Matthew Brainovich
Program Analyst, National Preparedness Assessment Division, FEMA
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:
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!
Program Analyst, National Preparedness Assessment Division, FEMA
Assistant English Teacher
National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Fellowship
Grand Rapids Paralegal Volunteers with Iraqi Refugee Community
Austin Saycocie on JET Program in Japan
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
Foreign Service Office, U.S. Department of State
Human Rights Lawyer
Media and Communications Expert
Corporate Executive and Nonprofit Leader
Political Science Professor
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
Dr. Tafel wins Pew Teaching Excellence Award
Feb 19, 2024
Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.
Feb 13, 2024
The John T. Batchelder scholarship is funded by a generous grant from the Batchelder family. The scholarship honors Dr. John Thayer Batchelder who served as a Grand Valley State University professor until his retirement in 1997.
Feb 13, 2024
The GV in DC Endowed Scholarship helps Grand Valley students study and intern in Washington, D.C.
Feb 13, 2024
August 16, 2024 All Day
The US Student Fulbright program is the flagship international exchange program of the US State Department. There are two basic types of Fulbright awards: English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award and...
October 8, 2024 5:00 PM
The US Student Fulbright program is the flagship international exchange program of the US State Department. There are two basic types of Fulbright awards: English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award and...