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Galloway, N.J. — Two ������Ƶ students received the Arcuri Wharton Pre-Law Fund Award on April 19 during the annual Political Science Faculty Spring Reception.

Sophomore Ashley Ramirez, of Ventnor, is a Political Science major who is heavily involved on campus. She’s the vice president of Minorities in Law, an active member of ������Ƶ’s Mock Trial team and is a student leader for the Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning.

“Law school for me, is not just the next step in an academic journey, it’s the ignition switch for a lifelong mission,” Ramirez said. “With every case I champion, every law I illuminate, and every barrier I break, I inch closer to the dream of building a more just and equitable society.”

Sophomore Tatiana Shukovsky, of Estell Manor, is an Economics and Pre-Law major who recently started an internship with the New Jersey Energy Coalition. She’s a member of ������Ƶ Action Volunteers for the Environment and the Pre-Law Club.

“By taking courses that were directly related to the study of the law, I felt my passion strengthen,” Shukovsky said. “Not only was I able to confirm that attending law school is something I truly want to do, but it is also something that I believe that I am well-suited for.”

The award is named after two former ������Ƶ Political Science professors — Alan F. Arcuri, who was known for his efforts in advising pre-law students and starting the pre-law program and Linda Wharton, a former Pre-Law advisor. It provides the recipients with a stipend to cover the cost of a prep program for the LSAT exam and mentors for them as they apply to and attend law school. The endowed fund has given out a total of 27 awards since 2019, following the creation of the fund by Arcuri’s wife, Kris.

Ramirez’s alumni mentor is Mariam Eskander, who will be graduating from Georgetown University Law School this spring. Shukovsky’s alumni mentor is Jessica Shinski, who is a student at Seton Hall Law School.

“Political Science students are conducting and presenting research at major conferences, organizing political engagement events, and interning at public agencies, courthouses, and private companies. They are participating in international and national competitions, such as Model United Nations and Mock Trial,” said Lauren Balasco, associate professor of Political Science. “And they are also getting accepted into graduate schools including Georgetown University, Texas A&M, Villanova University, and law schools such as Rutgers and Delaware Law. The Political Science faculty is so proud to support all of our students in their efforts to pursue their academic interests and career paths.”

In addition to the Arcuri Wharton award winners, the department recognized the 2023 Constitution Day Fellows: Angelina Clancy, Raneen Laith Rehani, Jenna Samiz and Joseph Wozniak.

Balasco led the induction of 12 students into the Alpha Zeta Rho chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society: Sultan Aydin, Aaron Carrington, Jordan Davis, Detty-Maidanove Exantus, Zoey Elizabeth Gross, Dylan Irmiere, Arti Kapoor, Robert Martinez, Christian Pimenta, Raneen Laith Rehani, Andrea Sandoval and Joseph Wozniak.

- Story by Mark Melhorn, photos by Gianna Schiattarella