Carl DeMarco Jr. ’25 from Fishkill, New York, double-majored in political science and interdisciplinary studies before entering a doctoral program at the University of Florida. As he looks ahead to his own career in academia, DeMarco reflects on his transformation into a scholar and leader at Gettysburg College.
After spending several months as a Ph.D. student at a large public university, my love for Gettysburg has only grown. Gettysburg College provided me with an educational experience that placed me on the path I am on today and successfully prepared me for a career in academia.
From the faculty members who cultivated my love of learning to the lifelong friendships I made and the co-curricular activities that allowed me to see the world, Gettysburg College enabled me to grow personally and intellectually. It is not a stretch to say that I would not be where I am today without the help of Gettysburg.
“Reflecting on my time at Gettysburg College, I have realized that it provided me with more than a degree. It helped form me into the individual and scholar I am today.”
– Carl DeMarco Jr. ’25
Guided by faculty
First, the faculty at Gettysburg are perhaps some of the most intelligent, caring, and supportive instructors I have ever met. After taking the Introduction to Political Theory course during my first semester, I became enthralled with the subject. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to pursue it as a career.
The faculty and College provided me with every opportunity to achieve my goals. Faculty members such as History Prof. William Bowman guided my research projects, resulting in the publication of one undergraduate paper. Others, such as Political Science Prof. Bruce Larson, Political Science Prof. Alauna Safarpour, and History Prof. Magdalena Sanchez, taught courses that broadened my intellectual scope and challenged me to excel in the classroom.
Now, as a graduate teaching assistant myself, I look to their teaching styles to influence my own. From the moment I started at Gettysburg to this very day, the faculty have been by my side every step of the way.
Lasting connections
The faculty were certainly influential in shaping my Gettysburg experience. However, they were not the only ones. Together, my friends and I developed relationships that will last long into adulthood. Even thousands of miles away, we still talk and text frequently and recall the good times we had at Gettysburg.
Campus activities and organizations, such as Catholic Campus Ministry, Student Senate, Alpha Chi Rho, and College Republicans, allowed me to find my community on campus. Perhaps the hardest part of graduating from Gettysburg College was realizing that my friends and I would become scattered across the country.
Expanding horizons
Finally, what truly distinguished my Gettysburg experience were the countless opportunities to excel both inside and outside the classroom. From research experiences such as the Kolbe Research Fellows and Fielding Fellows programs to the support I received to study abroad, Gettysburg wanted me to see beyond the confines of campus and engage the wider world.
With the College’s support, I was able to attend an academic conference to present my research and engage with scholars from across the globe. These experiences served not only to boost my resume but also to enrich my academic and social experiences. They reinforced my desire to pursue graduate study and, ultimately, a life dedicated to teaching and scholarship.
More than a degree
Reflecting on my time at Gettysburg College, I have realized that it provided me with more than a degree. It helped form me into the individual and scholar I am today.
Gettysburg provided me with mentors and friends who will be by my side for years to come. As I continue my journey in academia, I carry with me the lessons, relationships, and values that Gettysburg instilled in me. Perhaps one day I will even be lucky enough to return to my alma mater and educate the next generation of Gettysburgians.
However, until that day comes and wherever my journey may take me, I will forever be grateful for Gettysburg College.
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By Corey Jewart
Photos provided by Carl DeMarco Jr. ’25
Posted: 03/27/26