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COS Alumni Make the List
Orlando Magazine recently released the names of Orlando’s 50 most powerful people for 2013. The 10th annual list showcased a diverse mix of leaders in the Orlando community. As the magazine noted, these movers and shakers possess the power to move and inspire others. Among those listed include University of Central Florida President, John Hitt, […]
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Journey from Sergeant to Top Attorney
When it comes to describing UCF alumnus Jason Odom, ’97, there is no shortage of words. He was very motivated and hardworking during his years at UCF; however, Odom wasn’t like your typical student. While studying to receive his degree from UCF he also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1993 to […]
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Alumnus Discusses Public Policy and Billboards
Chad Harvey, ’96, graduated from UCF with a bachelor’s degree in political science and since then has become a very accomplished real estate professional. He has experience in acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, entitlements, development and business negotiations which has led him to a very interesting job with CBS Outdoor as a real estate manager. CBS Outdoor […]
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UCF Alumna Took the Bull by the Horns
Elizabeth Bertrand, ’09, came to UCF exploring several different majors but eventually found the perfect combination and graduated with two bachelor’s degrees — one in advertising-public relations and one in political science. She wasted no time taking the bull by the horns once she figured out her educational path at UCF, and started paving the […]
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Alumnus Named Assistant Director for the Orlando DDB/CRA
David Barilla, 06, has had a hand in the development of Orlando since he began his career with the City of Orlando Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency (DDB/CRA) in 2010. He worked for two years as the economic development coordinator III and worked on key projects such as the $165 million 55 West […]
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UCF Alumna’s Travels Enhance Her Educational Experience
Karina Konz, ’12, is originally from Germany and began her college career at Temple University in Tokyo, Japan. In 2011, she transferred to UCF as an international student and graduated in December 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in philosophy. Having traveled to and lived in several different places, Konz […]
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Alumna’s UCF Experiences Help Her Land Job in New York
One look at Sabrina Stein’s, ’10, resume and you would be impressed with her list of accomplishments. From juggling part-time jobs to holding many leadership positions within student organizations to multiple presentations at conferences, Stein is a great example of a how student pursuing experience in their field while in college can lead to a […]
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Alumnus Reflects on the Opportunities UCF Provided
UCF alumnus, Gilbert Zhang, ’10, graduated from UCF with a master’s degree in political science. When he reflects on his time at UCF, Zhang says, “UCF stands for opportunity, the motto that I have remembered since my first day at UCF, and it truly does. My time as a UCF student was a great experience […]
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The First Steps on The Right Career Path
A few years ago UCF came out with the slogan “UCF Stands for Opportunity,” and Lauren Doney, ’11, credits her career success from the many unique opportunities UCF offers its students. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law, UCF provided her with two years of internship and real-world work experience that gave […]
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Alumnus Combines His Passion for Science with Law
David Frost once said, “Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in it, and it will come naturally.” Alumnus, Christopher T. Byrd, ’04, is a great example of someone who worked hard and has a successful career because he found a job that involves his passion and […]
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Alumnus Creates His Own Path to Success
Kevin Varela, ’10, started the international relations track through the UCF Political Science Department with hopes of one day getting a nice cozy job as a diplomat. However, his journey through UCF’s international relations, women’s studies, and Latin American studies programs opened not only his mind, but his desires. “International relations taught me about how […]
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Alumnus Combines Political Science Goals With Soccer Dreams
Antti Laitinen, ’00, started his studies at UCF in the fall of 1997 with the help of an athletic scholarship. He came to Central Florida from Finland and was recruited as the men’s soccer goalkeeper. His goal was to graduate and then return to Finland. Because he was interested in working either as a journalist, […]
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COS Alumni Welcome Future UCF Knight
Congratulations to Christopher Tomko,’07, and Helen Pastrana, ’07, on welcoming their first child and future UCF Knight, Christian Anthony Tomko, on Jan. 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Christopher Tomko and Helen Pastrana are both graduates from UCF’s College of Sciences. Tomko graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and is also a Kappa Sigma […]
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Alumnus Gets Elected to Public Office
University of Central Florida alumnus Michael Clelland graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Unlike most students, who spend their free time between classes at the Student Union or at the mall, Clelland spent his days saving lives at the Longwood Fire Department. He began his service right out of high school […]
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Alumna to Begin Training for U.S. Foreign Service
This story is reposted from UCF Today. Read the original here. For Stephanie Parenti, ’11, the dream of entering the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service is just a few months shy of reality. Parenti, who graduated from UCF with a degree in political science and a minor in Spanish, is a graduate student in […]
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Alumnus Credits UCF for Helping Pave the Way for His Career
University of Central Florida political science alumni have shown that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals in a variety of different career paths. Bill Peppler, ’96, is no exception. He has over 15 years of experience in the technology, financial staffing and consulting industries and was named one of Orlando’s Forty […]
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Alumnus Advocates for UCF, District 49, as Florida House Representative
This year, the University of Central Florida is not only celebrating its 50th anniversary, but it is extremely proud to announce that nine UCF alumni have been elected into the 2013 Florida House of Representatives. Throughout the years, many things have changed at UCF, but one thing remains the same: Our alumni continue to make […]
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Alumnus Appointed to the Board of Directors of Jazz Archive, Inc.
Louis Smoller, ’04, graduated from UCF with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He currently works for the Bradley Legal Group, P.A. practicing civil and complex litigation, intellectual property litigation, entertainment, and new media law. Smoller has recently been appointed to the board of directors of Jazz Archive, Inc., a not for profit 501(c)(3) corporation. […]
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Alumnus Becomes U.S. Marine
Marine Corps Pfc. Jarl E. Gustafson, ’11, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. For 13 weeks, Gustafson stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, […]
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Alumnus and Student Head to White House
Congratulations to two Political Science students, who were accepted into the White House Internship Program. Ida Eskamani graduated in Spring 2012 with a double major in Political Science and Sociology and Nick Oscheneek is a Political Science major, who is expected to graduate in Fall 2013.
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Alumnus Publishes First Book
UCF Political Science graduate Patrick A. Stewart, 88′ and 91′, has published his first book, “Debatable Humor: Laughing Matters on the 2008 Presidential Primary Campaign,” which you can purchase here. Debatable Humor represents the first systematic foray into understanding the use of humor by politicians on the campaign trail. Using content analysis of primary debates for […]
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UCF alumnus selected for Florida Supreme Court rules committee
UCF Political Science Alumnus and KEL Attorneys’ family law practice leader Brandon Tyson will serve on the Florida Supreme Court Family Law Rules Committee effective immediately. Tyson, a senior attorney who has been with the KEL law firm in Orlando for two years, said he sought the appointment because of the importance of these issues to his clients. Tyson said […]
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Student wins foreign affairs fellowship
Stephanie Parenti, a political science student, was awarded the 2011 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship. Parenti was one of 20 students selected as a Pickering Fellow out of a national applicant pool of approximately 400 people. The Pickering Fellowship provides financial support to exceptional student pursuing careers in the Foreign Service. It awards […]