Political Science Outcomes

Cecilia Gutierrez Hampson, Class of 2010
After graduating, Cecilia moved into the business world and began to develop the connection between political theory and business. She holds the position of Client Services Associate at the Cambridge Innovation Center, a unique and rapidly growing business incubator focused on supporting entrepreneurs and facilitating networking. Many of these businesses are challenging the notion of "business as usual" and improving the overall well-being of people and communities worldwide. Cecilia is now helping answer many of the concerns tackled in her political science classes—at the heart of a place that could turn Boston Metro into the next Silicon Valley.

Alexis Klempel, Class of 2010
Majoring in Political Science at Gordon prepared Alexis for graduate school and aided her at Gonzaga University School of Law, where she attended on an academic scholarship, graduating cum laude in May 2013. Informed by her undergraduate courses in women and politics, she was co-president of the Women’s Law Caucus at Gonzaga. While at Gordon she completed an internship at the Roxbury District Attorney's Office; this work prepared her for her current internship at the Special Assault Unit of the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office. Alexis notes that “Dr. Sherratt's constitutional law class, and his emphasis on the Socratic method and case briefing, made the first few weeks of law school much less daunting.” Alexis is currently working as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Karin Christianson, Class of 2010
Since graduating, Karin has pursued opportunities in international development, law, public health and nutrition. Majoring in Political Studies and French prepared Karin for graduate school and work in dynamic, international settings.

Karin writes, “Gordon’s Political Studies faculty were instrumental in shaping my worldview, challenging my understanding of the integration of faith and politics, and supporting my personal and professional ambitions. The professors in this department are truly committed to their students. Even after graduation, I continue to benefit greatly from the relationships we formed.”

Karin is currently pursuing graduate degrees in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition and Public Health at Tufts University.

Dave Bircher, Class of 2009
After graduation Dave moved to New York as a corps member in Teach for America. His semester abroad with the Gordon in South Africa program directed his steps after college, steering him toward domestic social justice issues such as education. After two years as a middle school math and science teacher he moved into another position in education as the director of a college access and retention program in the Bronx. Currently, Dave manages multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns for a charter management organization with over 40 charter schools throughout the Northeast serving low-income students.

Gordon’s Political Studies and International Affairs professors prepared Dave for grappling with a variety of political and economic issues in the classroom and gave him a deep understanding and love of education. That drive for knowledge, truth and honest dialogue has informed his professional relationships with students, innovators in education reform and philanthropic leaders.


 

Nathan Karrel, Class of 2005
Nathan has lead a career in humanitarian development as a municipal development advisor with the Peace Corps in El Salvador, and a workforce development specialist for refugees, asylees, and immigrants with the International Institute of Lowell in Massachusetts. Most recently, Nathan completed his Master's in Public Administration at George Washington University and is continuing to pursue a career in international development in Washington, D.C. as an international development recruiter with IREX, a US-based nonprofit organization committed to international education in academic research, professional training and technical assistance. Gordon College provided Nathan with a basic toolkit of knowledge, steeped in principles and values, that led to his successful career. Relationships with professors in the Political Science department have continued to impact his growth long after his time at Gordon.

Julie Schumacher Cohen, Class of 2002
Julie is director of the Office of Community Relations at the University of Scranton, serving as liaison with neighborhood groups, community organizations and local government bodies in the Scranton area. She has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations in community and government relations, including most recently as Deputy Director, and earlier Legislative Coordinator, of Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition of 24 national church bodies in Washington, D.C. Previously, she worked in New York City directing cross-cultural programs at U.S. Servas Inc. and as a Community Outreach/Public Policy Associate for Citizens Union Foundation. Julie is completing a Master of Public Administration at Villanova University and has served as a Fellow in the Next Generation Project at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. 

Abigail Baird, Class of 2003
While at Gordon, Abigail interned at the Supreme Court of the United States and worked as a legal intern for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Department of State. She graduated from Boston College law school in 2006 and was hired as an associate at Ropes and Gray in Boston.

Jennifer Monk, Class of 2002
Jennifer graduated from Gordon with a double major in political studies and history. In May 2006 she graduated from Pepperdine Law School, where she also received a masters in public policy and American politics.  After passing the California bar exam, she is now Legal Counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a nonprofit constitutional law firm.

Seth Mancini, Class of 2000 
Seth was admitted to the Connecticut State Police Academy in 2000 and currently serves as a sergeant with the Connecticut State Police. In his time there he has been assigned to patrol functions, the Commissioner's legal staff, and as an adjunct Training Academy instructor, teaching recruits constitutional law in the area of search and seizure. In 2006, Seth graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law and is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of Connecticut.

Stephanie Trombley, Class of 2000
Stephanie graduated from Gordon with a double major in history and political science, then earned her Ph.D. in diplomatic history from the University of New Hampshire. She is currently an Assistant Professor of History in the Global Security and Intelligence Studies Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.