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

David Root Spotlight

David Root

Peace Corps Bangladesh, US State Department, Inclusive Leadership Specialist

Kaylin Klein Spotlight

Kaylin Klein

Kaylin Klein now working for Fidelity Investments

Quinlyn Mork Spotlight

Quinlyn Mork

Grand Rapids Paralegal Volunteers with Iraqi Refugee Community

Tim Zeeb Spotlight

Tim Zeeb

2002 Graduate Becomes Managing Director at Conway MacKenzie

Clair (Radyko) Scheiderer Spotlight

Clair (Radyko) Scheiderer

Attorney for Freedom House Represents Asylum Seekers

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

Alan Dunklow Spotlight

Alan Dunklow

Assistant Attorney General for Maryland

James Meernik Spotlight

James Meernik

Political Science Professor

Robert Monaghan Spotlight

Robert Monaghan

Corporate Executive and Nonprofit Leader

Tim Zeeb Spotlight

Tim Zeeb

Managing Director in Finance

Edward Cardenas Spotlight

Edward Cardenas

Media and Communications Expert

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

Global Community Night

November 21, 2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Join us for the culmination of Global Horizons Week by enjoying international cuisine with other folks interested in global issues & cultures!

Global Gala: 12th Annual Cultural Showcase

November 23, 2024 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Global Gala is a cultural showcase that highlights the many diverse cultures within Grand Valley's community as well as our surrounding area. This event was created to bring together the community...

Salute to Latinas: Fuerza De La Mujer

November 25, 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 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 their community....

Drop-in Days of Service

December 6, 2024 2:00 PM

Drop-in Days of Service are on-campus opportunities for students to "drop in" and complete service projects for service hours. They are located on GVSU's Allendale Campus in Kirkhof...

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...

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Page last modified October 25, 2019