Dave Norris ’90
Mayor, Charlottesville, Virginia
I graduated from Curry with a Politics & History degree in 1990. The professors I studied with at Curry -- John Hill, Bob Keighton, Allan Greenberg and Russell Pregeant come immediately to mind -- did yeoman's work in challenging me to broaden my perspective on the world. Their efforts inspired me to further my education, and ultimately pursue a rewarding career, in the field of public policy and social change. After leaving Curry, I went on to get a Master's in Government from the College of William and Mary. For the past decade or so, I have been actively involved in my adopted hometown of Charlottesville, VA, both as a non-profit director and as a member of numerous civic boards and commissions. And in 2006, I made my first foray into electoral politics as a successful candidate for Charlottesville's City Council; in 2008, I was elected to a two-year term as Mayor. I am now putting my Politics & History degree to work on a daily basis. It all started back in Milton -- thank you Curry P&H!
Rick Collins '99
Assistant to State Senator Robert Hedlund
Without question, the education I received through the politics and history program at Curry College has played a substantial role in helping me achieve what I have. The small class sizes and interactive discussions fostered a much deeper interest and understanding in the subject matter than would ever have been possible for me in an impersonal lecture-hall atmosphere. And the freedom the instructors have in crafting their coursework shows in their enthusiasm for the subject matter, while allowing students to delve beyond standard academic fare and really be able to learn and think. The program should only strengthen as the college continues to expand its civic role, such as playing host to gubernatorial debates.
Curtis Blyden,’04
U.S. Peace Corps volunteer, Mongolia, 2005-2007
When I first took ‘Introduction to Politics’ during my freshmen year, it was done out of curiosity and a need to add a fifth class to my schedule. Fast forward five years and I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions that I could have ever made during my time at Curry College. The Politics and History Department opened up for me a world that I did not know much about previously. The professors challenged me to explore world affairs and history beyond the scope of the classroom and the traditional news media. My professors gave me the knowledge I needed to better understand the world of the 21st century. Since graduating from Curry College in 2004, I have joined the U.S Peace Corps. I am currently serving as a Community youth developer in Mongolia.