2009-2010


Austin Brunson, a senior political science major, has become a featured rising star in the University web site. He is positioning himself to make a difference in the world with a foundation he has built at Bloomsburg University through a variety of leadership roles, strong academics and community involvement. Brunson says BU has prepared him to go to law school and become active in environmental law. Brunson decided to visit BU as a high school senior, because he was impressed by the university's academic credentials. He saw numerous BU faculty who have won awards and been published in their academic field. He was also impressed by the number of accredited programs. Currently, Brunson is president of the Legal Studies Association, which is a campus group to help students prepare for law school admission. Outside of class, Brunson has been a member the Community Government Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization, as well as formerly serving as vice president of BU's 2010 graduating class. Additionally, Brunson has stayed active by presenting two of his research papers to the Bloomsburg community. Brunson is passionate about environmental law and hopes to work as a lobbyist or with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. He knows BU's research-intensive curriculum and knowledgeable faculty have prepared him for his ambitions.

Stephanie Minnaugh Libhart, an alumnus of Political Science Department at Bloomsburg University, is working for the IOLTA Board as the Assistant Director under the jurisdiction of the PA Supreme Court. It's a Board that oversees funding for civil legal services to the poor community in PA. Stephanie said it was a very special job and she was honored to be working for them.

Summer 2010 Student Internship with the State Department
Applications are now being accepted for the Summer 2010 Student Internship Program. Please click on the following link (http://careers.state.gov/students/programs.html#SIP) for more information, and to view the vacancy on USAJobs and start the online application process. The deadline to submit completed applications is November 2, 2009.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and a student in order to be eligible. Please read the vacancy announcement for all eligibility requirements.
PLEASE NOTE: You may experience some technical difficulties with the online application system. Please click here (http://careers.state.gov/students/workaround.html) for workaround instructions. They are working to fix this issue as quickly as possible.

Internship Opportunity in Spring 2010
BU is currently looking for Spring 2010 THIS applicants. The internship sponsored by the PASSHE allows students to earn credits amounting to a full semester, while learning to work in a policy making level of state government.
A student applying for the internship must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA and earned a minimum of 45 undergraduate credit hours, while entering his or her junior or senior year. THIS invites students of any academic major to take part in the program that offers an academic enrichment in state government.
Contact the THIS faculty campus coordinator, Dr. Sheng Ding for guidance and information at (570) 389-4336 or e-mail to sding@bloomu.edu. Students applying for THIS should send their application packets to Dr. Ding by Oct. 16, 2009.

Employment Opportunity with the State APSCUF Office
Government relations professional. Responsibilities include working with General Assembly, statewide officials, interest groups, labor unions, & coalitions on policies; tracking legislation; informing members; researching public policy; lobbying directly. Candidates should possess the following: strong computer, mathematics/statistics, writing and technology skills; ability to work well with a wide variety of professionals and non-professionals; ability to express, simplify and explain complex subjects persuasively and logically; ability to work independently and problem solve. BA/BS required; Masters in Public Policy, PoliSci, or related discipline preferred. Excellent salary and benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer. Send resume, cover letter and three references to the attention of the President, APSCUF, 319 North Front Street, P. O. Box 11995, Harrisburg, PA 17108; faxed to (717) 236-1883; or emailed to ldemko@apscuf.org. Resume/references need to be received by 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 1.


BU recently became an authorized test administration site for the LSAT exam.
2009-2010 Test dates: 12/05/2009 and 02/06/2010
Testing location: BU’s University Testing Services office, Monty’s on the upper campus

Joshua Christensen, a political science major, is working for the Office of Attorney General of Pennsylvania with The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS) program during the Fall 2009 semester. Christensen, who is one of the 15 students from PASSHE universities selected for THIS, will work in the press office for his 15-week internship in Harrisburg. The press office communicates information to Pennsylvania’s citizens about the work being done by the agents, investigators, and prosecutors of the Office of Attorney General by using any media such as the Internet, television, radio, or newspapers, according to its website.

The Osgood Center in Washington, DC is offering: Student Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference
The Student NPT Review Conference is the Osgood Center's inaugural arms control conference. Students will have the opportunity to simulate the 2010 NPT Review Conference two months before it convenes. In addition to Committee resolutions, there will be a Conference Final Statement written by a Drafting Committee of students selected at the conference. The Department of State's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation will make these documents available to the US Delegation to the 2010 Nonproliferation Treaty.
March 18-21, 2010
All students on campus are encouraged to attend. More information on how to sign up and prepare will be forthcoming!


2008-2009

Jessica Sabol, an alumnus of Political Science Department at Bloomsburg University, was hired in October 2008 as an Associate for the Center for the Child Care Workforce, at the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. The Center for the Child Care Workforce, a project of the American Federation of Teachers Educational Foundation, is a nonprofit research, education and advocacy organization committed to improving early care and education quality by improving early care and education jobs.  Jessica is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing the CCW/AFTEF programmatic activities including those related to public policy, organizing and research.
In college, Jessica was employed with the National Education Association’s (NEA) Pennsylvania affiliate, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), in their Government Relations Division. She also served on the PSEA State Political Action Committee for Education (PACE) Board and testified on behalf of the student members of PSEA/NEA before the PA state legislature on Academic Freedom in colleges and universities today.
Jessica is a 2006 honor graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She holds a Pennsylvania Instructional I certification in Elementary Education (K-6) and is also a certified faculty trainer for Touchpoints® from the T. Berry Brazelton’s Touchpoints® Center at Harvard University.

Shannon Waterman, an alumnus of Political Science Department at Bloomsburg University, has recently started to work as Executive Assistant to Mr. Steve Crawford, the Chief of Staff in the Office of Governor Edward Rendell. Since she graduated in 2007, Shannon has been working in the state government. She is excited with her new assignment. As she said in her email to our faculty members, "I am so thankful and proud of the opportunities I have been given and the tasks I have been able to accomplish. I want all of you to know that I owe a lot of that to you. You were the ones who were not afraid to push me to do better and to remember that there is no limit to what you can accomplish..."

The Political Science Banquet will be held on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM at the Alumni House.
RJ Harris, a morning radio talk show host in Harrisburg, will be our guest speaker at the banquet.
Click here to know more about our guest speaker.

There are some new changes regarding the requirements for a political science major. For details, please check the web page http://departments.bloomu.edu/polisci/requirements.htm or talk to your advisors.

William C. Borromeo, a graduate from the Department of Political Science in 2006, recently returned from Iraq and is considering graduate school or employment in government.

The BU Forensics Team won fourth Place at the Annual Collegiate Forensic Association's Beach Tournament held March 6-7, in Ocean City, Md. BU students won first place trophies in three speaking events. Joe Wright and Joshua Trusty defeated Randolph-Macon College for first place in Parliamentary Debate. Kylene McClarren and Scott Kenyon won first place in Dramatic Duo and Ashley Fuoco won first place in Dramatic Interpretation of Literature. In addition to these first place awards, the BU Team won many other individual speaking awards. Dr. Neil Strine, a faculty member of Political Science Department, has served the Director of Forensics for six years. The Bloomsburg University Forensics Team will travel next to Shreveport, Louisiana from March 17-22 to participate in the Pi Kappa Delta National Speech and Debate Tournament.

Laura Durbin, a graduate from the Department of Political Science in 2007, has been admitted by American University's School of International Service for a dual Masters in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development.

Amanda Bailey, a graduate from the Department of Political Science in 2007, has beome a Veterans Service Representative at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She works at a branch of Veterans Benefit Administration in Philadelphia PA.

Dr. Peter Doerschler will give a lecture entitiled "Germany’s Hauptschule: Success or Obstacle to Integration for Germany’s Immigrants" at 7:00 p.m. on February 25, in Room 119 at the Living and Learning Community Center in Columbia Residence Hall. The lecture are sponsored by the International Studies Living and Learning Community.

The Bloomsburg University Forensics Team will be hosting the Annual Woman’s Christian Temperance Union’s Intercollegiate Oratorical Contest on Thursday, March 12, 2009 in Bakeless, room 207. All Bloomsburg University students are eligible to compete in the contest. Cash awards will be presented to the top three speakers immediately following the contest. Competitors must present an 8-10 minute speech on the use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, or pornography and their related problems. More specifically, the speech should focus on the effects of these items as it relates to the health and happiness of the individual, the protection of the home, safety, crime, and economic impact. The winner of the contest must be available to speak at the state WCTU contest on Tuesday, April 14th. All interested students must register with Dr. Neil Strine, Director of Forensics at hstrin2@bloomu.edu by 5 PM on Thursday, February 26th to be eligible for the competition.

APSCUF is seeking a junior/senior PASSHE student in political science, communications, journalism, or related field to serve as a government relations/public relations intern at the state office building in Harrisburg. The internship runs from May 26 to August 14, 2009 and pays $10 per hour. The application deadline is February 16th.

All Political Science majors and minors are invited to attend the end-of-the-year Political Science Student Banquet held on the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2009 in the Curtis English Room of the Alumni House. The event will honor our graduating seniors and be a great opportunity to socialize with other students, faculty and staff in Political Science.

BU is now seeking applicants for the Fall 2009 Harrisburg Internship Semester(THIS).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, 27 February, 2009
Your academic record reflects a substantial record of achievement in your undergraduate work at Bloomsburg University. Given that record, you may be interested in a special opportunity to expand your experience, taking your strengths into the new and interesting forum of an internship in the offices of Pennsylvania state government.
Bloomsburg University is now seeking applicants for the Fall 2009 Harrisburg Internship Semester. If you have an interest in any aspect of state government and can make a semester in Harrisburg part of your academic program, we encourage you to compete for this opportunity. We also encourage you to talk with your faculty advisor and/or department chair about this internship and its potential contribution to your academic program.
General information on The Harrisburg Internship Semester and an application form, with instructions on materials can be downloaded HERE. For further information, please contact Dr. Sheng Ding, Faculty T.H.I.S. Coordinator.
[ Office: 215 BCH, e-mail: sding@bloomu.edu ]

Together with students from his seminar (44-492-02), Dr. Peter Doerschler will lead a presentation on European immigration as part of the university-sponsored Immigration Forum. Thier presentation will take place April 9th in the Kehr Ballroom (time TBA). More details are comming soon.

Dr. Neil Strine and Dr. Peter Doerschler will participate in the Global Warming teach-in on February 5th in the Kehr Union Ballroom. This event, co-sponsored by The BU Campus Green Initiative and H.O.P.E., will be an all-day event covering ten faculty-led panels on topics ranging from Green initiatives at BU to alternative energy sources.

Dr. Sheng Ding will give a lecture entitled "the United States in the Age of the Pacific" at 7:00 p.m. on February 4th, in Room 119 at the Living and Learning Community Center in Columbia Residence Hall. The lecture are sponsored by the International Studies Living and Learning Community.

On January 22, 2009, the department of political science co-sponsored a public lecture by Dr. Cynthia Burack, author and professor of Women's Studies at The Ohio State University. Drawing on her attendance at political events and extensive reading of Christian conservative literature, Dr. Burack discussed one prominent theme of contemporary antigay talk that links gay people to terrorism. More than 300 faculty and students attended this lecture.

Leadership in a New Era
Osgood Center for International Studies www.osgoodcenter.org
January 9, 2009 - January 21, 2009
On January 20, 2009, six BU students (Austin Brunson, Ashley Caliguire, Wyatt Mosley, Lauren McLaughlin, Raeesa Khan, and Tina Piquet) attended the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States - a singularly momentous event in this nation's history. The students who took advantage of this amazing opportunity to be in Washington, DC were present in meetings with policy experts from various disciplines and areas of government just prior to and during the presidential inauguration.
The students experienced 30 hours of "face time" with these experts in an effort to recognize and analyze the issues that confront the new President of the United States. They visited the US Department of State, the Pentagon, toured the White House and had briefings at embassies in the Washington metropolitan area.
The students will be formulating their thinking on the various topics and will offer a Roundtable Discussion later in the Spring Semester. The date will be announced soon.
As part of Dr. Zoelle's effort to establish an ongoing relationship with the Osgood Center for International Studies that will provide internships, credit-bearing courses in the DC area and other experiences for Political Science and other students at Bloomsburg, the Political Science department, the BU President's office, the Office of Student Affairs, and the office of the Dean of Liberal Arts were asked, and graciously agreed, to support this event. The Political Science Department looks forward to expanding the relationship with the Osgood Center. Please, monitor this website for further details about interesting new opportunities!

The student colloquium of "Building An Understanding Bridge Across the Pacific Ocean: A Student Colloquium on the U.S.-China Relations in the 21st Century" was held on November 20, 2008. The colloquium was organized by Dr. Sheng Ding and sponsored by the department of political science. Six faculty members (Dr. Cohen-Dion, Dr. Agbango, Dr. Zoelle, Dr. Doerschler, Dr. Long, and Dr. Luo) volunteerly served as referees. Ten students presented their research on the US-China relations from various perspectives such as China's human rights, the Tibet issue, environmental pollution, cultural exchange, Chinese nationalism, the comparison of US and China’s sports power, and among others. Daniel Brown, Stasia Rudiman, Zachary Graybill, Austin Brunson, and Jan Schwabe received presentation awards and took PHOTO with BU Presient David Soltz.

Mr. David E. Stover received his B.A. in Political Science (Magna cum laude) at Bloomsburg University. After he graduated from Widener University School of Law, he had worked as an associate attorney with the Harrisburg office of Kirkpatrick and Lockhart, LLP. In 2000, he was appointed as as one of PASSHE University Legal Counsels. His current assignments include Bloomsburg University, West Chester University, Office of the Chancellor Contracts, and SyTEC.

John E. Chapman ('99) is a prosecutor in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. After he graduated from the department of political science, he attended the University of Akron School of Law. He graduated from law school and passed the Bar exam. He was recently appointed as the Prosecutor for the City of Cuyahoga Falls.

Dr. Peter Doerschler joined the Department of Political Science this fall semester as an assistant professor of political science. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Penn State in 2004 and a M.A. in German from Bowling Green State University in 1998. His principle teaching and research interests include immigration, European Politics, global warming and globalization.



2007-2008

Chris Fetterman, a Political Science/Mass Communications double major, was the winner of the 2008 Sunshine Week essay contest in the BU student category. He was awarded a prize of $250. His essay will be published in The Press Enterprise during Sunshine Week and will be posted to the Sunshine Week website, for possible use in any Pennsylvania newspaper.

Laura Dubin, a recent graduate from the Department of Political Science, finds her job at CBS in New York challenging but exciting. She enjoys it very much. She has recently been promoted to the Administrative Assistant to the VP of CBS News.

The Bloomsburg University Forensics Team won 3rd place (Excellent Certificate) out of 7 schools at the Pi Kappa Delta Province of the Greater Northeast tournament held at Ohio University, February 9-10, 2008. Kristy Westbrook, Amanda Geschwindt, Kaitlin O’Brien, Amanda Geschwindt and Jeremy Gesualdo wond awards or special recognition.

The Bloomsburg University Forensics Team won 6th place at the CFA Winter Weekend Speech Tournament in Montreal, Canada over the weekend of January 25-26, 2008. Every member of the BU team won speaking awards. The team members include: Ashley Fuoco, Amanda Geschwindt, Emily Kinkead, Patrick Velliky, and Matt Mehalick.

After 37 years of service to the University, Professor Richard Micheri will retire as of the end of the Fall 2007 semester.

Dr. James Yoho will gove a complete preparation course for the LSAT in four weeknights: April 15, 17, 22 and 24, 2008 from 6-9:30 each night. For detailes, please check here.

Emily Kinkead, a junior majoring in Political Science and Marine Biology, was listed in the Rising Stars web page at BU website. She is a graduate of Red River High School in Grand Forks, North Dakota, whose family recently moved to Williamsport. Originally interested in marine biology, she's become a political activist and president of Democracy Matters, a campus organization encouraging political involvement and especially voting. Her career objective: work for Common Cause, a national nonprofit, nonpartisan citizen's lobbying organization promoting open, honest and accountable government. She chose BU because of the strength of its academic programs.

Sakinah Tillman, a junior majoring in political science with a concentration in public administration and human resources and minor in communication studies, was listed in the Rising Stars web page at BU website. She is a graduate of Lankenau High School, Philadelphia, and volunteers as a math tutor on campus to keep her hand in a favorite subject area. She is a Board of Governors scholar, is active in the Legal Studies Association, and plans to go on to law school and a career in government. She chose BU because she liked the atmosphere and the guidance and support of the admissions staff.

Shannon Waterman, a recent alumnus of Political Science Department at Bloomsburg Univeristy, started her new job at the state's Department of Agriculture as an assistant to Secretary Wolff and as an assistant to the Policy and Legislative Directors. On August 1, she sent an email to the political science faculty: "I absolutely love my job, and I have been in it officially now for over a month. I travel all over PA with the Secretary and also get to do a lot of work with Legislators as the Legislative Director’s basically right hand man... I have learned a lot of material that I never would have had the opportunity to learn without this position. It is also providing me with great hands on experience and knowledge of how the Legislature works and the ins and outs of state government... Anyway, I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated everything you did for me while I was in college and I am hoping to get up to see you guys soon!"

John Latini Jr., a recent alumnus of Political Science Department at Bloomsburg University, will start his new job working for the US Representative Paul Kanjorski (PA 11th Congressional District). After graduation in May 2007, he joined in Public Campaign, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC. He is also a Campaign Consultant for several Democratic members of the Virginia Legislature, the Co-Capitan of Arlington County, Crystal City Voting District and Voting Member of the Virginia State Democratic Party. On August 29, he sent an email to the political science faculty at Bloomsburg: "I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know how I am doing since graduation and thank all of you for the education you provided me... Each of you has taught me so many things that have prepared me for working full time... I will begin working for the Congressman the day after Labor Day... Once again I want to thank all of you for challenging me. I know I have received a top notch education that has helped me land one of the greatest jobs in the entire country."



2006-2007

Erin Gunter, a alumnus of Political Science Department at Bloomsburg University who graduated five years ago, sent an appreciation letter to the department chair in August 2006. "......I have thought about you very often and it is always with the deepest appreciation, respect, and admiration (without you I am not sure I would have ever graduated form college and had this amazing life)....." After graduation, Erin has helped to found a non-profit organization (Experiential Environmental Education, Inc.) and got involved in establishing a new charter school in Baltimore – The Green School of Baltimore, which is the only charter school in Maryland. (http://www.greenschoolofbaltimore.org/)

Dr. George Agbango, Professor of Political Science, continues to serve as the Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Bloomsburg Univeristy in 2006-2007 year.

Dr. Sheng Ding joined the Department of Political Science this fall semester as an Assistant Professor of political science. He received both his Doctoral degree and Master's degree from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, with specializations in international relations and comparative politics.

The Bloomsburg University Forensics team captured 5th place out of 7 schools at the Shenandoah Classic Novice Tournament on September 23rd at Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Kelly N. Johnstone, a alumni of Political Science Department at Bloomsburg University, is attending Dickinson Law School. She graduated in May, 2004.

Richard Blass, a alumni of Political Science Department at Bloomsburg University, is teaching Political Science at Gloucester Community College. He graduated in May, 2003.

The Bloomsburg University Forensics Team finished in 10th Place at the Collegiate Forensic Association’s Fall speech tournament held at Cedar Crest College, October 21-22, 2006.

State Representative Phyllis Mundy spoke to Dr. Zoelle's political science class Friday, Jan. 25. Mundy, who represents the 120th district in Luzerne County and who has 16 years seniority in the state legislature, spoke about her unexpected entrance into politics.

The Bloomsburg University Forensics Team won Fifth Place this past weekend at the Collegiate Forensic Association's Annual Winter Tournament held in Montreal, Quebec.

After completing an internship, a BU student knows she wants a career in government service. Monica Walker, Philadelphia, is a senior with a major in political science. She competed for the Harrisburg Internship Semester and landed a job earlier this year working in the Harrisburg office of State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D., Philadelphia).

The students of BU Political Science Student Association traveled to Washington, D.C. on March 30-31, 2007. They visited the Congressman Paul Kanjorski’s office in the Rayburn Office Building.