Public Policy Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances

An economics and public policy double major and political science minor, Lemon learned important enduring skills such as leadership and teamwork from faculty across campus, including Political Science Prof. Scott Boddery, Public Policy Prof. Anne Douds, and Art and Art History Prof. Tina Gebhart, the last of whom instilled in him a newfound passion for ceramics. “I wanted an intimate curriculum where I could develop close relationships with my professors and work alongside them on course topics, while having a tailored approach to my education,” Lemon said. “I believe that Gettysburg best satisfied this goal in providing me a well-rounded education that not only goes beyond the bounds of my major, but has equipped me with professional skills to carry past college.” Outside of the classroom, Lemon was president of the Student Senate and the Economics honor society (Omicron Delta Epsilon), co-president of the Public Policy Student Council, and he co-founded Gettysburg’s pickleball club. Following graduation, he will attend law school.

As an environmental studies and public policy double major with a minor in data science, Cross values the ability to approach problems with a wider lens, especially as environmental and policy realms intertwine. Gettysburg helped provide a path for that type of critical thinking with Cross taking part in multiple programs through the Center for Public Service and performing research under Public Policy Prof. Anne Douds. A two-time captain on the men’s swimming team, Cross won the 400-yard IM at the 2023 Centennial Conference Championship and has enjoyed sharing in the success of his teammates and roommates participating in other athletic programs. “Being a Gettysburgian means family,” Cross said. “It is very comforting knowing I will always be a part of something much bigger than myself. Personal connections made at Gettysburg with peers, faculty, and alumni give me an incredible support system to rely on now and into the future.” Following graduation, Cross will attend the University of Virginia School of Architecture to pursue a master’s in urban and environmental planning.

 “To me, being a Gettysburgian means taking advantage of the opportunities presented to you,” said Chaga, a political science and public policy double major. “As a transfer student, I sought to get involved on campus in order to make up for the lost time. However, I found that I was hardly even keeping track of the time. Being involved in clubs, sports, study abroad, academic extracurriculars, and things that brought me joy, I discovered that being at Gettysburg meant being in the moment.” Chaga, who traveled to Rwanda and learned Swahili, wants to combine her passion for learning languages with her dual degrees to pursue a career in foreign service or work in the linguistics department of an intelligence agency after graduation.

“Gettysburg is a historic place marked by a major war, but the school provides an atmosphere of growth centered in an open-minded attitude and culture. My time here has taught me so much and that has happened because I have been willing to listen to new ideas and go out of my comfort zone,” said Ritchie, a political science and public policy double major and economics minor. Ritchie was captain of the field hockey team, served on the executive board for Alpha Omicron Pi for two years, and worked in the athletics equipment room. Following graduation, Ritchie will pursue a law degree at the University of Richmond School of Law.

 “The accomplishment that I am most proud of is winning Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the Centennial Conference,” Giordano, a four-year member of the track and field team. “It represents not only my achievements academically, but all the hard work I put on the track.” A double major in public policy and political science and religious studies minor, Giordano worked in Campus Recreation and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he plans to attend law school at Florida State University. “I learned to be my own biggest advocate through my time at Gettysburg. It endowed me with the confidence that I am capable of great things.”

Capriglione’s proudest moment while at Gettysburg College was being named captain of the men’s lacrosse team. “It just showed that if you are able to put your mind into something and fully commit to it you can do anything you want. I never played much or started, but I was able to see how my peers respected me as a person and a player on and off the field,” he said. “Hard work pays off.” Capriglione double majored in political science and public policy and minored in economics. After graduation, he plans to work as a paralegal for a couple of years, then potentially attend law school. “I want to help people that other people do not want to help. Everyone deserves respect and a common decency to help when they are in need,” he added.

During his time at Gettysburg College, Jones dedicated himself to helping undergraduate students recognize their potential for social change—in the here and now. However, he is proudest of co-creating and co-directing the inaugural Peace and Justice Transformative Leaders Fellowship Program at Gettysburg College. “More than anything, being a Gettysburgian means understanding that we are the ones we have been waiting for when it comes to building a better current and future,” said Jones, who double majored in religious studies and public policy, minoring in peace and justice studies and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. “It means recognizing that we have lots of agency here and now, and deciding to use it.” After graduation, Jones plans on attending the University of Chicago, where he’s earned a research-based scholarship, in pursuit of a master’s in international relations, with a focus on international development.

“The most pivotal moment I experienced at Gettysburg was my First-Year Seminar, called Sex and the Supreme Court,” said Traczek. “This class opened my eyes to how frequently sex and gender-based violence occurs, and it motivated me to get involved with organizations on campus such as Students Against Sexual Assault. I also met Prof. [Anne] Douds through the course, who quickly became my mentor.” A political science and public policy double major with minors in German studies and peace and justice studies, Traczek enjoyed the explorative nature of the liberal arts and sciences. “I think the best thing a college student can do is have their perspectives challenged, and liberal arts education allows for that to occur in a respectful environment,” she said. After graduation, Traczek hopes to combine her love for learning languages with her political science and public policy interests by joining the Foreign Service.

“Being a Gettysburgian means contributing to something bigger than my own experiences on campus and in the community,” Weynand said. “Instead of keeping my head down and focusing on my own life, I sought out new experiences and opportunities to become involved in something much bigger. Gettysburg encourages these pathways and strives to produce individuals—Gettysburgians—that will continue this type of work and this vision.” Weynand double majored in political science and public policy and also earned minors in economics and peace and justice studies. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and earn her Juris Doctor degree. After, she hopes to practice law and pursue work that will continue to directly impact the lives of individuals.