Alumnus Returns to Speak to Political Science Class

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on March 25, 2022, No Comments

Eli Downie, a 2018 criminal justice graduate of East Stroudsburg University, returned to campus on March 23 to speak with a group of students in an American Government class. Downie is currently the acting deputy director in the Office of Advocacy and Reform for Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.

Downie, who minored in political science at ESU, explained his role as a policy specialist and what calculations he makes as he drafts policies. He explained he has to consider who the policy will help, who it will hurt, and who may be impacted but is uninterested.

The class, taught by Kimberly S. Adams, Ph.D., professor of political science, is a freshman level course that includes students from a variety of majors.

Downie encouraged the students to be hard working, patient, and good listeners. He reminded them that he has sat in the same exact seat just a few years ago, and challenged them to seek opportunities to work for the state, even if they were not interested in government work. For those students majoring biology, criminal justice, social work, psychology, and other programs, he talked about opportunities for them to work with the Commonwealth and suggested that they visit employment.pa.gov.

“Eli’s presentation to our students was energetic, engaging, and insightful. The students really enjoyed his energy and I believe that several of them will reach out to him seeking internships and career advice,” Dr. Adams said. “I am so proud of Eli and thrilled that he is so eager to share his time and talents with our current students.”