For many Former Students of the Texas A&M Department of Political Science, this spring’s receptions in The Woodlands and Austin felt less like formal events and more like long-awaited reunions. Across two evenings in January and May, nearly 50 former students gathered with faculty and department leaders to reconnect over shared memories of Aggieland while reflecting on the careers and communities they have built since graduation. Conversations moved easily from stories about favorite professors and campus traditions to discussions of careers in law, government, education, business, and public service.

The receptions also highlighted the enduring reach of the Aggie political science network. Former students traded professional advice, discussed emerging issues in public affairs, and offered perspectives on how their time at Texas A&M shaped their professional paths. For department leaders, the events served as an opportunity not only to reconnect with graduates, but also to better understand the experiences and accomplishments of former students across Texas. Department Head Dr. Guy Whitten said the department sees those relationships as essential to its future. “Our former students are one of the department’s greatest strengths,” Whitten said. “They carry what they learned here into every field imaginable, and hearing their stories reminds us of the lasting impact this community can have long after graduation.”

Director of External Relations Dr. Soren Jordan ‘10 noted that the receptions are part of a broader effort to create meaningful connections between former students, faculty, and current students. “We’ve wanted to do these for a long time, to build the connective tissue between our Former Students and our current students with the Department as a facilitator,” Jordan said. “One of the remarkable things about Aggies is how naturally they want to help one another. These events create opportunities for Former Students to reconnect with the department while also opening doors for mentorship, networking, and support for current students who are beginning their own careers.” The department plans to continue those efforts this fall with another former student reception in the Dallas area. Former Students are encouraged to follow the department’s LinkedIn and Instagram pages and subscribe to the POLSConnect newsletter for additional details and future event announcements.