Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Dept. of Political Science

News

ALUMNI NEWS

Please contact us if you are an IUPUI political science graduate and have news to share. There is a page on the Liberal Arts web site that contains news, and here are some other additional pieces of news we’ve heard:

John Wild (BA, 1974) was thanked for his public service in a resolution of the Missouri State Senate. He was recognized for his outstanding leadership as the CEO of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority which has helped over half a million students with student loans for college.

Frederick Biesecker (BA, 1976) has rejoined Ice Miller Legal and Business Advisors in Indianapolis as a partner. He is currently serving as interim Executive Director of the Indiana Public Employees Retirement Fund. Previously he had worked for Governor Frank O’Bannon as his legal advisor.

Christine Dowdeswell (BA, 1989) is President of the IU School of Liberal Arts Alumni Board, and James Foreman is a member of the board.

Todd Schmidt (BA, 1996) says in the most recent issue of Advances, the Liberal Arts Alumni newsletter, how much he appreciated his IUPUI experience, the support of administrators and the mentoring by faculty. He loved everything about the IUPUI experience - after he found a parking spot. After graduating he worked as a Governor’s Fellow for Governors Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon, then attended the US Army Airborne School at Fort Bragg, NC. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division as a Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer, and then to the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. He is currently based with the 25th Infantry Division in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Susan De Jarnatt-Walker (BA, 1999) and her husband Daniel have moved to McCordsville, Indiana. Susan continues to work at IUPUI in University College as Assistant Director of Orientation Services and Learning Community Mentors.

THE KEY TO COLLEGE: GETTING INVOLVED

Internships are wonderful opportunities to put the theory you have learned in class to practical use in real situations. With the upcoming Indiana legislative session, there are many opportunities for you to experience politics at work, while even getting paid! In addition to internships, IUPUI’s political science students have many opportunities to get involved. Contact Dr. Ferguson for more info at mferguso@iupui.edu

Students are encouraged to get involved with any of the clubs that focus on political science. POLSA is an organization that allows students to express and experience politics in a non-partisan way. The Model UN and the Model EU allow students the chance to take part in mock simulations of the United Nations and the European Union. Phi Alpha Delta is the Pre-Law fraternity, which is geared towards students interested in a law degree. Finally, there are various opportunities to get involved with the IUPUI Undergraduate Student Assembly.