Commencement for the Inaugural Graduates of SLU-Madrid's M.A. in Political Science
07/14/2021
M.A. in Political Science Director, Simona Rentea, Ph.D., and Political Science Programs Director, Barah Mikaïl, Ph.D., served as the masters of ceremonies for the first-ever commencement ceremony for graduates of SLU-Madrid's Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Affairs, with a concentration in International Relations and Crisis. This summer's celebration in San Ignacio Hall Auditorium was an intimate one, during which both graduates and faculty had the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and future goals.
Launched in September 2020, the M.A. in Political Science, with its unique focus on contemporary crises, found its foothold in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and faculty inaugurated the program as they lived, taught and studied within the context of the far-reaching global crisis.
"Launching a graduate program focusing on contemporary crises in the current context offers students ample material for analysis and opportunity for specialization in specific area of crisis management," said Rentea. "At the same time, successfully completing the program this year necessitated a good dose of organization on their part, to be able to navigate the complex dynamics set in motion by the pandemic."
The commencement ceremony marked the completion of the degree for the inaugural cohort: Sarah Brown, Nicholas Pellett, Veronica Rose Chancy (via Zoom) and Aya Mahmoud (via Zoom). "They stand out for their resilience and resourcefulness. Their genuine passion for the subject and determination to carve out unique and impressive professional pathways have provided us with the ideal context to be able to materialize our vision for the program and the drive to continue to expand and develop it. They have set the bar very high and will be very fondly remembered by both faculty and staff," Rentea commented.
SLU-Madrid's diverse and international faculty designed the new M.A. in Political Science for students holding a bachelor's degree in political science/international relations, or a related field, and who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of key contemporary crises. It familiarizes its graduates with the key theoretical, political and social dimensions of the global governance of insecurity. The program prepares students for doctoral programs in political science and careers in politics, diplomacy, nonprofits and more.
"Congratulations to both our graduates and our faculty!" said SLU-Madrid Director and Academic Dean, Paul Vita. Ph.D. "This program gives students a global perspective like no other. These graduates are future leaders who will make the world a better place."