Alumni

Welcome Alumni!

Welcome to all alumni! 

International relations majors are accomplishing incredible things in Michigan and all around the world. We love to hear from you! If you'd be interested in being featured in one of our spotlights, send an email to [email protected] with a picture and some or all of the following:

  • Name, major(s), minor(s) (optional), and year of graduation from GVSU:
  • Describe your accomplishment (education, work, voluntarism, etc.), and optionally, anything you did previously (just a couple of sentences or as much as a page):
  • Anything you’d like to mention about how your classes, professors or activities at GVSU prepared you for your current path (optional): 

If you are looking to make contact with fellow alumni, check out the GVSU PLS and IR alumni Facebook group.

If you need a letter of recommendation, you'll find our letter of recommendation guidelines here, and faculty contact information here

We look forward to hearing from you!

Spotlights

Jordan Crandell Spotlight

Jordan Crandell

2014 IR graduate is teaching in Vietnam

Patrick Miller Spotlight

Patrick Miller

Patrick Miller, Special Investigator for Perspecta

Marie Edouard Spotlight

Marie Edouard

Graduate of Harvard Law School, Attorney at Goodwin Proctor LLP in Washington, DC

Jennifer Ventimiglia Spotlight

Jennifer Ventimiglia

Peace Corps Nicaragua, Fulbright Scholar Peru, now Ph.D. candidate in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership at University of Illinois

Elena Szost Spotlight

Elena Szost

Program Manager, Chemonics International

View More Spotlights

Distinguished Alumni

Periodically, the Political Science Department is asked by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to invite a Political Science or International Relations alumnus to campus for the Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence program. The program provides a venue for departments to invite outstanding alumni back to campus to share their post-graduation experiences with the GVSU community.  Through the program, our distinguished alumni have the opportunity to share their insights about what constitutes strong academic preparation for students.

Political Science and International Relations Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence:
James Spaanstra 2005
Edward Cardenas 2006
Bob Monaghan 2007
James Meernik 2010
Nerina Cevra 2012
Richard Damstra 2015
Tim Zeeb 2017
Alan Dunklow 2019

Distinguished Alumni

James Meernik Spotlight

James Meernik

Political Science Professor

Edward Cardenas Spotlight

Edward Cardenas

Media and Communications Expert

Alan Dunklow Spotlight

Alan Dunklow

Assistant Attorney General for Maryland

Richard Damstra Spotlight

Richard Damstra

Foreign Service Office, U.S. Department of State

Robert Monaghan Spotlight

Robert Monaghan

Corporate Executive and Nonprofit Leader

View More Distinguished Alumni

News

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR Alum Jessica Geisler is starting her JD studies this fall at Wayne Law.

Sep 18, 2024

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Jul 3, 2024

Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award

Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award

Sarah D. Pullins is the winner of the Outstanding Paper Award for Political Science and International Relations.

May 3, 2024

GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JACKSON TISDALE

GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JACKSON TISDALE

Jackson Tisdale is the recipient of the Grand Valley in DC Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. The purpose of this alumni-funded scholarship is to assist students in pursuing internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Apr 5, 2024

Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Tafel wins Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Feb 19, 2024

View More News

Events

MLK Day of Service and Solidarity

January 25, 2025 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity represents a nationwide initiative where campuses across America join hands to serve and stand in solidarity with their communities, honoring the legacy...

MLK Day of Service and Solidarity

January 25, 2025 8:00 AM

The MLK Jr. Day of Service and Solidarity is part of a national day of service where campuses across America gather to serve and stand in solidarity with their communities in honor of Dr. Martin Luther...

Salute to Latinas: Fuerza De La Mujer

January 25, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

At this event, we take time to honor the accomplishments and strengths of all Latinas. We celebrate our history, cultures, and diversity with pride and recognize women who have impacted...

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Page last modified October 25, 2019