Spotlights
Richard Damstra
Richard Damstra graduated in 1996 with a B.A. in Political Science. While at GVSU, Damstra participated in the GVSU Honors Program and also studied in Kingston, UK, through a study abroad program in the summer of 1995. He was recognized by GVSU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) through the 2015 CLAS Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence program.
“I give great credit to fantastic professors like Forrest Armstrong, William Baum, and Erika King for energizing my interest in politics and world affairs and helping me sharpen my writing and analytical skills.”
Richard worked in Michigan politics after graduation, including for State Representative Ken Sikkema, and earned a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law. After practicing law for four years at Warner Norcross and Judd, he joined the State Department, serving as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. Richard has been stationed in Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. He is currently serving as Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia.
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