{"id":1995,"date":"2026-06-10T16:58:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T20:58:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/?page_id=1995"},"modified":"2026-06-10T17:05:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T21:05:28","slug":"newsletter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"Political Science and Sociology Newsletter (Spring 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#model-united-nations\">Model United Nations<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#debate-team\">Debate Team<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#mock-trial-team\">Mock Trial Team<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#prelaw-club\">Pre-Law Club<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sage-5k\">Sage 5K<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#annual-political-science-awards-event\">Annual Political Science Awards Event<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#student-news\">Student News<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faculty-news\">Faculty News<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#alumni-news\">Alumni News<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"model-united-nations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Model United Nations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"conference-at-harvard-college-in-boston-massachusetts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conference at Harvard College in Boston, Mass<\/strong>achusetts <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Model United Nations Team participated in the Harvard National Model United Nations Conference on Feb. 12\u201315, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team consisted of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-four-column\">\n<li>Brandon Alvarado-Sanchez<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gabriel Arocho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nick Costanzo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kym Davis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sebastian Delgado<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Karla Gonzalez<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amelia Maffet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Melanie McGowan-Pollack<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Erin Mikell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eleanor Parks-Orr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Philip Pussilano<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leslie Rosario<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abel Rymar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lola Salyamov<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arsen Shafran<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mel Silva Almeida<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Viktoria Stojceski<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dominick Turi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"318\" data-id=\"2003\" style=\"object-position: 50.0171875% 29.7440625%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_5.jpeg\" alt=\"Large group of adults, some in suits, some in casual wear, and some with conference lanyards.\" class=\"wp-image-2003\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_5.jpeg 425w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_5-300x224.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"351\" data-id=\"2010\" style=\"object-position: 56.68875% 35.9625%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_6.jpeg\" alt=\"Four conference goers sitting on a carpeted floor, some on laptops, speaking with each other\" class=\"wp-image-2010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_6.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_6-300x221.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"351\" data-id=\"2013\" style=\"object-position: 57.515% 42.33875%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_7.jpeg\" alt=\"Conference goers sitting down, consulting laptops\" class=\"wp-image-2013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_7.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_7-300x221.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"conference-at-kings-college-in-london-united-kingdom\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conference at Kings College in London, United Kingdom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Feb. 18\u201323, 2026, Seven Monmouth University students traveled to London to compete at the London Model United Nations Conference (LiMUN) hosted by Kings College London. LiMUN is the largest and most competitive competition on the European Model UN circuit. Monmouth was one of the few American universities (Stanford and Northeastern) that sent a delegation to this competition, which attracts the top MUN universities from across Europe. Over three days of competition, each Monmouth student represented a country on a different committee of the United Nations and was asked to resolve a pressing global challenge. Monmouth&#8217;s head delegates for this trip and conference were Anthony Tesoriero (Jr\/BE) and Warda Chowdhury (So\/BY).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students in their free time visited the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Parliament and Big Ben, Piccadilly Square, Covent Garden, and Kings Cross Station\u2019s Platform 9 \u00be, along with other iconic locations around Central London. With the snowstorm cancelling the group\u2019s return flight on Monday, the group used its extra day in the UK to visit Cambridge and Monmouth alum Giovanni DeNatale, who helped coach the Monmouth students in London. DeNatale is completing his master&#8217;s degree at Cambridge University. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All the Monmouth students put in strong performances. Turning in especially strong performances were Anthony Tesoriero, Chris Felix (Jr\/PS-BE) representing Turkey on the \u201c2030 NATO Crisis\u201d committee; Warda Chowdhury representing Pakistan on the World Trade Organization (WTO) committee; and Veronica Belloso (Sr\/PS). Rounding out the Monmouth delegation were Giavanna Cangialosi (Jr\/PS), Frank Dige (So\/PS), and Juli Casey (So\/PS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"357\" data-id=\"2015\" style=\"object-position: 50.748125% 46.930625%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_8.jpeg\" alt=\"Group of conference goers in suits, standing in lecture hall. At the top is a screen reading &quot;Closing Ceremony&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-2015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_8.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_8-300x225.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"351\" data-id=\"2018\" style=\"object-position: 55.962222222222% 38.132777777778%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_9.jpeg\" alt=\"Group of people in a pub enjoying dinner\" class=\"wp-image-2018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_9.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_9-300x221.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"conference-at-rider-university-in-lawrenceville-new-jersey\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conference at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Friday, March 27, twelve members of Monmouth University\u2019s Model UN team participated in a competitive conference held at Rider University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The topics for the day were: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promoting Nuclear Disarmament and International Security.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monmouth students Philip Pussilano and Veronica Belloso served as head delegates, while Melani McGowan-Pollack, Viktoria Stojeski, Chris Feliks, Kymberli Davis, Giavanna Cangialosi, Gabriel Arocho, Brandon Alvarado, Karla Gonzalez, Frank Dige, and Alex Caruso represented countries within the Model General Assembly. At the end of the day, Monmouth University\u2019s Chris Feliks (Outstanding Delegate), Viktoria Stojeski, (Distinguished Delegate) and Giavanna Cangialosi (Honorable Mention). took home individual speaker awards. Kevin Dooley, Ph.D., professor of political science, led the delegation.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"599\" height=\"348\" style=\"object-position: 55.27125% 29.73375%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_10.jpeg\" alt=\"Three students in professional attire holding certificates\" class=\"wp-image-2019 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_10.jpeg 599w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_10-300x174.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"debate-team\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Debate Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tournament-at-suffolk-law-school-in-boston-massachusetts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tournament at Suffolk Law School in Boston, Massachusetts <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MU Debate co-captain Aiden Fornicola won a fifth place speaker award at the Northeast Regional Debate Championship hosted by the Suffolk Law School in Boston over the weekend of Feb. 20\u201322. Monmouth had six teams (12 students) compete at the regional championship including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kym Davis and Aiden Fornicola<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Summer Billich and Sophie Schaub (co-captains)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Viktoria Stojceski and Michael Judge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ilyana Balaj and Emma Levinson<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Luciana Molina and Leslie Rosario<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Giana Mirta and Gurvind Dehar<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tournament included debate teams from approximately 15 other colleges including Cornell University, West Point Military Academy, NYU, Boston College, Harvard, and several other universities from the Northeast region of the United States. The 2025\u201326 American Debate Associate topic this year is: \u201cResolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially strengthen collective bargaining rights for workers in the United States.\u201d The Monmouth team ran an original team-researched case calling for the expansion of the National Labor Relations Act (1935) to include domestic workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"456\" height=\"313\" data-id=\"2022\" style=\"object-position: 45.447666666667% 35.113666666667%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_11.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_11.jpeg 456w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_11-300x206.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 456px) 100vw, 456px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"353\" data-id=\"2025\" style=\"object-position: 63.228333333333% 35.231666666667%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_12.jpeg\" alt=\"Man standing up at restaurant tabl giving a thumbs up while toasting his drink, the other folks at the table also toasting.\" class=\"wp-image-2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_12.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_12-300x222.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"353\" data-id=\"2027\" style=\"object-position: 46.328076923077% 30.024615384615%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_13.jpeg\" alt=\"Young men and women sitting at a restaurant table, menus out.\" class=\"wp-image-2027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_13.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_13-300x222.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tournament-at-emory-university-in-atlanta-georgia\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tournament at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations to the 12 MU Debaters who competed at the American Debate Association National Championship tournament hosted by Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia on March 6-7. MU entered six teams of two debaters including: 1) Summer Billich and Sophie Schaub (co-captains); Aiden Fornicola (co-captain) and Giana Mirto; 3) Paige Campbell and Kym Davis; 4) Ilyana Balaj and Emma Levinson; 5) Megan McCann and Lola Salyamov; and 6) Luciana Molina and Gurvind Dehar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The championship tournament included 230 debaters from about 25 universities from across the nation. The team of Aiden Fornicola (co-captain) and Giana Mirto went 3-3 at the tournament, which ties for the most Monmouth debate round wins at the American Debate Association national championship tournament. Monmouth teams competed against debaters from George Mason University, the University of Texas, Boston College, the University of Indiana, the University of Houston, the University of Kentucky and against debaters from a number of other universities. The 2025-26 American Debate Associate topic this year is: \u201cResolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially strengthen collective bargaining rights for workers in the United States.\u201d The Monmouth team ran an original team-researched case calling for the expansion of the National Labor Relations Act (1935) to include domestic workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"352\" data-id=\"2030\" style=\"object-position: 52.561538461538% 41.561538461538%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_14.jpeg\" alt=\"Students posing for photo in front of large building with columns\" class=\"wp-image-2030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_14.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_14-300x221.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"352\" data-id=\"2031\" style=\"object-position: 49.631% 21.433%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_15.jpeg\" alt=\"Two students walking through narrow plane terminal hallway, one with headphones around neck, the other with neck pillow. Res of group is behind them.\" class=\"wp-image-2031\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_15.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_15-300x221.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"353\" data-id=\"2033\" style=\"object-position: 49.61375% 34.085%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_16.jpeg\" alt=\"Four women taking a selfie.\" class=\"wp-image-2033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_16.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_16-300x222.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"national-prison-debate-team\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">National Prison Debate Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MU Debate competed in the National Prison Debate League (NPDL) against inmates from York Corrections, a maximum security state penitentiary for women in Connecticut on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The NPDL is best known for its affiliation with former Civil Rights activist Malcolm X, who credited the League for his rehabilitation and for helping him become arguably the most gifted debater of his generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations to MU Debaters Aiden Fornicola, Sophie Schaub, Giana Mirto, Paige Campbell, Veronica Belloso, Audrey Copeland, Summer Billich, Kym Davis, Michael Judge, and Viktoria Stojceski for representing Monmouth University in the NPDL. The debate topic centered around whether the United States should adopt a restorative model of justice. As opposed to the retributive model of justice, which focuses solely on punishing offenders, restorative justice allows interested victims and offenders to meet face to face to possibly promote spiritual healing of those impacted by crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to Monmouth, the NPDL spring 2026 schedule includes debate teams from Harvard University (April 8) and Boston College (April 27), who will also compete against inmates from other prisons in the northeast region of the country. Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick (2007-2015) and other prominent figures serve on the NPDL advisory board and the league itself is operated by an all voluntary staff of college debate coaches and formerly incarcerated mentors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"479\" height=\"316\" data-id=\"2036\" style=\"object-position: 56.095% 71.425%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_19.jpeg\" alt=\"Debate Hawks vs Envoy (CT)\nApril 8. 2026 at 11:45 a.m. Tune in to this policy debate at York Prison. National Prison Debate League\" class=\"wp-image-2036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_19.jpeg 479w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_19-300x198.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 479px) 100vw, 479px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"599\" height=\"311\" data-id=\"2034\" style=\"object-position: 53.165714285714% 43.804523809524%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_17.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_17.jpeg 599w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_17-300x156.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"mock-trial-team\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mock Trial Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"the-monmouth-university-lawhawks-are-back-in-action\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Monmouth University LawHawks are Back in Action!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Monmouth University LawHawks were back in action on Feb. 27\u2013March 1 at the American Mock Trial Association regionals! This is the opening round of the national tournament. In their first year back at regionals, the LawHawks won their contest against Stevens Institute of Technology and tied NYU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Competitors on the regional team were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-two-column\">\n<li>Attorneys\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Paige Campbell (Prosecution)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Audrey Copeland (Defense)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kymberli Davis (Prosecution)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Michael Judge (Defense)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Viktoria Stojceski (Prosecution)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Travis Wade (Defense)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Witnesses\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ian McGough<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Giana Mirto<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mariami Ramirez Tsuladze<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hevan Warmington<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was a strong finish for the revamped team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"852\" height=\"628\" data-id=\"2039\" style=\"object-position: 47.16% 29.76%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_20.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_20.jpeg 852w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_20-300x221.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_20-768x566.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"525\" height=\"387\" data-id=\"2042\" style=\"object-position: 49.17% 24.495%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_21.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2042\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_21.jpeg 525w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_21-300x221.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"756\" data-id=\"2043\" style=\"object-position: 50.091666666667% 17.93%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_22-1024x756.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_22-1024x756.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_22-300x222.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_22-768x567.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_22.jpeg 1071w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"manhattan-district-attorneys-office-visit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manhattan District Attorney&#8217;s Office Visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"mock-trial-team-and-prelaw-club\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mock Trial Team and Pre-Law Club<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Pre-Law Club and Mock Trial Club held a joint trip to Manhattan on Friday April 3 to visit the Manhattan District Attorney&#8217;s Office. The clubs got a tour of the facilities and watched the justice system process play out from arraignments to testimony at a trial for felony gun charges. The Honorable Judge Ward, famous for locking up gangster John Gotti as Brooklyn District Attorney, took time to give students a tour of her courtroom, holding cells, and share her wisdom after decades on the bench. The clubs also met with the investigator&#8217;s office to discuss evidence collection and their ongoing efforts to prosecute Luigi Mangione for the 2024 murder of Brian Thompson. The trip was capped off with good food in Little Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"423\" height=\"313\" data-id=\"2045\" style=\"object-position: 57.46125% 24.946875%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_23.jpeg\" alt=\"Group of adults in suits posing for photo by banner for Manhattan District Attorney\" class=\"wp-image-2045\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_23.jpeg 423w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_23-300x222.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"474\" height=\"350\" data-id=\"2048\" style=\"object-position: 49.37% 60.945%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_24.jpeg\" alt=\"Table full of donuts, some of which have District Attorney New York County emblems on top.\" class=\"wp-image-2048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_24.jpeg 474w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_24-300x222.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"353\" data-id=\"2051\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_25.jpeg\" alt=\"Table with Italian food, including pizza and calamari\" class=\"wp-image-2051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_25.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_25-300x222.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"prelaw-club\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-Law Club<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 25%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 id=\"the-monmouth-university-law-review-in-association-with-the-monmouth-prelaw-society\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Monmouth University Law Review, in Association with the Monmouth Pre-Law Society<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Monmouth University Law Review<\/em> is a student-edited publication dedicated to advancing thoughtful legal scholarship and encouraging discussion on issues of law, policy, and justice. The law review provides a forum for rigorous analysis, diverse perspectives, and emerging voices in legal and interdisciplinary research. This publication is run by the Pre-Law Club at Monmouth University. For questions, please feel free to email our faculty advisor Scott Hofer at <a href=\"mailto:shofer@monmouth.edu\">shofer@monmouth.edu.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-in-page\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/library.monmouth.edu\/the-monmouth-university-law-review\/\">Read the Spring 2026 Edition<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"946\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/law-review-2026.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2189 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/law-review-2026.png 948w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/law-review-2026-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/law-review-2026-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/law-review-2026-768x766.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"graduates-heading-to-law-school\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Graduates Heading to Law School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ahmad Brock \u201925<\/strong><br><em>Rutgers Law School<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"147\" height=\"147\" style=\"object-position: 49.55% 39.71%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_27.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2052 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Shannon Bonsignore \u201926<\/strong><br>\n<em>Seton Hall Law School<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"161\" height=\"161\" style=\"object-position: 50.665% 42.3%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_28.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2054 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_28.jpeg 161w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_28-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 161px) 100vw, 161px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Owen Bros \u201926<\/strong><br>\n<em>Rutgers Law School<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"235\" height=\"235\" style=\"object-position: 48.355% 44.55%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_29.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2055 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_29.jpeg 235w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_29-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 235px) 100vw, 235px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Layla Dabecic \u201926<\/strong><br>\n<em>Rutgers Law School<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"182\" height=\"182\" style=\"object-position: 49.86% 42.5%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_30.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2057 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_30.jpeg 182w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_30-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 182px) 100vw, 182px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Delainey Frank \u201926<\/strong><br>\n<em>New England Law<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"109\" height=\"110\" style=\"object-position: 41.435% 40.9%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_31.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2058 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Matt Gold \u201925<\/strong><br>\n<em>Hofstra Law<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"114\" height=\"115\" style=\"object-position: 51.125% 41.36%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_32.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2061 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Destiny Goodfriend \u201925<\/strong><br>\n<em>Loyola University New Orleans College of Law<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"114\" height=\"114\" style=\"object-position: 48.62% 42.765%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_33.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2063 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Antonia Panayides \u201925<\/strong><br>\n<em>Rutgers Law School<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"147\" height=\"147\" style=\"object-position: 48.835% 48.71%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_34.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2066 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vienna Pitts \u201924<\/strong><br><em>CUNY School of Law<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Matt Praeger \u201926<\/strong><br>\n<em>Temple University Beasley School of Law<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"118\" height=\"118\" style=\"object-position: 48.255% 40.695%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_35.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2067 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Erica Santos \u201922<\/strong><br>\n<em>Rutgers Law School<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"66\" height=\"66\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_36.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2070 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Jacqueline Tamburrino \u201926<\/strong><br>\n<em>Roger Williams University School of Law<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"116\" height=\"117\" style=\"object-position: 48.915% 43.16%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_37.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2073 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Camryn Toth \u201925<\/strong><br>\n<em>Roger Williams University School of Law<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"119\" height=\"119\" style=\"object-position: 47.865% 42%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_38.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2075 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Eliza Wilson \u201926<\/strong><br>\n<em>Syracuse University College of Law<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"109\" height=\"110\" style=\"object-position: 48.09% 41.765%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_39.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2078 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sage-5k\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sage 5K<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Friends of all ages, both human and canine, had a fun day in spite of the weather at the annual 5K Walk\/Run! Thank you to all who made the day so special as we worked together toward making education accessible to all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"433\" height=\"318\" data-id=\"2081\" style=\"object-position: 66.0425% 16.685%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_40.jpeg\" alt=\"Two people running on a campus, one with a dog on a leash.\" class=\"wp-image-2081\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_40.jpeg 433w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_40-300x220.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"325\" data-id=\"2088\" style=\"object-position: 51.715% 44.201666666667%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_44.jpeg\" alt=\"5K event staff\" class=\"wp-image-2088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_44.jpeg 440w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_44-300x222.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-id=\"2188\" style=\"object-position: 40.223333333333% 42.906666666667%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/IMG_0179.jpg\" alt=\"Two women smiling for camera, one wearing a 5k shirt.\" class=\"wp-image-2188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/IMG_0179.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/IMG_0179-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/IMG_0179-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"annual-political-science-awards-event\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Annual Political Science Awards Event<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"pi-sigma-alpha-inductees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pi Sigma Alpha Inductees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-three-column\">\n<li>Audrey Copeland <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gurvind Dehar <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Christopher Feliks <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kaely Heathcoat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Megan McCann <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ian McGough<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Philip Robert Pussilano <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lola Salyamov<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Julianna Scotto <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jacqueline Tamburrino <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emily Zhuk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"661\" data-id=\"2091\" style=\"object-position: 55.574% 46.250333333333%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_46-1024x661.jpeg\" alt=\"Students in a row, holding lit candles, their hands raised palm out.\" class=\"wp-image-2091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_46-1024x661.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_46-300x194.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_46-768x496.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_46.jpeg 1206w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"802\" height=\"520\" data-id=\"2096\" style=\"object-position: 37.655% 27.23625%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_48.jpeg\" alt=\"Student near poster presentation speaking with attendees in a hall\" class=\"wp-image-2096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_48.jpeg 802w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_48-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_48-768x498.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 802px) 100vw, 802px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"802\" height=\"523\" data-id=\"2099\" style=\"object-position: 51.4375% 22.1125%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_49.jpeg\" alt=\"Two men in suits, smiling\" class=\"wp-image-2099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_49.jpeg 802w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_49-300x196.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_49-768x501.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 802px) 100vw, 802px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"student-awards\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Awards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-three-column\">\n<li><strong>Political Science Academic Award<\/strong><br>Michelle Rymar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debater of the Year Award<\/strong><br>Aiden Fornicola<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Political Science Club, Leadership Award<\/strong><br>Giana Mirto<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SAGE, Leadership Award<\/strong><br>Sierra E. Michel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Model UN, Leadership Award<\/strong><br>Philip Pussilano <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Model UN, Delegate of the Year<\/strong><br>Chris Feliks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mock Trial, Lead Counsel Award<\/strong><br>Paige Campbell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mock Trial, The Order of the Court Award<\/strong><br>Giana Mirto<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pre-Law Club, Distinguished Editor Award<\/strong><br>Owen Bros, Jackie Tamburrino <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pre-Law Club, Editors\u2019 Choice Award<\/strong><br>Viktoria Stojceski <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-4 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"802\" height=\"520\" data-id=\"2102\" style=\"object-position: 55.105% 26.4075%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_50.jpeg\" alt=\"Three men near table posing for photo\" class=\"wp-image-2102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_50.jpeg 802w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_50-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_50-768x498.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 802px) 100vw, 802px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"803\" height=\"526\" data-id=\"2103\" style=\"object-position: 45.275% 35.340833333333%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_51.jpeg\" alt=\"Man and woman in hall speaking with eachother\" class=\"wp-image-2103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_51.jpeg 803w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_51-300x197.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_51-768x503.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 803px) 100vw, 803px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"664\" data-id=\"2105\" style=\"object-position: 48.4225% 29.1025%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_52-1024x664.jpeg\" alt=\"Man and woman near poster presentation, speaking to each other\" class=\"wp-image-2105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_52-1024x664.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_52-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_52-768x498.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_52.jpeg 1098w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"663\" data-id=\"2108\" style=\"object-position: 59.6% 38.035%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_53-1024x663.jpeg\" alt=\"Two women observing poster presentation in hall\" class=\"wp-image-2108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_53-1024x663.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_53-300x194.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_53-768x497.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_53.jpeg 1049w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"political-science-seminar-senior-theses\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Political Science Seminar Senior Theses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shannon Bonsignore, &#8220;Hashtags &amp; Hostility&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Owen Bros, &#8220;Faith, Race, and Ideology: White Christian Nationalism and the Political Attitudes of Young Americans&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JackMichael \u201cJacky\u201d Bruno, &#8220;The Kids Aren\u2019t Alright: A Look at Affective Polarization Through the Lens of Social Media&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wendi Calles-Vaquerano, &#8220;Sexual Assault in ICE Facilities&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Layla Dabecic, &#8220;Digital Persuasion: Social Media\u2019s Relationship with Political Affiliation of the Youth&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delainey Frank, &#8220;School Law Enforcement Undermining the Educational Mission&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nouel Gil, &#8220;Artistic Expression on Trial: Rap Lyrics and Modern Evidentiary Standards&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stephanie Notabartolo, &#8220;How Public Trust and Civil Liberties Shift in Times of Crisis&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tiago Ribeiro, &#8220;Political Polarization Affect on Public Confidence in Law Enforcement&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abel R. Rymar, &#8220;At Who\u2019s Pace? The Political and Economic Development of African States and the Involvement of Foreign Investment&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brendan J. Sheehan, &#8220;The Silent Crisis: How the American Education System is Failing Young Boys&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jacqueline Tamburrino, &#8220;Justice Delayed: Judicial Understaffing and the Constitutional Right to Timely Access to Justice in New Jersey&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gianna Zanoni, &#8220;Explaining Low Voter Turnout and High Online Political Activity from Young Adults&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"802\" height=\"520\" data-id=\"2111\" style=\"object-position: 50.325% 20.27%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_54.jpeg\" alt=\"Woman holding bound thesis, with two men beside her\" class=\"wp-image-2111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_54.jpeg 802w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_54-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_54-768x498.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 802px) 100vw, 802px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"664\" data-id=\"2114\" style=\"object-position: 49.3725% 26.5525%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_55-1024x664.jpeg\" alt=\"Woman and man speaking with each other near poster presentation\" class=\"wp-image-2114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_55-1024x664.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_55-300x194.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_55-768x498.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_55.jpeg 1103w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 32%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 id=\"alumni-awards\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alumni Awards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Daniel Roman (Monmouth University \u201915; Seton Hall University School of Law \u201918 J.D.)<\/strong><br>Deputy Attorney General at the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Saliha Younas (Monmouth University \u201915)<\/strong><br>Vice President Digital Assets BNY Mellon<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" style=\"object-position: 54.59875% 44.135%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/leahy.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2192 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/leahy.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/leahy-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"megha-majumdar\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Megha Majumdar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"in-conversation-with-monmouth-university-students-and-book-signing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Conversation with Monmouth University Students and Book Signing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Author of &#8220;A Guardian and a Thief&#8221; National Bestseller<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finalist for the National Book Award<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oprah\u2019s Book Club Pick <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NYPL\/WNYC Get Lit March Book Club Pick<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"449\" height=\"290\" data-id=\"2117\" style=\"object-position: 50.423333333333% 25.86%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_56.jpeg\" alt=\"Megha Majumdar standing beside a man and a woman, each of whom are holding one of her books.\" class=\"wp-image-2117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_56.jpeg 449w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_56-300x194.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"665\" data-id=\"2118\" style=\"object-position: 46.43% 44.02875%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_57-1024x665.jpeg\" alt=\"University president speaking during event for Megha Majumdar\" class=\"wp-image-2118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_57-1024x665.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_57-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_57-768x499.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_57.jpeg 1030w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"589\" data-id=\"2126\" style=\"object-position: 60.396% 41.992%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_60-1024x589.jpeg\" alt=\"Attendees watch speaker panel during Megha Majumdar event.\" class=\"wp-image-2126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_60-1024x589.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_60-300x173.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_60-768x442.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_60.jpeg 1206w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1207\" height=\"393\" data-id=\"2120\" style=\"object-position: 42.534814814815% 28.442962962963%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_58.jpeg\" alt=\"Attendees posing for photo at Megha Majumdar event\" class=\"wp-image-2120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_58.jpeg 1207w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_58-300x98.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_58-1024x333.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_58-768x250.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1207px) 100vw, 1207px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"annual-sociology-awards-event\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Annual Sociology Awards Event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"890\" height=\"511\" style=\"object-position: 51.03% 32.68%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_64.jpeg\" alt=\"Three award winners holding their awards (one plaque, two certificates)\" class=\"wp-image-2127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_64.jpeg 890w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_64-300x172.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_64-768x441.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 890px) 100vw, 890px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sociology students were honored in a small awards ceremony on April 23, 2026. Congratulations to our 2025-2026 sociology students!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kieran Cunningham<\/strong><br>Spring 2026 inductee into the Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) National Sociology Honor Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rose Trujillotovar<\/strong><br>Outstanding Impact and Insights in Sociology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kyra Widecki<\/strong><br>Outstanding Academic Achievement in Sociology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"student-news\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"brendan-sheehan-earns-sga-president-of-the-year-award\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brendan Sheehan Earns SGA President of the Year Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"195\" style=\"object-position: 51.53% 44.4%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_65-300x195.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_65-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_65.jpeg 460w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brendan Sheehan, president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and senior political science student, was recently named Student Body President of the Year at the 45th annual <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cosga.org\/\">Conference on Student Government Associations<\/a> (COSGA), hosted by Texas A&amp;M University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt has been a tremendous honor to serve the students of Monmouth University as SGA president, and to receive this recognition is proof that our efforts over the course of this year go far and above what is expected of student government,\u201d Sheehan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to Sheehan\u2019s individual honor, Monmouth University\u2019s SGA received the Rising to the Challenge award for its response to the 2025 federal government shutdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis award belongs to all of the members of the SGA \u2026 [and] the campus community as a whole,\u201d Sheehan said. \u201cOur responses were a multi-faceted approach with support from campus offices and other student leaders \u2026 I\u2019ve seen first-hand how this university comes together to support one another in challenging times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sheehan, along with fellow Monmouth students Alexis Hudyma, Hannah Fierro, Aysu Sahbaz, Sheyla Caly, Nico Vartolone, and Thambbir Khan, presented at the conference, highlighting their efforts during the shutdown and their advocacy for UWill\u2014a free, 24\/7 virtual mental health counseling service to all New Jersey college and university students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SGA collected more than 500 pounds of food donations, expanded the hours of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/sga\/student-government-association\/the-nest\/\">The Nest<\/a>, the University\u2019s food pantry, and secured financial contributions, including a grant from the state, to support the initiative. Additionally, SGA passed a resolution calling on New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill and the state legislature to extend funding for UWill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI hope this year is proof to future student leaders that you can and should take on the kinds of David and Goliath fights you know you may not win because you have an obligation to your fellow students \u2026 I also hope this year shows that Monmouth University isn\u2019t just the statewide leader in student governance, but is a nationally recognized group showing others how to lead with courage, courtesy, and conviction,\u201d Sheehan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cosga.org\/about\">COSGA unites student leaders worldwide to share ideas<\/a>, strengthen leadership, and advance the quality of student governance. It is the largest student-run SGA conference globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 30%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 id=\"sophia-ianno-earns-heidi-lynn-sculthorpe-research-grant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sophia Ianno<\/strong> Earns Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe Research Grant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sophia Ianno \u201927 (Political Science and Communication) received a Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe Research Grant from the Urban Coast Institute. The project will examine a range of environmental exposure variables and socioeconomic vulnerability variables to determine how sea level rise impacts low-income communities along the New Jersey coastline. Sophia&#8217;s project will be conducted under the supervision of Kevin Dooley, Ph.D.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"380\" style=\"object-position: 47.98% 33.305%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_66.jpeg\" alt=\"Woman near balloons, Monmouth University branding behind her\" class=\"wp-image-2132 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_66.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_66-300x239.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"next-steps-for-current-graduates\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Next Steps for Current Graduates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Veronica Belloso<\/strong><br>The George Washington University, Master of Arts in International Affairs with a Concentration in Economics and Latin America<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"117\" height=\"116\" style=\"object-position: 47.605% 43.03%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_68.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2135 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Michelle Rymar<\/strong><\/strong><br>Rutgers University, Master of Arts in United Nations and Global Policy Studies<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"136\" height=\"135\" style=\"object-position: 47.73% 43.46%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_67.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2133 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 15%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Brendan Sheehan<\/strong><\/strong><br>The George Washington University, Master\u2019s Degree in Legislative Affairs<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"114\" height=\"113\" style=\"object-position: 50.16% 40.91%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_69.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2136 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"faculty-news\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Faculty News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"new-book-on-super-pacs-and-elections-from-profs-hofer-and-patten\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Book on Super PACS and Elections from Profs. Hofer and Patten<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"220\" style=\"object-position: 50.775% 31.22%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_70-300x220.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_70-300x220.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_70.jpeg 554w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scott Hofer, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, and Joseph N. Patten Ph.D., professor of political science have a new book, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/book\/9783032235794\">Citizens<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/book\/9783032235794\">Forgotten: Super PACs, Dark Money,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/book\/9783032235794\">and the Corporate Takeover of<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/book\/9783032235794\">American Democracy<\/a>,\u201d coming out in early June (Palgrave Macmillan, Springer Nature, 2026). The book offers analysis from the 2024 election cycle on how super PACs impacted the three branches of government; examines the role of dark money and illegal foreign influences on American democracy; and explores how super PACs are replacing the role traditionally played by political parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the 2010 Citizens United and SpeechNOW rulings, campaign finance laws have undergone a seismic shift. These changes include the establishment of super PACs, which have allowed unlimited contributions and spending from megadonors to be funneled into political activism. These dramatic changes in campaign finance have allowed a small number of ultra-wealthy contributors to reshape American democracy and all three branches of government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using data from the 2024 election cycle, this book explores the influence of the super PAC, which has allowed megadonors unprecedented capacity to shape political outcomes through targeted campaigning. These super PACs outspend all other political entities combined in America\u2019s most competitive congressional races while prioritizing national agendas and extensively using negative campaign advertisements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the executive level, contributions to super PACs have become a convenient way for the ultra-wealthy to gain backdoor influence into executive actions and policy choices. Finally, the judicial branch, which opened the door to these changes, has experienced a crisis of legitimacy resulting from ties to dark money from litigants with cases before the courts. Combining historical, legal and empirical analysis, this book provides a clear, accessible overview of how campaign finance deregulation has amplified the voices of the wealthy at the expense of democratic representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hofer\u2019s research focuses on American politics and judicial behavior, specifically regarding the impacts of race, gender, and ideology on judicial appointments and representation. Patten is the co-author of \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/book\/10.1007\/978-3-031-46375-4\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/book\/10.1007\/978-3-031-46375-4\">Bait and Switch: How Student Loan Debt Stifles Social Mobility<\/a>\u201d (Palgrave Macmillan 2023) and \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cengage.com\/c\/why-politics-matters-an-introduction-to-political-science-4e-dooley-patten\/9780357987384\/\">Why Politics Matters: An Introduction to Political Science, 4th edition<\/a>\u201d (2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"prof-jacques-published-in-plos-one\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prof. Jacques<\/strong> Published in <em>PLOS ONE<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"220\" style=\"object-position: 44.445% 47.205%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_73-300x220.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_73-300x220.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_73.jpeg 612w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rechnitz Family\/Urban Coast Institute Endowed Chair in Marine and Environmental Law and Policy Peter Jacques, Ph.D., published \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0334544\">Foundations of Climate Change Denial: Anti-environmentalism and Anti-science<\/a>\u201d with co-author Riley Dunlap (Oklahoma State University) in the general science journal, <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/\">PLOS ONE<\/a> (2025). Since publishing last November, the article has been viewed over 12,000 times, with about half of those views downloading the full paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The article analyzes books published across three decades that reject the basics of climate science. Using a novel coding technique for book-length texts, Jacques and Dunlap find that the root of climate denial is a fear of losing privilege in a political and economic system based on cheap fossil fuels expressed through anti-environmental and anti-science claims. The authors assert that climate denial includes labeling environmentalism as anti-American, anti-capitalist, anti-Christian (or itself a cultish religion); anti-science claims included accusations of corruption and conspiracy, and utilized deception meant to weaken Western progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>PLOS ONE<\/em> is an inclusive journal community working together to advance science for the benefit of society, now and in the future. Founded with the aim of accelerating the pace of scientific advancement and demonstrating its value, the organization believes all rigorous science deserves to be published and should be discoverable, widely disseminated and freely accessible to all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-in-page\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0334544\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download the Full Study<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"prof-sarsar-published-in-world-amp-new-world-journal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prof. Sarsar Published in <em>World &amp; New World Journal<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"219\" style=\"object-position: 47.91% 42.865%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_74-300x219.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_74-300x219.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/522\/2026\/06\/image_74.jpeg 421w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Saliba Sarsar, Ph.D., professor of political science in the Department of Political Science and Sociology, has published an article on advancing peace between Israel and Palestine in <em><a href=\"https:\/\/worldandnewworld.com\/israel-palestine-advancing-peace-today\/\">World &amp; New World Journal<\/a><\/em>, which appears in seven languages; Arabic, English, French, German, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his essay, Sarsar argues that Israelis and Palestinians have become victims of their own exclusive national narratives and are speaking past each other. \u201cWhile the obstacles in the way of progress to peace are numerous and real,\u201d Sarsar notes, \u201cthese must not delay or prevent the search for opportunities and positive outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sarsar further suggests that because Israelis and Palestinians have proved to be both incapable and unwilling to restart negotiations on their own, \u201cThe United States thus must go beyond managing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to taking the lead to resolve it. It is indispensable for the promotion and sustenance of peace negotiations, as was recently shown in the diplomatic intervention to stop the Israel-Hamas War.\u201d He argues that the U.S. has the key assets to influence both Israelis and Palestinians to take the necessary political risks by compromising and engaging in unavoidable tradeoffs on the path to peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-in-page\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/worldandnewworld.com\/israel-palestine-advancing-peace-today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read the Full Essay<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"alumni-news\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>Alumni <\/a>News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nicholas Yalch \u201922<\/strong> will begin MBA program at Duke University, with a focus on investment banking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lenien Jamir \u201924 <\/strong>graduated with a distinction in the MSC in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ta\u00efphane Orange \u201924<\/strong> Received the Graduate Fellowship in Politics and Government from the Eagleton Institute of Politics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Model United Nations Conference at Harvard College in Boston, Massachusetts The Model United Nations Team participated in the Harvard National Model United Nations Conference on Feb. 12\u201315, 2026. The team consisted of: Conference at Kings College in London, United Kingdom From Feb. 18\u201323, 2026, Seven Monmouth University students traveled to London to compete at the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mu_eop_enabled":false,"_mu_eop_name":"","_mu_eop_name_override":false,"_mu_eop_description":"","_mu_eop_description_override":false,"_mu_eop_url":"","_mu_eop_url_override":false,"_mu_eop_program_type":"","_mu_eop_educational_credential":"","_mu_eop_time_to_complete":"","_mu_eop_number_of_credits":"","_mu_eop_occupational_category":"","_mu_eop_occupational_category_code":"","_mu_eop_program_prerequisites":"","_mu_eop_application_deadline":"","_mu_eop_application_start_date":"","_mu_eop_start_date":"","_mu_eop_end_date":"","_mu_eop_day_of_week":"","_mu_eop_time_of_day":"","_mu_eop_educational_program_mode":"","_mu_eop_financial_aid_eligible":"","_mu_eop_maximum_enrollment":"","_mu_eop_offers_price":"","_mu_eop_offers_currency":"USD","_mu_eop_offers_price_per":"","_mu_eop_offers_preset":"","_mu_eop_salary_upon_completion":"","_mu_eop_training_salary":"","_mu_eop_recognized_by_name":"","_mu_eop_recognized_by_url":"","_mu_eop_concentrations":"","_mu_eop_identifier_cip":"","_mu_eop_provider_name":"","_mu_eop_provider_name_override":false,"_mu_eop_provider_url":"","_mu_eop_provider_address":"","_mu_eop_provider_city":"","_mu_eop_provider_state":"","_mu_eop_provider_zip":"","_mu_eop_provider_country":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1995","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1995","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1995"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1995\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2198,"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1995\/revisions\/2198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu\/department-of-polisci-and-sociology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1995"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}