December 2017 Graduation: Meet Jason Marshall
Chances are you’ve seen Jason Marshall ’17 (political science, legal studies minor, pre-law concentration) around campus. He’s president of Indianapolis Student Government and the Pre-Law Student Association (as well as precinct committeeman for Spiceland’s second district–his hometown!)
Q. What groups or activities have you been involved in on campus?
A. I have participated as a Greyhound Ambassador for the Admissions Office, a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, served two years as Indianapolis Student Government president and created the Pre-Law Student Association, where I have served for two years as president. Not only have these experiences been fun, but being involved on campus helped me to understand what my passions are and have helped me develop a true sense of service. Being the student body president has given me the opportunity to give back to a school that has offered so much to me, and I hope what I have done benefits current and future Greyhounds!
Q. Could you talk about your internships and how they helped you develop your professional skills?
A. I began my first internship as a freshman with the Marion County Democratic Party, where I gained valuable office and professional skills in communication and programming. Following that internship, I began to work with Hannah News Service Midwest as a senior intern tracking legislation at the Indiana Statehouse and gained fundamental skills and knowledge in the workings of the state government and working with clients in a professional manner. This past summer I interned in Washington, D.C., for Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) where I gained knowledge in federal government and valuable skills in research and writing.
Q. What are your plans after graduation?
A. Following graduation, I will be an office manager for Hannah News Service during session at the Statehouse and will then continue my education in fall 2018 at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Q. Is there anyone at UIndy who influenced or helped you during your academic career?
A. The faculty and staff are great mentors and always supportive of the students. [Dean of Students] Kory Vitangeli and President [Rob] Manuel work diligently for the students, and they have been awesome in supporting student government and the student body. Dr. David Root (political science) and Dr. Laura Wilson (political science) are incredible professors with fun classes and are always ready to help students.
Q. Why would you recommend the political science program?
A. The political science department is by far an excellent program, and I highly recommend the program to anyone interested in any form of government. The professors are personable and always ready to assist students with classwork, but also to find internships and careers that fit the students.
Q. What would your advice be to incoming freshmen?
A. My advice to any incoming freshman is to become involved on campus and in the city. The friendships, skills and networks you gain early on will become so vital in anything you pursue. Getting involved is a fun way to spend your time outside of class doing something you enjoy! Also, get your readings done!
Q. Final thoughts before graduation?
A. UIndy has been an incredible school for me, both intellectually and socially. I feel, as I leave, that I am well prepared to pursue my goals, and UIndy has put me in a position to do so.
Read about other 2017 December graduates.
Learn about 2017 December graduation.