CRISTINA VALDEZ PINEDA (’15) graduated from Illinois with a double major in Political Science and Communication.
My PS Story
Stories from Political Science alumni and how they are using their University of Illinois degree now.
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AMBER MCREYNOLDS (‘01) always had an interest in politics and government.
JESUS MAGANA (‘13) was not always sure of his career path.
JENINE SALEH (‘15) majored in both Political Science and Global Studies, receiving highest distinction honors during graduation.
Quite a few graduates from the Political Science department at the University of Illinois might someday end up on the east coast, but far
MICHAEL ALLENSWORTH (BA ‘14) attended the University of Illinois originally majoring in MCB on the Pre-Med track but soon realized it was
While studying Political Science at Illinois, AMANDA BRADY ZIFFRA (BA ’08) was President of the Women's Lacrosse Team and spent time stud
For Professor ALAN WISEMAN (BA ’96), his professional career stems from a hot day in Champaign, Illinois in August 1993. Dr.
MARK GLASSGOW (‘16) is a Co-Founder and Producer at Chicago Media Angels, a business dedicated to connecting investors with talented, ind
Growing up in Taiwan, where politics permeates every day life, MURPHY PERNG (BA ’11) developed an interest in the subject.
MORGAN McCLAIN-McKINNEY (BA ’09; MA ‘11) was a political science major throughout her years at Illinois, but her interests shifted from pre-law to international affairs. While in college, she took
BRADY COLLINS (MA ‘11), an alumnus of the Masters in Civic Leadership program, never expected to pursue a career in academia.
RYAN SPAIN (BA ’05) graduated with a dual degree in Political Science and Speech Communication and Bronze Tablet Honors.
When KASEY UMLAND (BA ’05) accepted a program staff position at the University YMCA twelve years ago, she was returning to a place she ha
AMY RADLINSKI (BA ‘17) pursued her interest in international politics in the Department of Political Science at Illinois.
JANICE LIN (‘16) has always been adept when it comes to political science, developing a passion for the subject in high school.
NATASHA DOLMON (BA ’14) spent much of high school engaged in politics, so naturally she selected Political Science as her declared major.
For EVAN KELLER (BA ’16), studying Political Science at Illinois was “never in question.” It all started with his 8th grade current events class, where a de
EMILY GARNETT (BA ’05; MA ’07) always knew she wanted to do something with politics or law.
ROBERT DOUBEK (’66) grew up in an American family with Czech roots. They were bakers and confectioners for three generations, including his.
NICK HARRER (’02) has always had an interest in broadcast journalism.
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’ be
JAYLIN D. MCCLINTON (‘16) is a graduate of the Department of Political Science at the University of Illinois.
MARY O’CONNOR (’74) had always been interested in Political Science and decided to pursue this interest at the University of Illinois.
MARIE JOHNSON-DAHL ('16) did not always know what she wished to study when she got to the University of Illinois.
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.
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
LARRY HARRIS, JR. (‘15) has always had an interest in government and foreign affairs, and that led him to the Department of Political Science.
JULIA AZARI (‘02) started college hoping to be a journalist, and she selected political science because she hoped to do political journalism. As she studied political science, she fell in love wit
AMANDA SONNEBORN (‘99) was born into a “very political” Springfield family, and she interned in the General Assembly while still in high school.
ROB HUCK (’71) is a retired UI fundraiser and major supporter of the University of Illinois.
MEREDITH WIECK ('09) works as a Feature Film Executive in the production and development department at Lionsgate, an entertainment studio based in Los Angeles, California.
TERRY WELCH (’76) grew up in Springfield with a Republican father and a Democratic mother who enjoyed engaging the family in political debate.
DAVID ADELEYE (’14) has spent the past few years working in multiple advisory roles within the Obama Administration at the White House and Department of Homeland Security.
WILLIAM BILLEAUD (’85) is an international business executive.
WENDY NETTER EPSTEIN (‘99) entered the University of Illinois intending to go the “pre-med” route.
JOHN COADY (’74) explains how his study of political science influenced his judicial career path and life in this way: “Politics is my life.” In college, he was involved in activities including st
MICHELLE (EACK) MORA (‘11) entered college through the general curriculum program (a forerunner to the Division of General Studies) with hopes of studying business and going to law school.
CATHERINE TOPOLINSKI (’13) enjoyed study abroad in both India and Belgium while she was in college.
SARA CLINE-HOWLAND (‘10) was interested in history and politics while in high school, and a major in political science seemed like a natural fit.
