Notable University of Wisconsin political science alumni contributed essays on what their UW education meant to them for the department's alumni newsletter.
Vice President Dick Cheney, who attended but did not finish his doctorate degree at UW, and U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, a UW alumnus, said studying in the political science department helped shape their lives and careers in public service.
"The debates and conversations I had in class more than 30 years ago still come back to me," Feingold said in a release. "And they still help guide my decisions as the Senate deliberates both domestic issues and foreign policy."
Gary Sandefur, dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, told The Badger Herald that in the classroom, UW students learn how to face problems and see different ways of thinking about things. They can then take these lessons into their careers, he added.
"A UW education in liberal arts is a well-rounded education that allows you to see the world from different perspectives," Sandefur said.
Cheney wrote about the direct link between his education at UW and his career in public service, referring to it as "a straight line."
Joe Panos, a political science graduate and former UW and NFL offensive lineman, feels UW gave him a better understanding of everyone's point of view than just his own conservative viewpoint.
"What I learned at the UW was to prepare. In the NFL, when I went on the field I continued to do what I did for classes: prepare!" Panos said in the release.
Other contributors included Roberta Draper, producer of congressional news at NBC; Ron Bonjean, press secretary to U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert; and Madison attorney Mike Wittenwyler.
Sandefur said he is not surprised such prominent individuals decided to contribute, since a UW education influences the lives of all individuals; he added that political science at UW has a stellar reputation.
The political science department holds more teaching awards than any other university department, Sandefur added, and according to UW political science professor Donald Downs, UW is unique because professors can teach to a politically diverse student body all within the same class.
Downs said students are politically aware and active in all aspects of the political spectrum — liberal, conservative and moderate students all interact together.
"Political science at UW epitomizes the Wisconsin Idea of teaching, which reaches out to the society at large," Downs said.
Many of the political science graduates are successful individuals, Sandefur said, and they go on to hold careers in government and business.
Sandefur said these essays show the impact of a UW education and include an essential lesson for today's class of students.
"They offer an important message to current students to take advantage of such an education and opportunity," Sandefur said.