Geneseo Alumni Support Transformative Student Trip to Washington, D.C.

Current members of the Political Affairs Club and two professors of political science and international relations met with four Geneseo alumni for a career panel in Washington, D.C.

News article created by the Department of Political Science and International Relations.

The SUNY Geneseo Political Affairs Club (PAC) returned to Washington, D.C. this September for its 19th annual alumni engagement trip, a tradition that continues to showcase the extraordinary influence of Geneseo graduates working in public service and advocacy. From federal agencies to leading nonprofits and law firms, alumni across the capital opened their doors, shared their expertise, and demonstrated the enduring strength of the Geneseo network.

The group of students and faculty departed campus early on September 17, 2026 and arrived in Washington mid‑afternoon. This year’s PAC cohort included students Luke Wallace, William Russell, Devyn Balfe, Alyssa Dawson, Emma Tower, Seren Stvan, Kylie Gregory, Keylianie Alamo Ubiles, and Laura Cordova, accompanied by faculty members Karleen West and Jeffrey Koch.

The trip began with a dynamic alumni career panel that brought together graduates whose work spans the federal government, state policy, legal advocacy, and nonprofit research. Shanna Reulbach ’10 of the Campaign Legal Center, Kim Boland ’12 of the Department of Health and Human Services, Claire Cusella ’12 of the Urban Institute, and Saif Ratula ’13 of the Governor’s Office of the State of Maryland shared their professional journeys and reflected on how their time at Geneseo shaped their commitment to public service. Their conversations with students underscored the breadth of opportunities available to graduates and the value of a liberal arts foundation in navigating complex policy environments.

That evening, alumni engagement continued at District Winery, where Geneseo President Melinda Treadwell welcomed D.C.-area graduates and the visiting PAC group. The event offered a warm, collegial atmosphere in which students could connect informally with alumni, hear stories of life and work in Washington, and experience firsthand the supportive community Geneseo alumni have built in the capital.

The second day of the trip featured a series of alumni-led site visits across the city. Students began the morning at the Internal Revenue Service with alumnus John Pekarik ’98, who provided an inside look at federal tax administration and the public-sector career landscape. Later, they met with Matthew Thackston ’08 for a discussion on lobbying for the healthcare sector. In the afternoon, the group visited Save the Children to meet with Katie Deierlein ’10, Senior Director for New Business Development, who shared her experience in international development and provided perspective on the evolving role of NGOs in D.C. The day concluded with a visit to WilmerHale, where attorney and lobbyist Brian Skretny ’95 discussed legal advocacy around public policy.

Saturday offered students the chance to explore Washington independently, visiting museums, monuments, and neighborhoods that enriched their understanding of the city’s history and civic life. The group departed for Geneseo on Sunday morning, returning with new insights, strengthened connections, and a deeper appreciation for the alumni community that continues to support and inspire them.

This year’s trip marks the 19th year that Professor Jeffrey Koch has coordinated with alumni and accompanied students to D.C. for this transformative experience. A special thank you to Professor Koch for his commitment to the department, alumni, and students; without his dedication, this trip would not be possible.

The 2026 PAC trip once again demonstrated the profound impact Geneseo alumni have on current students. Their generosity, mentorship, and willingness to share their experiences make this annual journey to Washington not only possible but transformative. This trip is made possible by the generous financial support of alumni of the Department of Political Science and International Relations.