Advisory Board
The Department of Political Science recognizes that our alumni are among our greatest assets, testament to the quality education the Department has to offer. To strengthen the ties between Political Science students past and present, the Political Science Advisory Board was established in 2007. Made up of of alumni and friends of the Department, the Advisory Board's mission is to advocate for and promote the Department, connect with and serve as mentors for current students, and assist with outreach and engagement. One of the many ways in which Advisory Board members and other alumni demonstrate their commitment to Political Science at UMass is through a financial contribution to the Department.
Members
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Stephen Anderson '74 (Political Science) Lawyer at Fuller, Rosenberg and Palmer “As an alumnus, I believe in the work UMass does, and the positive influence we, as a UMass community, have on young adults. The advantages I received from UMass are ones I want to share,” he says. “I don’t enjoy hearing high school students saying they’re ‘just’ going to UMass. They’re going to the opportunity of a lifetime.” |
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Anthony Barsamian ’86 (Legal Studies) “Being a lawyer is a tool,” says Anthony Barsamian ’86 (Legal Studies), managing partner of Hutchings, Barsamian, Mandelcorn & Zeytoonian, LLP in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. “It needs to be applied to something relevant. Using that tool to advocate for others—both individuals and the community—is what brought me to where I am today." |
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Andy Cantillon '91 (Political Science) With a distinguished background in the computer software industry, Mr. Cantillon has demonstrated how a foundation in political science can open a wide range of opportunities across professional disciplines. |
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Chuck Dolan '74 (Philosophy) Mr. Dolan has a rich history in politics. He is a familiar figure on the campaign trail, having advised or managed Presidential and Congressional campaigns, state party conventions and platform committee hearings. |
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Joseph M. Donovan '92 (Political Science) I've spent most of my professional career in business, press and politics and am a registered lobbyist. UMass gave me countless opportunities to learn new things, make mistakes and realize that "it's the journey, not the destination" that makes us happy. Politics has taught me that people like to be asked, and I don't mind asking. We have lots of alumni that are waiting to be asked how they can help UMass ... so where did I put my phone?
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Jeremy Hollister ’96 (Political Science) Is it possible to land a huge corporate ad campaign using mostly Popsicle sticks and glitter pens? Ask Jeremy Hollister ’96 (Political Science), founder, president and creative director of Plus et Plus, an innovative creative services studio in New York, and he’ll point to their JetBlue account. |
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Howard Levin ’75 (Political Science) Serving on the Political Science Alumni Advisory Board, says Attorney Howard L. Levin ’75 (Political Science), “will be an interesting and energizing way to give back to UMass Amherst. Levin, who specializes in commercial real estate and business law, practices with the Boston law firm RichMay. For several years running, through a process of peer selection, he has been named to the group of elite lawyers in Massachusetts by Super Lawyers. Levin has a way of leaving marks of achievement on all of his endeavors. |
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Philip McNamara '97 (Political Science) Mr. McNamara is a shining example of how political science can prepare you for a career in the federal government. As Executive Director of Operations and Administration for the Office of the Secretary, he is responsible for all correspondence, briefing materials, and White House and Interagency Actions going in and out of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary’s offices. |
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Ashley Messenger '91 (Political Science) As legal counsel for a very large non-profit media organization like National Public Radio, Atty. Messenger is an expert in the legal processes for gathering and disseminating information. By joining the Board, Messenger hopes to give back to the department that helped to shape her current professional career. “My experience at UMass was an important part of my life because I was exposed to a wide range of individuals with a wide range of life experiences, and seeing the perspective of others has been an important part of shaping my ability to do the kind of work I do now.” |
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Melissa Peacor '80 (Political Science) '85G As a manager of a very large county government in Virginia, Ms. Peacor knows intimately the ins and outs of public administration and public policy. |
