Jillian Zirnhelt
Peace Corps Fiji, IMF Researcher, now Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the University of Pittsburgh
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!
Peace Corps Fiji, IMF Researcher, now Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the University of Pittsburgh
Liaison Librarian, Wayne State University
Graduate of Johns Hopkins School of International Studies, US Foreign Service, now posted to Laos
Graduate of the Georgetown Law, Co-Chair of Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions at Miller Johnson in Grand Rapids
Studying at Wayne State Law School
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
Media and Communications Expert
Human Rights Lawyer
Managing Director in Finance
Corporate Executive and Nonprofit Leader
Assistant Attorney General for Maryland
Olivia Robach (PLS and IR double major) earned a scholarship to join student scholars from around the US to attend the annual conference of the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC in November 2025.
Dec 3, 2025
IR alum Kyla Ozinga is starting law school at Case Western
Sep 16, 2025
PLS, IR and Human Rights alum Taylor Bessinger is attending the University of Illinois College of Law
Sep 12, 2025
Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.
Jun 23, 2025
January 15, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Are you interested in teaching English abroad? Are you curious about studying for a Master's degree abroad? The Fulbright program might be for you! Join me to learn more! For more Information...
January 31, 2026 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Philippine Culture Night 2026: Tide by Tides
February 10, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Gain inside information on career paths, resumes, interviewing, networking, and other career-related concepts that you can start using TODAY as a student by rotating between stations led by GVSU alumni...
February 13, 2026 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Are you preparing for an upcoming sabbatical or other form of leave? Intrigued by the idea of a Fulbright Scholar or Fulbright Specialist award and eager to learn more? Join this Fulbright Scholar...
February 19, 2026 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Are you interested in teaching English abroad? Are you curious about studying for a Master's degree abroad? The Fulbright program might be for you! Join me to learn more! For more Information...