Amy Fuerstenau
1999 Graduate Former Advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Now Senior Political Strategist at the Energy Foundation
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!
1999 Graduate Former Advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Now Senior Political Strategist at the Energy Foundation
Graduate of Georgetown Law School, General Counsel and Strategic Advisor for Shift4
Education Program Coordinator at the U.S. Department of State in Fairfax, Virginia.
Associate Director for both the Global Trade Alert and Digital Policy Alert in Switzerland.
Legal counsel for Gordon Food Service
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
Corporate Executive and Nonprofit Leader
Energy and Natural Resources Attorney
Assistant Attorney General for Maryland
Foreign Service Office, U.S. Department of State
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
September 22, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The Gilman deadline is approaching! Now is the time to craft, reflect and revise your essay drafts. This is a time for you to brainstorm content, outline and discuss. By...
September 23, 2026 6:00 PM
Explore the history and evolution of voting rights in the United States, from past struggles to today's challenges. Join the GVSU NAACP for an engaging discussion on the importance of protecting...
October 8, 2026 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Learn what it takes to run for office and make an impact in your community. Join GVSU Student Senate and Running Start to explore women’s leadership in politics, campaign basics, and how you...
October 14, 2026 6:00 PM
Hear from GVSU political science faculty as they discuss key issues shaping today's elections. Gain nonpartisan insights, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the topics influencing...
October 17, 2026 8:00 AM
Make A Difference Day is an annual day of service where students are transported to local community non-profits to participate in service activities. Service activities range from cleaning up the properties...