Distinguished Alumni

The School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs is proud of our distinguished alumni, whose accomplishments and contributions have been recognized by the University of Central Florida with the Jefferson Award, the 30 Under 30 Award and others. The College of Sciences honors an alumnus every year with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Congratulations to all our Distinguished Alumni!

 

Pulitzer Prize Winners

Michael Schwirtz ’03

Michael Schwirtz 03

John Bersia

John Bersia

 

COS Distinguished Alumni AWARD Winners

Three people posing with an award at a ucf alumni event, flanked by banners featuring the university's logo.
Alumni - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

Lifelong Impact of Professor Inspires Scholarship Fund

In a hectic world, it pays to pause and say “thank you.” That’s the philosophy of Chris Lombardo, who was struck not too long ago…
Eight professionals in formal attire holding awards on a stage, posing for a group photo at an evening event.
Alumni - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

Achievements Celebrated at 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards

The College of Sciences recognized 10 alumni for their achievements Thursday at the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards. The annual event brings together outstanding alumni from…
Group of ten people holding awards at a ucf alumni event, standing in front of a banner with ucf alumni logos.
Alumni - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

COS Distinguished Alumni Award Winners 2018

Ten College of Sciences alumni were recognized Thursday for their career achievements at the 2018-19 Distinguished Alumni Awards. “Tonight’s awardees were selected based on their…
Two individuals smiling while one of them hands a trophy to the other at an awards ceremony.
Alumni - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

COS Distinguished Alumni Award Winner 2018: Rishi Bagga

For alumnus Rishi Bagga, attending UCF was a last minute choice after visiting the campus with his older sister. However, majoring in political science was…
Alan Florez ’98
Alumni - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

COS Distinguished Alumni Award Winner 2017: Alan Florez

Receiving an education at the University of Central Florida can open many doors for a student. Our renowned faculty and staff pour their resources into…
An older woman with short white hair, smiling at an event, wearing a patterned jacket, standing in front of a banner with logos.
Alumni - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

COS Distinguished Alumni Award Winner 2016: Carol Lawrence

  Not many University of Central Florida graduates can say that they knew the esteemed John T. Washington, UCF’s first African-American faculty member. Alumna Carol…
Read More Distinguished Alumni Stories

 

University Alumni Awards

A woman with long dark hair and a black jacket smiles at the camera, with a blurred conference background.
30 Under 30 - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

UCF Announces 2020 Alumni Award Winners

UCF Alumni announced its slate of its Shining Knights award winners for 2020 —  seven individuals recognized for their commitment to the university in the…
Side-by-side portraits of a woman in a black dress and pearls next to a palm plant, and a man in a blue suit and striped tie with a cityscape background.
30 Under 30 - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

Degrees Launch Career of Service for 30 Under 30 Winners

Two alumni from the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs are recipients of the UCF 30 Under 30 Class of 2020 award. Kristina Merritt…
Group of people posing with awards in a hall under a banner that reads
30 Under 30 - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

2015 Political Science Department 30 Under 30 Awardee

The UCF Alumni Association was proud to host its inaugural 30 under 30 awards dinner Friday, Nov. 20, honoring the outstanding achievements of 30 successful…
Two women smiling on stage, one holding an award; both dressed in formal attire, in front of a dark curtain.
30 Under 30 - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

30 Under 30 Awardee Sara Singer ’10

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UCF, Sara Singer attended the University of Miami Law School and became an assistant public defender. She practiced criminal…
Two women posing with an award at a formal event; one holds the award and smiles while the other stands beside her, also smiling.
30 Under 30 - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

30 Under 30 Awardee Amber Mariano ’17

Amber Mariano made history in 2016 when she became the youngest person elected to the Florida House of Representatives at the age of 21. As…
Two women smiling on stage, one younger holding a trophy and the other older wearing a black blazer, both in formal attire, standing against a dark curtain background.
30 Under 30 - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs

30 Under 30 Awardee Arielle Bardzell ’13

Arielle Bardzell ’13 is a corporate attorney practicing at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, a prestigious law firm in New York City. While at Georgetown…
Read More University Alumni Awards Stories