for some time now under the moniker of Dr. C, but 1) it didn’t seem to strongly stick, especially not among the older alums; 2) it occurred to me that there were now two Dr. C’s. Your replies were addressed to Dr. C, Doc, Dr. Clemons, Good Ole Doc (at least Tony spared me the Clem-Dog label he once used after he and the alligator were up too late celebrating). So, while at your end all the alumni are free to continue to call me anything (well….) you want, and I may respond in kind based on our relationship, what you are comfortable with, etc., on mass emails I am going to switch and start signing off as I long have to most of my friends and colleagues, rc Finally, finally (I’m sure some of you miss me saying that), last night was the very well attended annual Christmas party once again graciously hosted at the Federici household. A good time was had by all, and memories of previous gatherings, and many of you were evoked. Merry Christmas!]