Sunday, November 29, 2015

Roundtable Discussion of Russia's War on Terror

On Monday, November 16, Dr. Michael Slobodchikoff and Dr. Tomasz Pudlocki led a roundtable discussion on Russia’s War on Terror, as part of the History and Political Science Speaker Series.  The event was well attended, as Drs. Slobodchikoff and Pudlocki spoke to over 100 people in the audience. 



Dr. Slobodchikoff spoke about Syria’s civil war and how ISIL factors into the problems in Syria, as it is the major opposition faction in Syria.  He also spoke about Russia’s interests in Syria as well as the surrounding Middle Eastern region.  These interests include preventing extremism and terrorism from spreading to Russia, protecting long-time allies, protecting military bases, protecting business interests, among many others. 



Dr. Slobodchikoff also spoke about recent terrorist activity.  Russian Flight 9268 crashed en route to St. Petersburg, Russia from Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.  ISIL took credit for the crash, which Russia responded to by cancelling all flights to and from Egypt.  He also spoke about the recent attacks on Paris, France.  ISIL has also claimed credit for the bombings and death of over 100 people in these attacks. 



Dr. Pudlocki spoke about the Syrian crisis from the perspective of Central Europe.  He discussed the current refugee crisis as a result of the Syrian civil war, economic downturn, and terrorist activity.  He commented on how central Europe has been responding to the influx of refugees and the struggles faced by these refugees fleeing terror in their home countries. 



The Department of History and Political Science would like to thank Dr. Slobodchikoff and Dr. Pudlocki for an engaging roundtable on this very relevant topic.  We also thank the Division of Arts and Sciences for co-sponsoring the event.  

For more information on this roundtable discussion, you can see press coverage of the event at the links provided below.  The History and Political Science Department was happy to see some of our students featured in the reports!  

Monday, November 23, 2015

2015 G.O.L.D. Award Recipient Stephanie Foreman (Political Science, 2006)


Making a Difference 

Stephanie Foreman, 2015 Graduate of the Last Decade Award Winner 
On November 3, 2015, Stephanie Foreman (2006, Political Science) was recognized as the 2015 Daemen College Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) at the annual Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony. Accepting the honor, Stephanie spoke of the lessons she derived from her experience as an undergraduate political science major at Daemen College, including making the most of every leaning opportunity.

Stephanie is a financial professional at Prudential Financial and the founding president of the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals (BULYP). The distinguished alumni profile summarizes her many accomplishments:

Under Stephanie’s leadership, BULYP has been recognized from a number of different individuals and organizations, including the MLK Community Service Award from City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Erie County Legislature Proclamation presented by Rep. Barbara Miller-Williams and, most notably, Outstanding National Rookie Chapter of the Year at the 2014 National Urban League Conference Young Professionals Summit. Some of Stephanie’s other affiliations include Member of the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Urban League, Field Advisory Council for Prudential, Secretary for the Judges Row Block Club Association, Mentor for the Youth Entrepreneurial Program, Member of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Member of the group Women in Networking. Stephanie has also received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including being a recipient of the CHANGEMAKERS 30 Under 30 Award in 2014, Million Dollar Roundtable for Prudential Insurance in 2011 and 2012, Life Concierge for Prudential Insurance in 2012 and 2013, Masters Council for Prudential Annuities in 2012 and 2014 and the Women Touching the World Award in 2015.
President Gary Olson and Stephanie Foreman 
Stephanie is the third graduate of the History and Political Science department to win this award in the last five years. Wayne Brown (History & Government, 2003) and McKenzie Higgins (Political Science, 2009) were honored as recipients of the G.O.L.D. award in 2010 and 2014, respectively. Wayne Brown founded a charity specializing in support and information for patients with rare diseases and is author of the book, Alone in My Universe: Struggling with a Rare Disease in an Unsympathetic World. McKenzie Higgins graduated from Western Michigan University - Thomas Cooley School of Law and is presently an Human Resources Compliance Specialist for M&T Bank in Buffalo. Both Wayne and McKenzie were on hand to congratulate Stephanie and welcome her into the community of Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.  

 Wayne Brown (2003), McKenzie Higgins (2009) and Stephanie Foreman (2006)
Daemen College Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Winners: 2010, 2014, & 2015
What can you do with a History or Political Science Major?
Our graduates have embarked on a wide variety of successful career paths, including graduate study in international relations, law, law enforcement, and public service. Their collective success demonstrates the value of the History and Political Science degrees and a broad-based, liberal arts education. Our majors are making a crucial difference in their community and the world as models and agents for positive change.