spring 2023 5.26

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD 2
ACADEMIC AWARDS 3
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 7
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS 13
PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR 17
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS 19
2023 POLITICAL SCIENCE
GRADUATES 23
VALEDICTORIAN REMARKS 25
Publisher:
Jay Goodliffe, Chair
Editor:
J. Matthew Clarke
The BYU Department of Political Science, consistent with the aims of
a BYU education, intends to foster “Lifelong Learning and Service.”
We hope to provide our alumni with intelligent, thoughtful and
sophisticated analysis of important issues, and to act as a catalyst for
service in our communities, neighborhoods, nations and the world.
Graphic Designers:
Seraphina Johnstun,
Abby Myers
1

The BYU Political Science graduating class of 2023 spent some of their undergraduate
education within the shadow of a global pandemic. Much of their education has been shrouded
by a period of particularly virulent divisiveness in U.S. Politics. During the last year of their
undergraduate education, a war persisted in Ukraine with global political and economic
implications. Tensions and wars persist around the world. The study of politics has never been
more relevant. The year 2023 moving forward is a time when we all need to be increasingly
sensitive to the world around us, both locally and internationally, and the Political Science
Department hopes to have nurtured skills that will serve our students in an increasingly
challenging and complex global community. Problems need to be solved, people need to
be understood, different perspectives need to be acknowledged. Our students are ready for
the challenges ahead, and we want to acknowledge, herein, some of their accomplishments
and plans for the future. We congratulate all of our students on a job well done, and we hope
they will keep in touch with us. We’re here to help, not just for a semester, or just for an
undergraduate education, but for a lifetime of intellectual support. Congratulations to our
Political Science graduates for 2023!!
FOREWORD
Karl G. Maeser Building, Brigham Young University Provo
2

ACADEMIC AWARDS
Clara Cullen
Valedictorian 2023
Clara Cullen, a political science major with a research and analysis
emphasis, is the daughter of Sven and Nancy Wilson. Raised in Provo, UT,
she is a middle child and the only girl of six children. Clara loves social
science research, and her co-authored piece on parental time investments
was recently published in Social Sciences. She is a fellow for the Center for
the Study of Elections and Democracy and has presented multiple research
projects at national political science conferences. In addition to being a
Sigma editor, her paper on view-shaping and autonomy is published in the
2023 edition. She is the Political Affairs Society president and has loved
the opportunity to help and learn from her peers. Clara served a mission
in Frankfurt, Germany, and she enjoys reading Harry Potter in German
before bed. She loves skiing, hiking, and biking, and she hopes to visit
every national park one day. Clara is excited to pursue a graduate school in
political science, and she is incredibly grateful for her family’s support and
the meaningful mentorship she has received at BYU.
Suzy Yi is from Colorado Springs, Colorado and is a proud daughter
of Korean immigrants. She served a mission in Seoul, Korea and has
subsequently pursued research interests in Asian American politics. She has
focused her Honors thesis on Asian American political participation and hopes
to help shift the narrative of Asian Americans being apolitical. During her
time at BYU, Suzy has worked as a teaching assistant and research assistant
in the political science department and as a teaching assistant in the Honors
program. She has been able to present research at regional conferences with
her professors and has presented original research at university conferences
and meetings. Suzy has also been able to intern with the South Dakota State’s
Attorney’s Office and worked on projects with recidivism and rehabilitation.
After graduation, Suzy plans to attend law school after a gap year and hopes to
continue conducting research in immigration and civil rights law. She would
like to thank her faculty mentors, family members, and husband for their
support and encouragement.
Suzy Yi
Salutatorian 2023
15 3

Luke Lyman
Salutatorian 2023
Luke Lyman, a political science major and art history minor, is the youngest
of six boys and the sixth to graduate from BYU. A Colorado native, he is
the son of Dale and Heather Lyman—who are currently serving as Mission
Leaders in Mexico City. First and foremost, he would like to thank his parents
and many professors who showed him what it means to be a disciple-scholar.
While at BYU, Luke earned multiple grants and fellowships that enabled
him to study politics and art in California, New York, and across Europe, and
started his own student journal of cultural criticism. He also worked as a TA
and Research Assistant in the political science and art history departments
in addition to the Maxwell Institute and was published in multiple national
outlets. After graduating, he will work in New York as the Hilton Kramer
Fellow of Cultural Criticism at The New Criterion. In his free time, he enjoys
writing and proselytizing for Bob Dylan.
Michael Pulsipher, the son of Dawn and David Pulsipher, grew up in Rexburg,
Idaho, where he consumed a steady diet of potatoes and politics. As early as
the fourth grade, he planned to study Political Science in college. At BYU,
Michael worked part-time as a teaching/research assistant and full-time as
a sarcastic critic in the back of the lecture hall. He joined the Summer 2022
Bully Pulpit Interactive Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C., and he
returned to D.C. during his final semester to participate in the Washington
Seminar as a communications intern in the House of Representatives. In April
2023, he published his capstone research project “Local Partisanship and
Trust” in the Sigma Journal of Political and International Studies. Michael
loves to cook pesto paninis, play pickleball, and watch rom-coms. He is
incredibly grateful for his friends and mentors who supported him throughout
his undergrad. He continues to pursue his academic and professional goals in
Washington.
Mike Pulsipher
Salutatorian 2023
4

GRADUATING WITH
DEPARTMENTAL
DISTINCTION
ALEXIS ARNOLD
ALIX HESS
ELIZABETH JOHNSON
MAY KENNEDY
COLLIN MITCHELL
JACOB NEWELL
MORGAN RUSHFORTH
GRACE THEOBALD
MARIA WHITAKER

SCHOLARSHIP
AWARDS
STAN TAYLOR SCHOLARSHIP
MEGAN BAIRD
Megan is a senior studying Political Science at BYU, with minors in Global
Women’s Studies and Art History. She loves art museums, eating good food, and
searching for wild lowers. Currently, she serves as an officer in the Political Affairs
Society and the president of the Women in Politics Club. Megan is the incoming
editor-in-chief for the BYU Political Review and a teaching assistant for POLI 472
(the best Political Science class!). She hopes to figure out her constantly changing
post-grad plans and decide whether to go to law school or get a Masters degree in
international affairs, but either way she has many years of school ahead. She enjoys making colorful visualizations
in R and writing witty titles for research papers, which she spends too much time coming up with.
ASHLAN GRUWELL
Ashlan Gruwell is a senior at Brigham Young University, is majoring in political
science, and hails from the swing state of Pennsylvania. She is a dedicated student and
a research fellow at the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy. In addition,
Ashlan serves as a research assistant for Professors Monson and Patterson in the BYU
political science department. Prior to her academic pursuits, Ashlan gained valuable
experience as a reporter in Washington DC. Her passion for communication and
writing also led her to minor in Professional Writing and Rhetoric. This summer,
Ashlan will attend the Woolf Institute program at Cambridge, further broadening her
perspective on world religions.
Ashlan’s academic achievements extend beyond the classroom as well. She recently presented research at the MPSA
conference in Chicago, showcasing her commitment to academic inquiry and professional development. Additionally,
she is a member of BYU’s Honors program, demonstrating her dedication to academic excellence. Ashlan would like
to express her heartfelt gratitude to her family, friends, classmates, and professors in the political science department
for their unwavering support and guidance throughout her four years at BYU.
7

SHARI FRANKE
Shari is a Utah-native, and always dreamed of the day she could come to BYU. While
she started political science wanting to go into law school, she quickly fell in love
with the research and data analysis side of the major. Shari is currently working with
an amazing group of research assistants to study democracy support in developing
countries, such as Mexico and Peru.
In her free time, you can find Shari trying to keep all of her houseplants happy and
healthy—sometimes unsuccessfully. She also enjoys classic literature and cliché teen
dramas.
KADEN CALL
Kaden is from Northern California and is finishing his second year studying political
science and international diplomacy. The oldest of 6 siblings he enjoys participating
in theater, music, and politics. He has always been passionate for finding ways to help
organizations help people and enjoys learning about other cultures. Serving a mission in
Brazil and South Carolina helped him develop a love for his countrymen and children of
God all around the world. He loves BYU and all of the opportunities it has given him,
including trying Model UN and the civic engagement program. After his undergraduate
he hopes to attend law school to study constitutional and international religious liberty law.
BRINLEY KOENIG
Brinley was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and is the second oldest of four children.
She is a junior studying Political Science with an emphasis in Political Strategy and a
minor in History. She has participated in the Washington Seminar and has interned for
multiple think tanks, including the Heritage Foundation, the Sutherland Institute, and
the Institute for Women’s Health. This summer, she will work for Representative John
Curtis’ office in Provo before attending the Woolf Institute Direct Enrollment program
in the United Kingdom. After graduating this December, Brinley plans to return to
Washington, DC, to work in politics before attending law school. In her free time, she
enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her friends and family, and listening to podcasts. She is grateful for the many
opportunities her BYU education has granted her and is excited to continue learning about the subjects she is passionate
about as she completes her degree.
ABIGAIL MCEUEN
Abigail McEuen is currently a junior at BYU. As a Political Science major, she is
passionate about diplomacy, international relations, law, and global problem solving.
8

BRENT TAYLOR SCHOLARSHIP
RACHEL AGUILERA
Rachel was born and raised in Reston, Virginia, in proximity to D.C., which inspired
an interest in the political sphere at a young age. Currently, she is a junior studying
political science with minors in strategy and sociology. Her academic specialties
reflect her life-long passion for advocacy and the betterment of her community. She
hopes to graduate next winter and plans on furthering her education by attending
graduate school. Rachel has been involved on campus through various clubs and
organizations that focus on addressing social and political issues, including the Anti-
Racism club and Their Story is Our Story. Outside of school, she enjoys reading,
crocheting, and hiking.
DALTON LUTZ
Dalton Lutz is a Senior studying Political Science, who grew up in a small town in
North Carolina. With a strong passion for the legal field, Dalton plans to further his
education by attending law school after graduation. His interest in different cultures
and their ways of life stems from his mission in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where he had
the opportunity to experience firsthand the diverse customs and beliefs of the people.
Dalton’s love for travel and learning about different cultures is complemented by his
strong values of faith, family, and friends. He believes that these three elements form
the foundation for a fulfilling life. Dalton is a driven individual who aims to make a
difference in the world through his legal career, while always remaining grounded in
his values.
7

G. KEVIN JONES SCHOLARSHIP
SHAYLA HENDRICKS
Shayla was raised in Highland, Utah and attended American Fork High School. She
enjoys playing soccer and basketball, running, and going on hikes. After attending
a year at BYU, she served a mission in Fresno, California. Once she returned from
her mission, she met her future husband playing co-ed intramural soccer. She is
majoring in Political Science and minoring in International Strategy and Diplomacy
and Nonprofit Management. She hopes to one day work for the State Department or
manage an international nonprofit.
OLIVIA KEATING
Olivia is currently a senior studying political science with a minor in legal studies.
After graduating from BYU this fall, she is planning to attend law school. Olivia grew
up in Highland, Utah with her mom, dad, and five siblings. She served her mission in
Nashville, Tennessee. Olivia was lucky enough to participate in the Washington
Seminar at BYU and worked for Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto of Nevada. In
addition to this, she has also participated in many on-campus organizations including
the BYU Student Association, the Pre-Law Association, and the Civic Engagement
Club. Outside of school, Olivia enjoys participating in local theater, teaching dance,
and traveling.
MCKENNA MATHESON
McKenna is an upcoming senior from Portland, Oregon. She is studying political
science with a minor in Global Women’s Studies and plans to earn her JD/MPP after
graduating. Currently, McKenna serves as Co-President of the Global Women’s
Studies Honor Society and the Events Coordinator of the Women in Politics club. She
also works as a gender and politics research assistant and is helping her team prepare
to study women’s political participation in Malaysia this upcoming summer. When
she’s not writing essays or catching up on the Mandalorian, McKenna loves to travel,
rock climb, and eat chocolate!
HANNAH CRISER
Hannah is a sophomore majoring in political science from Morgantown, West Virginia.
She served a mission in Newport Beach, California where she learned Spanish. She is
currently working as a research assistant for Dr. Kelly Patterson studying politics in The
Book of Mormon, as well as a teaching assistant and research consultant in the Research
and Writing Center at the Harold B. Lee Library. She has worked and volunteered on
five political campaigns thus far, both in West Virginia and Utah. She is planning on
attending law school or pursuing a graduate degree in urban planning. Her hobbies
include genealogy, reading, getting 8 hours of sleep, and being the life of the party
wherever she goes.
10

NOAH AND SYDNEY REYNOLDS SCHOLARSHIP
ANNA DAVIS NAKAYA
Anna Nakaya is a senior political science major from Dallas, Texas who loves debate,
art, music, and games. She hopes to pursue a PhD at a top school following her
graduation from the political science program.
Anna is a philosophy minor and is interested in the topic of American individualism
within political philosophy and the international political economy of women. She
hopes to eventually provide the fields of political science and philosophy with new
knowledge to help counteract the negative impacts of increasing polarization and also
to close the gender data gap in social sciences.
SPENCER KLOPFER
Spencer is a rising Senior double majoring in Economics and Political Science. He
plans to attend law school after graduating from BYU. He loves individual liberty and
wants to help individuals secure their rights through the law. He is the fourth of five
children and lived in six different states while growing up. Spencer served his mission
in Brasilia, Brazil and New York City, and he speaks Portuguese and Spanish.
LAURA PACHECO
Laura was born and raised in Long Branch, NJ. Laura’s passion for politics stems
from her father’s active role as a Latino community leader. From a young age, she
was captivated by the intersection of society and government, leading her to study
political science with a minor in sociology at BYU.
Upon graduating, Laura plans to contribute to the field by conducting research for
policymakers and the public through a think tank. Laura has worked as a teaching
assistant for Intro to Comparative Politics and Multicultural America. She exemplifies
her dedication to promoting equality and support as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
officer through BYU Political Affairs Society. With her experience and interests,
Laura hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the world of politics.
DALLIN HOYT
Dallin is a senior at BYU studying Political Science with a second major in Spanish
Studies. He loves being outside in nature and will take any opportunity he gets to
climb, hike, and explore what the earth has to offer. His passion for nature inspires
him to work in environmental politics with the hope of leading the redivision of the
Colorado river among the western states. He plans on interning in DC this summer
working for a data analysis and polling firm, going on a few big adventures, and then
diving into the nitty gritty of federal and state environmental oversight.
11

NOAH AND SYDNEY REYNOLDS SCHOLARSHIP
SYDNEY JEZIK
Originally from Wisconsin, Sydney moved to Utah for college when she was 17, and
quickly fell in love with the mountains and the university setting. She is an avid student
of history, government, politics, literature, and religion.
She hopes to work in the intersection of government and religion, to promote civil
discourse and cooperation, and to advocate for the marginalized. This scholarship will
help her achieve her desire to making the world a better place.
BELLE DE LA ROSA-THOMPSON
Belle De La Rosa-Thompson is a senior finishing her degree this fall 2023 in Political
Science major with an emphasis in Global Development. Belle has been an editor
for the Pre-Law Review 2021-2022 and the BYU Sigma Political Science and
International Studies Journal 2022-2023. Being the first female American from both
sides of her family, and having grown up in both the U.S. and Argentina, Belle knew
from a very young age that she wanted to help immigrants who come to the U.S. –just
like how she and her family were helped. Belle earned her Associate of Arts from
Utah Valley University her senior year in high school and then chose to serve an 18-month mission. She was assigned to
Cochabamba, Bolivia and served there for all of 2019 up until the end of the year when the civil coup erupted and forced
her and all U.S. missionaries to take refuge in Sao Paolo, Brazil. There, she was reassigned to finish her last 6 months in
Santa Fe, New Mexico. Being fluent in 4 languages has enabled Belle in working with several refugees in her missions
and with immigrants back home. These experiences reassured her to pursue a law degree. She is the first in her family
from both sides to pursue a graduate degree.
Belle loves to cook, latin dance, travel, and spend any time she can with her husband–whom she loves dearly. A fun fact
about Belle is that she is the lead singer of the female mariachi band, Color de Rosas–they have performed for Governor
Cox, Gail Miller, and several non-profits such as the Utah Period Project 2022 and Ella Rises 2021.
ANNE MINNICK
Anne is a senior studying Political Science and Sociology at BYU. She graduated high
school in Newnan, Georgia. After graduating, she plans on attending law school.
She loves running, hiking, kayaking, playing the drums, and getting to know new people.
She is passionate about women’s rights and immigration reform.
12

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS
PI SIGMA ALPHA
New Pi Sigma Alpha Members
Mark Jeffrey Ahrens
Alexis Rachele Arnold
Tanner S. Bennett
Emeline Benson
Julia Chatterley
Ali Critchfield
Belle I. De La Rosa-Thompson
Darin Alexander Dewsnup
Matthew R. Gearheart
Meggan Green
Marshall Scott Job
Abigail McEuen
Tim C. McKeon
Katelyn Ruby Moore
Nicholas Mortenson
Jacob N. Newell
Isaac Overson
Tanner P. Pomeroy
Natalie Reese
Caleb Chad Ringger
Brenton Schnepf
Christopher Nathaniel Sherrill
Makenna Rae Stringam
Mary Grace Troseth
Angelina N. Wade
Suzy Soochong Yi
Grace Burns
13
Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, is the only honor
society for college and university students of political and social sciences in the
United States. Its purpose is to recognize and promote high academic achievement
in the field of political science. It is a member of the Association of College Honor
Societies (ACHS) and adheres to all the standards set by ACHS for an upper-division,
specialized honor society. Pi Sigma Alpha is not a social fraternity or club.

12

G. KEVIN JONES SIGMA WRITING AWARDS
Best Paper Contest
1st: Jody Messick, “The Impact of Gender on the Acceptance of Surveillance
Technology”
Jody Messick was born in Hong Kong to Athena and Owen Messick as the youngest of
five children. Eventually, her amily moved to Shanghai, China, where she lived until
she relocated to Provo to pursue her bachelor’s degree at BYU. Given her background,
she decided to study international relations with an emphasis in Asian politics and
history. Throughout her time at BYU, Jody worked as a teaching assistant and research
assistant for the Political Science department. Jody’s mother is a professor at Fudan
University in Shanghai and has inspired her to be a lifelong learner. Jody graduated this past December and plans to
attend law school in the fall, where she hopes to sharpen her critical thinking and writing skills. She aspires to focus her
career around bridges between the U.S. and China, whether that be through business or politics. Outside of school and
work, Jody likes to participate in team sports, read, be outdoors, and travel. She draws inspiration from her family and
loves spending time with her siblings, all of whom now live in Utah.
2nd: Bryant McConkie, “Explaining Guatemalan Vigilantism”
Bryant McConkie is the third of four children born to Lynne and Paul McConkie,
and was raised in Bountiful, Utah. He married his wife, Liberty, in 2021, and they are
excited to welcome their first child, a baby boy, in August. Bryant served a mission
in Retalhuleu, Guatemala, where his experiences witnessing ethnic segregation,
extrajudicial policing, and rampant immigration inspired much of his undergraduate
research and ultimately led to an interest in law. He will attend SJ Quinney College
of Law in the fall, following in the legal steps of his father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather.
He enjoys watching the Utah Jazz and cheering on the Cougars, as well
as playing Wiffle Ball and visiting small Utah towns with his wife. He would like to
thank his wife and family for their support, and acknowledge the invaluable
mentorship he has received from BYU faculty over the years.
3rd: Caleb Ringger, “The Sino-Soviet Split: A Domestic Ideology Analysis”
Caleb Ringger is the son of Alisa and Chad Ringger and is the oldest of four children.
He grew up in Medford, Oregon and served a mission in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It
was on his mission that he discovered his deep passion for politics, history, languages,
and law. He is currently a junior at Brigham Young University earning a major in
Political Science and a minor in Professional Writing & Rhetoric. He is an author for
the BYU Political Review and an undergraduate fellow at the Center for the Study
of Elections and Democracy, where he has conducted research into extremism and
conspiracy theories. He has worked as a Teaching Assistant for writing and statistics
classes in the Political Science department for the last year. After graduating from BYU, he plans on attending law school
and practicing some kind of intellectual property law. In his free time, he enjoys reading about history, watching sports,
and writing about music.
15

Honorable Mentions ($100 each)
Jonah Phillips: “An Ironic Alliance: The Domestic Foundations of Qatar’s Support for Democratic Revolution
Abroad”
Clara Cullen: “View-shaping, First Personal Authority, and the Asymmetry between Providing and
Withholding”
Isaac Lamoreaux: “The Growing Greens: How Young Postmaterialists Delivered Electoral Success for the
German Green Party in 2021”
Mike Pulsipher and Kelsey Eyre: “Local Partisan Agreement and Trust”
Suzy Yi: “Party Contacting, Group Identity, and COVID-19: An Analysis of Asian American Voter Turnout in
2020”
BYU PAS Student Executives for 2023-24
Co-President: Julia Chatterley; Co-President: Megan Baird; Women in Politics President: Ally Stolworthy
Thank you to our outgoing BYU PAS Executives:
Clara Cullen (President); Tayla Ingles and Jackson Berthold (VPs); Megan Baird (WIP President); Kendra Pinegar, Grace
Burns, Joe Peterson, Julia Chatterley and Amy Kurtzweil, Kate Moore and Laura Pacheco, Ali Critchfield.
12

PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR
ETHAN BUSBY
Ethan Busby is Assistant Professor of American Politics, and joined BYU
Political Science over the summer of 2020. Ethan is a political psychologist
specializing in extremism, public opinion, racial and ethnic politics, and
quantitative methods. More specifically, his work explores what extremism is
and what encourages and discourages extremism. He considers both a general
approach to extremism and several specific kinds – including racial extremism,
partisan extremism, and populism. His research on extremism relies on various methods, using lab experiments,
quasi-experiments, survey experiments, text-as-data, surveys, and big data from Google and Twitter.
Ethan received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Northwestern University, 2018, an M.A. in Political Science
from Northwestern University, 2015, and a B.A. in Political Science from Brigham Young University, 2013.
Ethan’s family lived in various places growing up, including New York State until he was 9. His dad was a
professor who moved from New York back to Utah. Then his father took a job in Lubbock, Texas. Each place
was 5-6 years. Ethan went to High school in Springville, Utah. His parents still live in Mapleton. He started
studying acting in college, and just sort of changed what he wanted. He studied people and why they do the
things they do. He liked politics, and liked talking about politics, and went with it.
BYU Political Science faculty members Kelly Patterson, and David Magleby helped him along the way. He
began wondering why things were going on in the world, why were people thinking a certain way, and what
they were thinking.
His wife and he have two children, and he is sleep deprived now. They met at Northwestern, she is a social
scientist. Before BYU he was at Clemson teaching Poli Sci. Current colleagues were influential: Chris
Karpowitz, Dan Nielson. Nice to have them as colleagues. He lives in Orem.
17

PIC OF CAMPUS
26

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
DANIEL ADAIR - Bachelor’s in Political Science
Aa a Political Science student, I had lots of opportunities to see the world thorugh the eyes of minority groups and better
understand their perspectives. I am incredibly grateful to my parents, my siblings, and my fiance. Without them, I would
not have been able to accomplish everything that I have. I am getting married this summer, and after a break to work, I
will go to law school.
SAMANTHA BAILEY
I spent my time at BYU as an analyst and Chief Editor for the National Security Student
Association’s web journal Praemon. I was also able to work as a research assistant on
the Scandinavian LDS Women’s Hostory Project and the Global Families Research
Initiative. These opportunities allowed me to take my learning beyond the classroom,
and I was able to present my work at several research conferences.
ALEXANDRA CAPPILLO-MONTES DE LIZAMA - Bachelor’s in
Political Science
I am very grateful for the wonderful support system I have had throughout my
whole college experience. In particular, I am grateful for my husband, Jose
Angel Lizama, my mother Nancy, my second pair of parents, Nick and Suzen
Bria, my in-laws, Jose and Sariah Lizama, and my best friend, Mariana de
Souza. I thank all the wonderful scholarships and grants that have allowed me to
graduate from BYU without incurring any debt. These scholarships and grants
include: the Multicultural Scholarships, the Jack and Marilyn Roberts Scholarship, the Gene and Gwen Wickes
Scholarships, the Brigham Young Grant, and lastly, FAFSA. I have obtained a position at the Rogers & Russell
law firm.
JOHN CHERRINGTON - Bachelor’s in Political Science
I will be preparing for the GMAT and applying to MBA programs while I continue to work at Regions | EnerBank USA.
MATT GEARHEART - Bachelor’s in Political Science
Matt loved the football games and gospel-supported learning in classes. He is grateful for his parents, Scott and Cindy, and
his wife, Kayla. On to law school!
19

ALEX DEWSNUP - Bachelor’s in Political Science
Alex enjoyed pursuing an education in a place surrounded by people committed to
both spiritual and secular growth. Also, the friendships and unforgettable experiences
forged during my time at BYU. The best part of his education was his legislative
internship with the Utah House of Representatives! I am grateful for my wife, family,
friends, coworkers, and professors for inspiring and supporting me to do my best
work every day. Pursuing a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney
College of Law, starting Fall 2023.
ALIX HESS - Bachelor’s in Political Science
My favorite things about BYU? My mentorship of my brilliant professors and
all the friends made along the way! Honorable mentions include Y Mountain,
Model UN, less commonly taught language courses, and the music the library
plays over the intercom when it closes.
Model United Nations competitor and teaching assistant, Sigma Iota Rho VP of
Outreach, International Law Student Association, Washington Seminar Summer
2022 cohort, Cougar Consulting Group Analyst, and SIGMA academic journal editor. Minors in International
Strategy and Diplomacy as well as Business. Named Kennedy Scholar and Wade Jacoby Inspiring Learning
Scholar. Recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Grant. In January, I took a position in D.C. as Program
Coordinator for the Washington International Business Council.
MELE NGALU - Bachelor’s in Political Science
BYU is not easy. It has stretched and enriched my mind and spirit. My BYU experience
has taught me to be more courageous, persevering, diligent, honest, and charitable.
Aside from the secular education I have received, I am most grateful for the experiences
that have led me to have a stronger testimony of my Heavenly Father and Savior.
I am grateful for my parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins who have been
supportive throughout the journey. I am grateful for my friends who were there for
me since I began this journey in 2016. I am also grateful for my MSS counselor (who has since retired), Estela! I will be
working as Executive Assistant and Manager at Bacon Inc. I am excited to further my experience in preparation for my
desire to return to school to receive my MBA in 2 years.
20

HAYDEN REEVE - Bachelor’s in Political Science
The faculty have such a breadth of experience that I felt like I was brushing shoulders
with those whom history will see as giants in their field. For so many classes, I
walked away with a greater depth of understanding for my subject-matter and a
stronger belief in my ability to be an emissary of Christ throughout my life. I couldn’t
name another university that gives this to its students.
To date, the most difficult class I ever took at BYU was POLI 200 with Professor
Christensen. The class required hours of reading and writing that felt like it was
stretching my soul. However, that class refined me in a way that almost no other class at BYU has. It refined my writing
and critical thinking skills in such a way that I have constantly refer back to lessons he taught. I was dealing with a lot that
semester, but even today I am in awe at how much information I still retain from that class and how often I continue to use
it. Professor Christensen helped me to self-improve and be optimistic about my prospects. I was not his best student, but
he is one of my favorite professors and people.
I will be working with the Government Accountability Project during the summer working on their National Security
Whistleblower program. I will continue to look for employment in the national security apparatus with the goal of one day
becoming an ambassador for the United States.
NATHAN SEAL - Bachelor’s in Political Science
I love the people at BYU and how so many peculiar organizations, and
resources are available to support the various students. Interning during
the 2022 general session, and working with Representative Maloy and the
Legislative Office of Research and General Counsel full-time gave me so
many useful lessons for life and the profession.
I am grateful for CAPS and the UAC for getting me the help I needed when I
was at my weakest. I’ll have fond memories of Student Development, EXDM, Swell, and Dance classes forever.
I am so glad I took advantage of various professors’ office hours, excellent teaching assistants, the writing
center, BYUSA (specifically the Mission Inclusivity Club) and the HBLL. Special shout out to the internship
office, BYU Parking, BYU Laundry, Food to Go, and Aspen Grove for great student employment.
LAUREN TIPPS - Bachelor’s in Political Science
The best learning experience I had was participating in my research capstone class and
presenting at the Fulton Poster Conference. My family and friends. I would not be where
I am without the support they gave me throughout my college career. I am planning to
start my career in Human Resources.
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ABBIGAIL THACKER - Bachelor’s in Political Science
My favorite learning experience was taking International Law with Professor Ray
Christensen. I am so grateful to all of my professors throughout the years. They have
helped me to understand so much more about the world that we live in and what I can
do to help make it better. Furthermore, they have inspired me in a multitude of ways.
I am also grateful for all the fellow classmates that I have had. The comments that
they have shared have had some of the greatest impacts in my learning experience.
Finally, I am grateful to my friends and family that have supported me through the
long nights of studying, I could not have done this without them. After graduation I hope to attend law school.
ALVARO MOLINA - Bachelor’s in Political Science
My favorite thing about BYU is the access to professors who want nothing more than to see you succeed. The best
learning experience I have had has been being a TA for Political Science 200. I learned a lot about myself, my teaching
style, and the best way to help others pass a difficult class. I’m grateful for wonderful professors like Dr. Darren Hawkins
and Dr. David Romney.
CAMDEN REESE -
Bachelor’s in Political Science
KATHRYN FONTANO -
Bachelor’s in Political Science
LANDON HOOLEY - Bachelor’s in Political Science
PRESTON LAU - Bachelor’s in Political Science
SEBASTIAN STEWART-JOHNSON - Bachelor’s in Political Science
CLARA CULLEN - Bachelor’s in Political Science
NOAH BOUTON - Bachelor’s in Political Science
22

2023 POLITICAL
SCIENCE GRADUATES
Adair, Daniel Kenneth
Albello, Samuel Shemrah
Aldridge, Luke Swain
Allred, Sarah Eliza
Anderson, Madison Lynne
Anderson, Russel Aaron
Anderson, Tabitha Emily
Arnold, Alexis Rachele
Bailey, Samantha Nicole
Baldwin, Michael James
Balfe, Fischer Edward
Barrett, George Vincent
Bates, Grace Alice
Beckstead, Colby
Beeson, Jane Layton
Begay, Sunni Laila
Bouton, Noah Christopher
Bowen, Jordan Taylor
Bronson, Evynn Charlene
Brown, Hanna
Butler, Kannon DiVon
Camp, Samuel Howard
Cann, Megan Celeste
Cannon, Spencer Layne
Cappillo Montes, Alexandra
Carrillo, Tania Yadira
Chalmers, Jon Wallace
Charles, Amelia Anne
Cherrington, John Robert
Childers, Ansel Charles
Christensen, Cole McGwire
Collier, Brittany Ashleen
Crawford, Benjamin Michael
Cullen, Clara Wilson
Dastrup, Amie Nicole
Dewsnup, Darin Alexander
Diether, Elle
Doney, Karlie Londyn
Duersch, Molly
Fawcett, Davis Darin
Fernandez, Samuel Emigdio
Flake, Dallin Bae
Fleming, William Coleton
Flick, Emma Lorraine
Fontano, Kathryn Eileen
Forrest, Duncan John
Foster, Katie Elizabeth
Foutz, Benjamin Eric
Freeman, Jefferey Alan
Gearheart, Matthew Ray
Gracia, Shanay Gloria
Griffeth, McKenzie Lynn
Habashi, Bryan Robert Hazard
Hale, Dallin Jerron
Harris, Romney Hendricks
Hartman, Naomi
Harvey, Elizabeth Julianna
Hayward, Christian S
Heard, Melissa Jane
Herrera, Joshua Aaron
Hess, Alix Nicole
Hodges, Brett Ashton
Holmes, James Austin
Holmes, Chance Jacob
Hooley, Landon Eric
Hunt, Katheryn Elizabeth
Hurst, William Keegan
Huston, Fiona Aileen
Hwang, Yunha
Ingles, Tayla Belle
Jacobson, Kaitlyn Ann
Jankowski, Dayna Elizabeth
Jarvis, Joshua Andrew
Jensen, Anders Frank
Johnson, Jonah
Johnson, Elizabeth Jane
Johnson, Cody Lee
Jubeck, Kray Allen
Kennedy, May Christine
Kennedy, Joseph Michael
Khatami, Kimia
Kramer, Nathan Michael
Lamoreaux, Isaac Ullman
Lane, Julia Eve

CONGRATULATIONS TO
OUR GRADUATES!
Lau, Preston David
Lee, Savana
Lund, Brittany Elizabeth
Lunt, Jacob Nathaniel
Lyman, Luke Daniel
Mahoney, Sheamus Michael
Martin, Madison Nicole
Maughan, Jacob Mark
Maynard, Miranda Kay
McBride, Allie Nicole
Miller, Weston Wade
Mitchell, Collin Kirk
Molina, Alvaro Enrique
Moreti de Vasconcelos Gome,
Isabella
Mortenson, Nicholas David
Newell, Jacob Neil
Ngalu, Mele Tamole Kaulalani
Nickerson, Simon Robert
Olsen, Savannah Jean
Orencia, Aurea Bianca Ign
Overson, Isaac Dale
Packer, James Jeffrey
Pauole, Preston
Pearson, Bethany Jane
Penner, Cameron
Perry, Autumn Lee
Petersen, Lauren Brooke
Pitts, Ethan Gabriel Thomas
Pomeroy, Tanner Patrick
Puffer, Benjamin Ward
Pulsipher, Michael David
Quesenberry, Sarah Malaine
Raleigh, Daniel Christian
Randall, Kyle Bruce
Reese, Camden David
Reese, Natalie Emma
Reeve, Hayden D
Rogerson, Connor Michael
Rosario, Isabella
Rudy, Spencer Paul
Rushforth, Morgan Elizabeth
Russell, Mitch
Sanofsky, Erika Joan
Schlesinger, Madison Ruth
Seal, Nathan Hunter
Shaw, Whitney
Sherbert, Madelynn Grace
Smith, Arabella
Smith, Joshua Joseph Shumway
Smith, Macy Marie
Spencer, Pearl Elizabeth
Spriggs, Jordan Devon
Starr, Alec
Stewart-Johnson, Sebastian
Suaava, Desttany Legaloimoe
Sumsion, Amy Rose
Sweetin, Zachary Jordan
Tanner, Megan Brooke
Thacker, Abbigail Slade
Theobald, Grace Ellen
Tipps, Lauren Mattie
Toney, Noah Michael
Trendler, Dallin Jeff
Wade, Angelina Nichole
Welch, Jameson Charles
Welch, Brigham Thomas
West, Blake Addison
Westberg, Darrin Troy
Whitaker, Maria Kathryn
Williams, Michael James
Wilson, Ashleigh Brook
Wimmer, Micah
Wolthuis, Jack Hennis
Woodfield, Abigail
Woods, Courtney Annette
Workman, Samuel Eric
Yi, Suzy Soochong
Zuniga, Bonnieblue
24

VALEDICTORIAN
REMARKS
Congratulations, graduates! We have reached the end of our undergraduate journey at BYU.
As I reflect upon my own experience at BYU, I am filled with gratitude. We have all been told that gratitude leads to
happiness. I would suggest that part of the reason for this is that reflecting on what we are grateful for can guide our future
actions and perspectives in positive ways.
Now that I’m on the other side, I’m grateful for how challenging our major was. I remember entering my first political
science class and approaching the professor, concerned about the immense time it took me to read and understand research
articles. But thanks to her helpful tips and resources, and much practice and work on my part, I, like the rest of you,
can now quickly and accurately understand, interpret, and communicate large amounts of information. And so now, I’m
grateful to our program and professors for the opportunities we’ve had to learn and improve. For teaching us how to turn a
terrible first draft into an insightful final paper. For teaching us how to move into and through an intellectual challenge and
how to put aside pride to receive feedback and make improvements. For giving us the skills to be confident in our ability
to produce good work, but also the awareness that doing so is a process, not a singular event.
As BYU political science students, we are taught how to think about and engage with many of the most meaningful and
difficult issues of life. I am grateful that political science has taught me to think critically, regarding both the information
I come across and my own opinions and biases. We have learned to identify and understand the meaning and intent of
a speaker and how to evaluate evidence provided (or not provided). We have been given tools to research and evaluate
arguments in their larger context, often a context with conflicting data and views. We have been taught how to grapple
with the reality that problems and solutions are rarely simple.
Perhaps more importantly, we have been taught to think critically while being both compassionate and faithful. Although
we understand that good decisions and policies should be grounded in research, we have come to understand that
data represent more than just numbers; they reflect real people – people with families and dreams and struggles. We
have learned to approach solutions and difficult discussions in ways that are respectful and empathetic toward other
perspectives and experiences. In ways that are led by a love for the good of humanity. In ways grounded in the faith in a
good and loving God, and in a Savior who will heal the messiness of our world.
Most of all, I’m grateful to the many individuals who provide daily evidence that good in the world is worth pursuing. I’m
grateful to the exceptional professors in our department, without whom none of the preceding points would have existed.
I’m grateful for their dedication not just to their work and research, but to their students and our growth. I am grateful for
the many friends I’ve made during my time at BYU and for my supportive family. We are so blessed to be surrounded
by individuals and a community whose goodness continually reminds us to be compassionate, forgiving, hopeful, and
proactive.
And so, Class of 2023, I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences, what you are grateful for, and how that
gratitude can guide you as you embark on the next chapter of your life.
Clara Wilson Cullen, Valedictorian, Class of 2023
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