EMILY GARNETT (BA ’05; MA ’07) always knew she wanted to do something with politics or law. During her time at the University of Illinois she developed a close relationship with some of her professors who later became part of her favorite memories of the Department of Political Science. She felt that the professors she had were very approachable and encouraged her to engage in opportunities that...

ROBERT DOUBEK (’66) grew up in an American family with Czech roots. They were bakers and confectioners for three generations, including his. In 1962, he enrolled at the University of Illinois, studying Political Science, German, and Russian. Soon after graduating from the University, Robert was commissioned in the Air Force. He served as an intelligence officer in Vietnam, focusing on the Ho Chi...

NICK HARRER (’02) has always had an interest in broadcast journalism. Even at a young age, you could find him sitting at home each night watching the latest local newscast of the 1992 presidential campaign. Much of Mr. Harrer’s journey to broadcast journalism was guided through relationships with alumni and staff. While participating in the Marching Illini in college, the women’s basketball...

MITCH DICKEY (‘16) is the University of Illinois Alumni Alliance’s Advocacy Coordinator, where he helps manage federal and state advocacy efforts on the University of Illinois’ behalf. The University of Illinois has always been near to Dickey’s heart. “I always had a passion for government, which is why I was drawn to our state’s flagship university. Illinois provided me with an unmatched...

JAYLIN D. MCCLINTON (‘16) is a graduate of the Department of Political Science at the University of Illinois. Out of college, he worked as a Reuss intern at the University of Illinois Foundation. He also volunteered and served on Secretary Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign as a delegate candidate during his free time. McClinton was later accepted to the White House Internship Program, where...

MARY O’CONNOR (’74) had always been interested in Political Science and decided to pursue this interest at the University of Illinois. After earning her Bachelor’s degree, O’Connor continued on and earned her MBA. She began her career working in the financial sector at Blue Cross Blue Shield right after graduating. She used her political science degree not only in the business world but also...

MARIE JOHNSON-DAHL ('16) did not always know what she wished to study when she got to the University of Illinois. In fact, it wasn't until her AP Comparative Government class in high school did she become interested in the field of political science. Even after choosing Political Science at Illinois, she continued to have uncertainty as to whether or not she chose the right major. "It's difficult...

JOHN BECK (BA ’71; MS ‘74) started at the University of Illinois in 1967 as a student in what is now known as the Division of General Studies. He transferred into the Department of Political Science during his freshman year. As an undergraduate he took classes on a variety of topics throughout the department, but really remembers his time in International Relations. It was this class along with...

JUSTIN GERBER (’15) entered the University of Illinois not as a political science major  but after a semester of not feeling connected to his classes, he started to look for other options. Gerber explored the Department of Political Science after enjoying one of the classes and with help from the advisors in the department was able to switch majors. He enjoyed the mixture of real world...

LARRY HARRIS, JR. (‘15) has always had an interest in government and foreign affairs, and that led him to the Department of Political Science. During his time as a student here, he had a number of great experiences in classes and extra-curricular activities, but points to his study abroad in Vienna, Austria (in a program led by Professor Vasquez) as “life-changing.” In his senior year, Mr....