Students and Alumni
Our Political Science, International Studies, and Pre-Law Students represent a wide range of interest and experience. We are very proud of their accomplishments as undergraduates, and we proudly recognize their achievements as alumni of our programs.
“Dominican’s faculty and staff go above and beyond to insure that the education we receive will prepare us for whatever our next step may be. In the political science department, the focus is on an interdisciplinary approach to education and scholarship. Students have the privilege to study an array of subjects under the guidance of truly remarkable faculty who never cease to believe in our abilities. It’s a great time to be at Dominican!"
- Darcel Nicole Sanders, Class of 2009
Political Science with a Concentration in Public Law and Psychology
- Honors student
- 2007 Daktronics-NAIA Student-Athlete
- Peer Advisor
- President, Phi Alpha Delta
- President, Pi Sigma Alpha
- Psi Chi inductee
- Pi Sigma Alpha inductee
- LeaderShape Graduate
- Student government leader
"The department of Political Science at Dominican University of California provides an environment where students are free to challenge their professors and ask provocative questions while having their own thoughts and beliefs tested. It is this scholarly dialogue that trains students to think critically and try to change the world in which they live for the better."
- Richard Maher, Class of 2008
Political Science
"The Political Science Department at Dominican University helped me to think not just philosophically but practically as well. They helped me to be more thorough in gathering and processing information to either build an argument or to more clearly evaluate other claims."
- Mark Reynolds, Class of 2008
Political Science
"The faculty in the Political Science Department have challenged but also encouraged me to develop my skills and reach my potential. I have had a wonderful experience and I have benefited greatly from all that the department has to offer. For example, Model United Nations competitions and even the remarkable opportunity to intern at the U.S. House of Representatives. I am confident that I have received a well-rounded education that will serve me well in all my future endeavors."
- Anya Villatoro, Class of 2008
Political Science
"I felt that the Department of Political Science and International Studies was able to provide me with a comprehensive background on world politics while offering opportunities to create courses centered around country-specific interests. The Political Sciences/International Studies faculty take a personal interest in each student's education and give them the tools and feedback they need in order to succeed in their field of study."
- Stephanie Morse, Class of 2008
International Studies
"The faculty is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and encourages us to further explore areas that interest us."
- Juleah Cordi, Class of 2010
Political Science
Alumni
Tina Ruggeiro (Class of 2009)
Fields of Study: Political Science major
Senior Thesis: "The Gender Gap and its Effect on Presidential Campaigns and Political Ads"
Occupation: Student in Education/Teaching Credential, MA Program Dominican University of California
Jenna Joyner (Class of 2009)
Fields of Study: Political Science major, History major (honors program)
Senior Thesis: "Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Politician: Reconsidering Lyndon B. Johnson's Political Legacy"
Occupation: Student in Education/Teaching Credential, MA Program Dominican University of California
Audrey Curtis (Class of 2009)
Fields of Study: Political Science major, English major, Psychology minor, Women and Gender Studies minor (honors program)
Senior Thesis: "Manly Women: A Look at the Effects of Masculine Qualities on Women's Political Success"
Occupation: Student in English, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA
Darcel Sanders (Class of 2009)
Fields of Study: Political Science major, Psychology major (honors program)
Senior Thesis: "The Bitch Factor: Societal Aversion to Women with Power"
Occupation: Teach for America, Frick Middle School, Oakland, CA
Natalie Novoa (Class of 2008)
Fields of Study: Political Science minor, History major (honors program)
Senior Thesis: "Malcolm X's Transition from Nation of Islam to Islam"
Occupation: Student in History, MA Program San Francisco State University
Teresa Rabenberg (Class of 2003)
Fields of Study: Politics major, International Studies major, Pre-Law minor
Senior Thesis: The Civil Rights Movement and Domestic Change: The Result of Global Pressures
Occupation: Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch, San Francisco, California (http://smallbiz.meetup.com/341/members/3054983/)
Melroy Atkins (Class of 2006)
Fields of Study: Politics major, Fall 2005 Panetta Institute Congressional Intern
Senior Thesis: Walking Down a New Road: Changes Needed in US - India Foreign Policy Post 911
Occupation: Student in Global Strategic Management M.B.A. Program, Dominican University of California
Abby Lucha (Class of 2005)
Fields of Study: Politics major, Pre-Law & History minor
Senior Thesis: Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family and Contract Law
Occupation: Graduated, Golden Gate University School of Law. Working at the Family & Children's Law Center in San Rafael.
Sarah Miller (Class of 2005)
Fields of Study: International Studies major, History minor
Senior Thesis: Chile Needs a Mother: How Globalization is Helping Women's Rights in Chile
Occupation: Student in MBA program at Dominican University of California; Social Programs Chair, Young Professional International Forum, World Affairs Council, San Francisco; Certification Assistant, TransFair USA
Jacob Shafer (Class of 2004)
Fields of Study: Politics major, Communications minor
Senior Thesis: The American Empire: Echoes of Rome
Occupation: Reporter, Pacific Sun
Evan Bennett, Esq. (Class of 2000)
Fields of Study: Politics major, Pre-Law minor
Senior Thesis: Protecting Democracy in the Global Era: Government, De Tocqueville, and Globalization
Occupation: Attorney at Fenwick & West, LLP
