“My love of political study,” notes Alec William Bramel, a CLAS political science/pre-law major, “was sparked by my favorite high school government teacher and advisor, Mr. Paul Schramm.” Alec is specifically interested in the politics of local governments and local communities, which he attributes to “growing up in the country near many small towns full of caring, community-driven people.”

An avowed history buff, Alec is also pursuing a minor in history—and, like many CLAS students, he enjoys the intellectual variety and coursework opportunities a minor provides. “One of my favorite classes I've taken for my minor,” he says, “is Engineering and Technology in the Ancient Mediterranean with Prof. Rosemary Moore. Prof. Moore always makes class fun and interactive and does not shy away from class discussion.”

As an undergraduate active in many campus organizations—he's an ARH Hillcrest Hall Senator, a UISG Vice City Council Liaison, and a member of the Recreational Services Committee and the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee—Alec advises first-year UI students to “work hard and don't be shy. College is full of great friends and great organizations that would love to meet you! It may seem intimidating your first year at school, and it is natural to skip over opportunities, but if you take the time to go out and make new friends and join some student organizations, I promise you won't regret it!”

After graduation, Alec hopes to attend the University of Iowa Law School and work with municipal governments in Iowa.