Alumni profile: Christina Auguste

Christina Auguste at Niagara Falls

Guest blog post by Christina Auguste
 

I'm Christina Auguste and I recently graduated from Daemen College's Political Science program. I had several minors: Black Studies, Global Studies, and Religion and Philosophy. In my final year at Daemen I completed an internship at the International Institute of Buffalo in their Regugee Resettlement Department, as well as writing my senior thesis, entitled "Economic Recovery and the Rwandan Genocide." It wasn't all easy, but with a healthy amount of complaining (on my part) and guidance from my instructors I was able to get it all done. 

 

Auguste with Daemen President Gary A. Olson, receiving the Canavan Award

On the eve of graduation I was awarded the Mary Angela Canavan Award. [note: The Mary Angela Canavan Award is a prestigious award recognizing a graduating senior who has made significant contributions to the improvement of student life at the college.] The Canavan Award recognized my work in creating a program to increase diversity amongst the Orientation Leader staff. Even though this project wasn't related to my coursework, I received help and support from the History & Political Science Department faculty from conception to implementation. All the professors shared my passion for the project, which made me feel like I had a team behind me. 

My advisor, Dr. Aakriti Tandon, guided me through my senior year, particularly when I was applying to graduate programs. Thanks to her, to the department, and to my peers, I currently attend New York University's School of Professional Studies (SPS). I've joined their Masters of Science in Global Affairs Program. It's a new life at NYU and a little daunting at times but I know I can always call my favorite professor, Dr. Jay Wendland, to complain, and to get words of encouragement. 

Christina poses with Dr. Jay Wendland, Assistant Professor of Political Science, after commencement.

Awards for Student Leaders and Achievers in the History & Political Science Department

The 2014 Outstanding Senior Thesis Award was given to Fuad Abdul (Political Science) for completion of his thesis, Axis of Terror: The Impact of Policy Objectives on State Willingness to Proliferate Terrorism. Fuad was the 2012 recipient of the Ruth Stratton Memorial Scholarship, presented annually to the outstanding Sophomore/Junior student in the History & Political Science Department. 

Fuad Abdul, interning at the USAFMC

Fuad recently completed an internship with the US Association of Former Members of Congress (USAFMC), which connects members of Congress with their counterparts in other countries. 

He writes: "Being at the USFMC has been an invaluable experience that exposed me to the dynamics of global and national politics. I assisted my supervisor in organizing events, including overseas study tours for US Congressmen, ambassadors, and think-tank representatives. My other duties included conducting research for the organization’s various programs as well as attending/reporting on international conferences and events on Capitol Hill. While in Washington, I also realized how skills acquired in the classroom can be applied in practice. With the guidance of the Daemen faculty, I was able to explore the realm of politics by majoring in political science and minoring in global studies. As it turned out, knowledge of both American and International politics came in handy because USAFMC simultaneously works with the national and foreign legislators. Interning in D.C. has confirmed my interest in public diplomacy and I encourage all students to seek opportunities that provide them with a real life experience in the field of their interest."

Dr. Andrew K. Wise, Chair of the History and Political Science Department
presents Fuad Abdul (2014, Political Science) with awards for the Best Senior Thesis and highest
departmental G.P.A. of the graduating seniors at the 2014 Baccalaureate Awards on May 16, 2014.

Three other students were also recognized for their leadership at the May 1 awards luncheon, hosted by the Office of Student Affairs.  

   Outstanding Student Leadership Award (Career Services): Tyler Vanice (History)

   Outstanding Student Leadership Award (Global Programs): Amber Zielinski (Political Science)

   Outstanding Student Leadership Award (Lambda Chi Lota): Jessica Todd (History) 

Congratulations to each for their outstanding accomplishment!

2013 History and Political Science Department Awards

Co-Valedictorians
Congratulations to Kaeleigh Jessen (History & Government) and Kaleigh Ratliff (History & Government), who were tied for highest departmental grade point average.  Kaeleigh Jessen will be attending law school in the fall, while Kaleigh Ratliff is planning a career in public history and museum work.

Kaeleigh Jessen (2013, History & Government)

Kaleigh Ratliff (2013, History & Government)

Best Thesis Award
Congratulations to Kevin Koons (History & Government), winner of the Samuel E. Morrison Award for Best Thesis - a certificate of honor and monetary award presented annually for the best senior thesis research paper.  Kevin's thesis, Corvette Culture, traced the rise of the Chevy Corvette as an icon of American popular culture. Kevin is currently working as a Park Interpreter at the Virginia State Parks where he plans, prepares and performs educational nature programs for the public.  Great work and best wishes, Kevin!

Kevin Koons (2013, History & Government) 

Political Science Graduate, Mitchell Altman-Cosgrove, receives the 2013 Daemen College Alumni Senior Award

The award is given to an outstanding graduate who has made a significant contribution to the College.

Mitchell was presented with the Daemen College Alumni Senior Award by Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dale B. Demyanick (right), and Board of Trustees member, Thomas E. Brydges (left), at the 2013 Commencement Ceremony.

The many contributions for which Mitch was recognized included his service as an officer of the Pre Law Student Association, the Omega Eplison Zeta Fraternity, the Student Association and his service as Chief Student Alumni Ambassador. Mitch also served as a peer mentor, residence assistant, academic counselor and member of the peer disciplinary review board, and took part in numerous on-campus activities and charitable events.

The History and Political Science Department congratulates Mitch for this well-deserved award and wishes him continued future success!