Daughter Speaks of the Private Nelson Mandela
In a Herald.ie (Ireland) article, Maki Mandela MA '89 (sociology), PhD ’93 (anthropology), daughter of Nelson Mandela, who spent many years in a South African prison for his oppostiion to aparteid and subsequently served as president of that country from 1994–99, discusses the difficulties she had growing up with her famous father and how he handled issues surrounding the AIDS epidemic in South Africa. Maki, who lives in Johannesburg, has held senior posts at the University of the Witwatersrand and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and now heads the Industrial Development Group (IDG), with interests in mining and petroleum. Read the article...

Distinguished Alumni Service Award Honors Advocate for Social Justice
This year’s Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award went to Ricardo O. Neal ’95 (political science), who has been executive director of Freedom House in Roxbury, Massachusetts, since 2003, and director of development there for the two previous years. A passionate advocate for social and economic justice, he will be leaving Freedom House in August to focus on educational reform and policy work. Read more...

Professional Volunteer’s Efforts Result in Effective Social Action
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” says Bonnie Reid Martin ’70 (political science), a longtime volunteer and fundraiser in Vermont and New Hampshire. “Giving back is part of my family’s tradition. If you have the means and the opportunity, if you’re blessed with good health, income and a nice place to live, then you need to pitch in and give.” Read more...

Alum Climbing on YouTube Charts
Scott Monaghan '05 (political science), stage name “Mr. Pitiful,” is one of the top 40 most popular musicians on YouTube. Monaghan began performing with his college band and became a solo artist after a fruitless search for new band mates in Chicago’s South Loop. In less than two years, the 27-year-old South Loop singer-songwriter has amassed more than 20,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. He now ranks in the top 40 most popular musicians on the video-sharing Web site, well ahead of many mainstream pop artists. Read more...

Alum Specializes in Strategic Planning for Educational Institutions
Stevens Strategy, an independent consulting practice specializing in managing the strategic change process at higher and secondary education institutions, is the brainchild of John Stevens ’73 (political science). This venture, launched in 2003, builds on his track record of success and features a large client base, ownership of strategic planning intellectual property, and a highly qualified, competent staff of higher education experts. Read more...

Advocacy Work is Lawyer’s Passion
“Being a lawyer is a tool,” says Anthony Barsamian ’86 (legal studies), managing partner of Hutchings, Barsamian, Mandelcorn & Zeytoonian, LLP in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. “It needs to be applied to something relevant. Using that tool to advocate for others—both individuals and the community—is what brought me to where I am today.” Read more...