Claire A. Collins Master of Public Administration ’84 Public Administration City Manager, City of Covington, Virginia. "The education and experience derived from the Public Administration program at VCU provided me the foundation and cherished network as a local government professional manager striving to work with and enhance the community."
		Joe Damico Master of Public Administration – 1997 Deputy Director, Commonwealth of Virginia Department of General Services. "The Master of Public Administration (MPA) curriculum provided me with a foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to be successful working at the highest levels within state government. In addition, the MPA program networking opportunities with other students and program staff were invaluable resulting in the establishment of relationships that have and continue to be cultivated over time and that have contributed to my career achievements.”
		Suzette Poupore Denslow BS '79 - Urban Studies Deputy Director, Virginia Municipal League "The Urban Studies program provided the important grounding in local government that has been instrumental to me in my career -- working for the cities of Charlottesville and Richmond, the Virginia Municipal League, and even two Governors (Wilder and Warner)."
		Joe Casey Master of Public Administration ’95 Deputy County Administrator, Hanover County. “The ability to learn many facets of the public sector from a variety of talented professors was rewarding to me in not just my career advancement, but in fueling my passion and vested interest in providing quality public sector services. This passion continued in many manners, from community service projects to serving as an adjunct professor for VCU since 1998.”
		John Lowrey M.S. Criminal Justice ’99 Special Agent Diplomatic, Security Service “My graduate degree in Criminal Justice from VCU made me a more competitive candidate on the way to pursuing a career in federal law enforcement. To this day, I still find myself employing the knowledge and critical thinking skills developed during my studies at VCU, and look back upon the time I spent there with a great deal of fondness and appreciation.”
		Leonda Williams Keniston BA '95, MS '00-Sociology, Instructor of Sociology, John Tyler Community College. "The sociology program at Virginia Commonwealth University instilled in me a great awareness of the social world. I now have the opportunity to pass on what I learned to my students, with the hope that their awareness will be expanded as well.
		Major Mary Ellen Fahed "VCU provided me with an education that allowed me to consider career possibilities I never imagined. My degree in Criminal Justice gave the basis to not only be employed by the Henrico Division of Police as a police officer, but to succeed and rise through the ranks to my current position as Assistant Chief."
		Preston Martin-Lyon MS '05 -- Sociology Clinical Services Assistant, Memorial Child Guidance Clinic. "The Sociology masters program gave me the tools needed for both conducting research and analyzing the contributions of others. This information has proven to be invaluable in my work in the nonprofit sector."
		Maureen Matsen, Esq. B.A. '82 - Political Science Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General "It was a privilege to study politics and comparative government in the shadow of Virginia’s capitol. My VCU education encouraged me to develop a more mature understanding of the nature and value of freedom. My professors challenged me, making sure I understood what I believed, and persuaded me that our system of laws is central to the preservation of that freedom."
		The Honorable Ron Tillett B.S., '79 - Urban Studies "VCU is an exceptional university and the College of Humanities and Sciences has grown significantly in both size and stature over the years. I am proud to be a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the School of Government and Public Affairs where, at the core of its mission, lies a commitment to the highest standards of government practice, political inclusion, and independence of thought. VCU instills those principles in every aspect of its curriculum."
		J. Shane Townsend Master's of Urban and Regional Planning 2003 Project Specialist, Campaign Consultation, Inc. Member of the National Working Group for the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood "The MURP program drew from a solid base in social science to offer us the practical skills needed to effect positive social change. That skill set has served me well while working in international development, while managing disaster relief programs, and now as a consultant for community building and organizational development campaigns."
		Gregory H. Wingfield VCU B.S. 74, Urban Studies; M.U.R.P. 76. President/CEO, Greater Richmond Partnership,Inc. "My undergraduate and graduate degrees from VCU provided an outstanding foundation to pursue my 30 year career in community and economic development in the Commonwealth. The Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs faculty offered an unique mix of "real world experience" and cutting edge academic research that together gave me the tools needed to compete globally."
		Dan Ekstein BA '97 - Political Science Vice President of Government Relations and PAC Director, JPMorgan Chase & Co. “VCU provided me with a strong foundation for what has been a terrific career in politics. Politics is about building relationships, effective communications, creative thinking, and strong ethics; and my political science courses at VCU provided these and more!”
		Stephen Horton Political Science ’91 "VCU's proximity to the capitol gave me a great opportunity to learn in a real legislative environment, not just hear theoretical classroom ideas. VCU has continued to be part of my learning process, through attending the Virginia Executive Institute while with Governor Gilmore and my volunteer efforts with the Wilder School."
		Cheryl L. Cook MPA '94 Masters Public Administration Pi Alpha Alpha member Director of E-GOALS Online Performance Measurement System (U.S. Department of State-Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs ) “The Public Administration program at VCU was enriching in that it prepared me to work at the local, state, and federal level----the experience I gained working with esteemed faculty (who were not just academics but practitioners as well) and talented students continues to inform my career as a manager and public servant!”
		Donald J. Gee BA 82 - Political Science Trial Attorney, The McEachin and Gee Law Firm "The Political Science program and the overall academic process at VCU was by far my most valuable educational experience. VCU instructors made me feel as though my success was their success and were dedicated to preparing me for law school and my career as a trial lawyer."
		Christin Munsch M.S. '04 - Sociology Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Sociology, Cornell University "My professors, classes, and research experiences at VCU prepared me very well for my future endeavors. At VCU I acquired the theoretical, methodological and statistical skills necessary for a doctoral program, as well as the confidence to be successful in my new program."
		Brian K. Jackson BA '84 - Political Science Vice President and General Counsel, Ukrop's Super Markets, Inc. "My experience in the Political Science program exceeded my expectations. The Political Science professors were top-notch teachers who were always friendly and accessible. Several faculty members helped me identify internship opportunities compatible with the Political Science program and my interests. Additionally, the department's "writing intensive" courses were especially helpful in developing my research and writing skills and preparing me for law school and my career as a lawyer."
		Alicia Murphy BA '00 - Criminal Justice Paralegal, Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, P.C. "VCU was the catalyst for change in my life opening several doors I am benefiting from today. I am grateful for the wonderful people I met and the education I received during my time at VCU. I hope that other students will also enjoy the long-term benefits of being a Virginia Commonwealth University Alum.
		Felix Sarfo-Kantanka, Jr. MPA '01 Special Assistant to Governor Tim Kaine for Policy "The MPA Program at VCU provided me with an excellent opportunity to develop my skills, learn about public administration, and establish a solid educational foundation for what has been an exciting career in government and public affairs. I have been blessed to have outstanding working experiences in the Virginia House of Delegates, the House Minority Leader’s Office, and the Governor’s Office. VCU taught me that hard work, relationships, and dedication will take you a long way in life."