Alumni: Where Are They Now?
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Lisa Graff, Attended SSI 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, Participated in Ambassador League in 2002
January, 2007: Lisa graduated from Hillsdale College in May of 2005 with a major in History and
minors in Political Science and Music. Now working at The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy
Studies in Washington D.C. as the Assistant Student Division Director, Lisa plans on entering Law School
in the fall of 2007.
"SSI was an incredible experience that had an enormous impact on my life. Its emphasis on God's plan for your life and living your faith
in everything and anything you do really made an impression on me. It reinforced everything my parents had taught me and helped me to form
a coherent Christian worldview. SSI also provided the direction for my life by inspiring me to turn my interest in politics into an
educational and career focus.
"The speakers at SSI always stress that you can serve God in whatever field you work, whether you're a TV anchor, a lawyer, a secretary, or
a Mom. God's work is not limited to the church, and pastors are not the only people who serve God through their vocation. Every Christian
should serve God in everything they do. This sacramental vision of life has really informed my thinking and the way in which I live my life.
I have tried to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5) and do my best in everything I do, from washing
dishes to my schoolwork, to bring glory to God and show his light to others. The challenge to serve God in everything I do forces me to
surrender to Him more fully every day. SSI helped put that in the forefront of my mind and make it a primary goal for my life.
"My years at SSI, both as a student and an aide-de-camp, were some of the most fun times in my life. The first year at SSI was not easy,
however. It was challenging and stretched me as a person. I had never given any sort of public speech, and my speech on the Michigan House
floor on during the mock legislature on Friday was terrifying for me. But I survived and delivered a nervous but passable speech in front
of many bright, articulate students in an awe-inspiring chamber. My years of making speeches at SSI and trying to convince other students
to vote for my bill gave me confidence in public speaking and in my ability to form an argument. SSI helped me to lose my fear of public
speaking, which was crucial in my leadership positions during college and in my current job. SSI stretches students beyond their comfort
zones in so many ways, but it does so in a friendly, encouraging way. It teaches them to rely on God, each other, and themselves to
accomplish difficult and new tasks. It helped me grow so much, and I know it has helped many other young people, too."
September, 2004: A senior at Hillsdale College, Lisa majors in History and minors in Politics and Music. She is president of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honorary, and treasurer of the Student Federation. She also served as Honors Program president for a year.
"When I graduate, I hope to get a job in the arena of public policy, working for an organization like the Heritage Foundation or the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. SSI was the mechanism through which I realized that I could turn my interest in political issues into a career. It's had a tremendous impact on my life by challenging me to seek God's purpose for me and reminding me that I need to bring every area of my life fully under his leadership."
Nate Kaczmarek., Attended SSI 1997, 1998
January, 2007: Nate graduated from Hillsdale College in 2002 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Political Science. After marrying
his wife Eve in the summer of 2003, he continued his education at Cooley Law School, graduating in November 2005. Currently, he is an associate
attorney at a law firm in Mount Clemens and is running for mayor of St. Clair Shores in 2007.
"It would be difficult to adequately express the important impact of SSI on my life. Needless to say there are few days when SSI's message, imparted to me when I was a teenager, does not have a useful application. In college, later as a youth minister, now as a lawyer and hopefully soon in public office, the central idea that God has an important plan and purpose for my life, remains an essential truth that sustains me.
"In law school the ideas that were taught to me at SSI provided me with the ability to adequately meet the daily assaults on Christianity, the American Founding and the proper place of faith in public discourse. If I had not attended SSI, I would not have been prepared to answer the secular challenges common in most college and post college institutions across the country.
"As a youth minister, I was able to use SSI's message to impart to teens the crucial idea that runs contrary to every other message they receive from our culture; namely that they are not the product of a fantastical accident of atoms, chance and nothingness. It is a powerful notion to bestow on today's teenager that each and every person is known intimately by God and that God has an imperative purpose for their lives that only they can fulfill.
"I have always wanted to be involved in politics and it was my experience at SSI that has provided me with the conviction that a Christian, more than anyone, should properly be involved in American democratic leadership. If I ever have the opportunity to serve my neighbors as an elected official, my hope is that I will live up to the principled, Christian statesmen, ideal presented to me at SSI.
"It is my perspective that the world we live in provides a daily, even minute by minute, onslaught to the faith lives of our youth. Regardless of a teen's upbringing, the ideas, tools and truths presented at SSI are essential to the survival of their faith in any future calling."
Sean M., Attended SSI in 2001, 2002 and 2003 as a student; Participated in Ambassador League in 2001
and 2002; Winner of John Quincy Adams Award in 2001 and 2002; ADC in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006
January 22, 2007: Sean just completed active duty training with the Navy and is now an
intelligence analyst in the Navy Reserve. He will be working and training with the Navy Reserve only on
certain weekends, but may be mobilized to active duty if needed. The rest of his time will be spent
working part-time and finishing his college degree at University of Michigan.
Derek M., Attended SSI in 1998, 1999
January 19, 2007: "I'm in my final year at Notre Dame Law School, and I'll be clerking for a
federal appellate judge next year. I've been married almost three years to my wife Emily, whom I met
at our undergrad Hillsdale College, and we're expecting our first child next month. We've truly been
blessed thus far in my career path, and we look forward to what's ahead.
I've remained active in my church and spiritual walk over the course of the last decade. I was actively
involved on the leadership team of InterVarsity at Hillsdale and of the Christian Legal Society at Notre
Dame. I attended a summer program called the Blackstone Fellowship in the Summer of 2005, sponsored by
the Alliance Defense Fund, which helped Christian law students prepare to serve the needs of the family,
the church, and believers through the legal system."
Billy R., Attended SSI in 1999 and 2000; was an ADC in 2002.
February, 2006: "Hey Guys! Just thought I'd drop a note and let you know what's going
on with me. I graduated from school and I am currently teaching middle-school science, in believe
it or not, Washington D.C. I guess I did finally find a balance to that whole science
education/political science conflict. Now I can teach students, and be at the Right to Life March
right after school (which was totally awesome this year!)."
"Anyway I just wanted to drop a line and say hi to some of my favorite people. Hey Jeff, tell
Jennie I said hi. James, give the family my love, and I wanted you to know that I continue to pray
for your ministry. Harold, I miss the smile, I miss the joy! It seems like sometimes when I get
overwhelmed, (and believe it or not as a middle school teacher, and head of the science dept. I do
get overwhelmed), I start to sing to myself "Voorhees a jolly good fellow!" Lol."
"God bless you and your ministry,
A Boy Crying Abba,
Billy R."
Daniel H., Attended SSI in 2001 and 2002.
September, 2005: Daniel is currently enrolled at the United States Military Academy at
West Point. Upon graduation in 2008, he will receive a BS degree and a commission in the Army as
a Second Lieutenant.
I hope you had as good of a summer as I did - I'm sure it was about as busy. I'm still amazed at the growth that SSI has experienced since my two summers a few years back (3 years ago I think - man does time fly). Overall, life has improved drastically here at the academy, and even the bad days are simply better because I'm no longer at the bottom of the chain. I figure I'd tell you a bit about my summer (or at least part of it in this email) before I forget half of the details, so here you go... There are a few ways to describe Intro to Patrolling. Perhaps the easiest way is to visualize those clips of the Vietnam War, with an infantry squad (9) or platoon (34) moving through the dense jungles in a file or a wedge, scouting the area or looking for the enemy in a movement to contact mission. A more simplistic way is to say that it flat out stinks, and it's one of those things that you're really glad you did, since it pushes you beyond your self-imposed physical and mental limits, and gives you the opportunity to tell some neat stories and make people think you're tougher than you really are."
Chase H., Attended SSI in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
September 9, 2005: Chase recently wrote this
opinion piece about protecting the First Amendment from errors of interpretation. See
this news item about Chase, too, where we report
on how he received a scholarship award for his writing.
Steve H., Attended SSI in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
March, 2005: "I've been doing well in the past year, but things have been absolutely crazy.
Since I last talked to anybody (online, I'm not that sheltered) I've gotten married (things are going
wonderfully for my wife, Jenn, and me), had a child, and I have been working full time. This is my
sweet little daughter, Bethany. She's nearly 2 months old and, although terribly draining (of energy,
time, sanity), she's been a source of unbridled happiness."
David W., Attended SSI in 1997.
March, 2005: David is attending California State University, where he's about to receive his
Master's in Political Science with public policy emphasis. He is also working for the Department of
Energy.
Jeremy M., Attended SSI in 2003 and 2004.
February, 2005: Jeremy is a Page for the United States Congress in Washington D.C.
"Hey everyone, it seems like i have been here for forever. I know all the buildings around the capital and i am on the floor of the house hours every day. itz crazy. but i was on tv for the state of the union and have been on c-span lots. i met lots of congressmen and women. well got to go get some work done so if you guys have any questions for the "old" page ;) just email me. hope to see you all again. Jeremy :)"
Thomas B., Attended SSI in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.
September, 2004: Thomas is now working for the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.
"As of late there are some big decisions I am considering in regard to my future paths in life. It has been hard, and now my faith is really being put to the test, as I seek to pursue His will and choose wisely. In light of the things I'm considering, the phrase "I have a destiny" has been coming back to me more and more. That simple phrase that I learned so long ago at SSI has repeatedly popped into my head and guided my thought processes in good directions. I thought it would encourage you to know that your impact on me through SSI and personally over the years is continual... and powerful."
Phillip Boggs, Attended SSI in 1999, 2000, and 2001; Participated every year since 2001 as Staff.
September, 2004: Phil will graduate from Eastern Michigan University with his R.N. degree
in 2005. A resident of South Lyon, Phillip generously drives to the SSI office in Lansing almost every
week for several months to help prepare for the SSI Summer Program.
"SSI taught me that I have a destiny. Following the leading of the Lord, I ended up at Eastern Michigan University- a secular college. As I have studied there, I have used many lessons learned through SSI. The program enabled me to take a stand for what I believe in. Topics in nursing school have ranged from the sanctity of life in birth and death to abstinence vs. other methods of family planning for teens. SSI spurred me on to stand for the issues, ideas and beliefs that I believe and am convicted in-- not to be a passive observer, but an active channel or voice for the opinion of the Lord to be expressed and heard. We have the truth- why be quiet about it!"
Katybeth C., Attended SSI in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
September, 2004: She plans to graduate in 2006 from Texas Baptist Seminary where she majors
in Bible Languages.
"SSI changed my entire view of a person's (particularly myself) influence on her world and how God can use us. I had always thought that one needed to be in the ministry to serve God, but SSI taught me how and why I needed to be 'in' the world, changing it. Mr. Muffett, you will never know what an influence you had on me in my high school years. Thank you for letting God use you like He does."
Beth V., Attended SSI in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
September, 2004: A recent graduate of Hillsdale College, Beth has interned for FOX News in
New York and Washington D.C., and for Peggy Noonen, former speech writer for President Reagan.
"It's amazing the doors the Lord opens. I didn't even consider media. [SSI] has been amazing and really made me consider a career in producing or corresponding. SSI really taught me to listen to what God has in store for me. One person can make a difference. I am now an associate producer at MSNBC. My position is rather unique in that I am to identify and infuse stories and perspectives not covered by mainstream media. I hope if you run across any story you believe should be aired, you might email me with your suggestions. I respect your opinions and all that FTV and SSI are doing back in Michigan."
Amber M., Attended SSI in 2000 and 2001.
September, 2004: Amber is currently a student at Michigan State University, where she is a
member of the MSU Students for Bush and College Republicans.
"SSI has been an incredible influence in my life. I have always wanted to have a career involving law and politics, and now that I am in college, I have the opportunity to be involved in both. SSI has given me the conservative foundation and worldview necessary to be involved in such a liberal area in today's society. Because of SSI, I am able to present and defend my conservative positions effectively and knowledgeably. Being a student at a liberal university like Michigan State, having these skills is essential. You absolutely cannot survive and come out of college with your faith in tact without such a firm foundation."
Casey R., Attended SSI in 1999.
September, 2004: Casey has completed a bachelor's degree in religion at Calvin College and
now studies at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. He's a member of both the American
Medical Student Association and the American Medical Association and plans to become politically
involved in the American medical system.
"SSI gave me a greater vision for the means by which individuals and organizations can actually have an effect on the functioning of our government. It also produced in me a commitment to adhere to God-honoring principles in every aspect of life, including political efforts. Perhaps foremost, SSI convinced me of the importance of finding my voice in the public arena. Though I'm not fully immersed in battles for truth in political circles, I recall the level of integrity demanded by the values presented at SSI and aspire to integrate them in my behavior and speech, as I come to take a more active part in the decision-making process for our nation."
Jonathan W., Attended SSI in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
September, 2004: Jonathan is a student at Northwood University, where he is triple majoring
in Business Management, Banking & Finance and Economics. Additionally, Jonathan's list of credits
include: Public Policy Fellow - Senator Margaret Chase Smith Congressional Library; President
Northwood College Republicans; Member Saginaw County Republican Executive committee; Treasurer
5th District Republicans; VP Northwood Business Professionals of America; VP Northwood Honorary
Finance Association.
"SSI really energized me to become an active Christian Statesman in my community. The concept of returning Biblical values to a world that is heading in the opposite direction was my motivation to become involved in politics. I see myself as an Ambassador for Christ towards kids and even professors at school. God knows we could use some Ambassadors for Christ in the political arena."
SSI Alum Sam Burns Experiences Close Call While Studying in Jerusalem
March, 2003: "Currently I'm studying on the One Year Program of the Rothberg International School
of Hebrew University. The school is located on the main Hebrew University campus in Jerusalem. I'm studying
Modern Hebrew, Archaeology, and Ancient Semitic Languages. Last semester, I also had the opportunity
to intern with a professor at the Albright Institute of Archaeology in East Jerusalem."
"I decided to come here for several reasons. First of all, as a student of Archaeology and Ancient
Languages, Hebrew University is one of the best schools in the world. Second, I needed to learn Hebrew
in order to work in Archaeology in this part of the world. But the most important reason is what I feel
to be God's calling on my life- to be a witness to Jewish/Israeli Academics. These people are still a
relatively unreached group."
"The first challenge I encountered here was a rather big one. The day after I arrived, there was a massive
terrorist attack in the cafeteria on campus. Nine people were killed in the explosion, including my
counselor, an American woman named Janis Coulter. During the day of the attack, she was camping out in the
cafeteria to meet with students. That day, I was supposed to meet with her concerning some missing luggage.
I accidentally fell asleep from jet lag, and missed the appointment, and hence, the explosion. I am still
amazed and humbled every time I think of the way God took care of me through that experience."
"I'm planning on continuing my studies in the field of Archaeology and Ancient Languages, either in Israel
or elsewhere. I'm considering a career as a research or teaching professor, which means I have a lot of
schooling left!!"
"I attended SSI for two years, my Junior and Senior years of high school. The first year, I have to admit
that I never would have come if my mom hadn't signed me and my brother up! I thought it would be a long,
boring week of school stuff in the middle of the summer. Boy, was I wrong!!"
"The very first night, the enthusiasm and energy of all the people involved started to affect me. By the
end of the week, I didn't want to leave!! The combination of worldview training, government training and
worship works just right! The speakers weren't the boring lecturers that I'd expected. Instead, they were
dedicated men and women who were truly passionate about their faith. That passion is contagious!!"
"SSI gave me the confidence to boldly state my faith, and then to actually back it up with argument. This
confidence has opened up so many opportunities to witness that would have slipped by otherwise!"
"I'm planning on coming for the summer and working at SSI as an ADC. I can't stay away!! After that, my
goals are to continue studying Hebrew in preparation for university."
Amy Hawkins, Attended SSI in 1999.
March, 2003: Amy is recently enjoying a double celebration: not only has she earned her degree
from Spring Arbor University with a double major in Communications and Psychology, but she is also
celebrating the success of her new job as the Political Director of Citizens for Traditional Values.
Citizens for Traditional Values (CTV), a
sister-organization to Foundation for Traditional Values (FTV), which runs the SSI program, concentrates
its efforts on advocating for Judeo-Christian values in the public arena.
Amy describes her enthusiasm for her new role at CTV: "This position enables me to integrate many
of my passions into productivity for the Kingdom. I have always believed strongly in Judeo-Christian
values and the importance of preserving and defending them - simply because they are God's absolute
truth." At CTV she will be coordinating events, fundraisers, office administration and communications.
After being taught by James Muffett, President of CTV, FTV, and FTV's primary ministry, Student
Statesmanship Institute, Amy says she never imagined that she would be working for him!
Amy attended SSI in the summer of 1999 right before she entered college. She describes her time at SSI
as "hard work, but definitely worthwhile." SSI helped to intensify Amy's love of the political process,
especially the chance "to be in the Capitol" and "present and defend [her] bill," a part of SSI which
students rarely forget!
Amy admits that although she already had a conservative upbringing, it was a chance for her to be
"reminded of and affirmed about traditional values - just the truth", giving her a good grounding for
college.
Although Amy has now finished her degree, she endeavors to be a "life-long learner." Some of her
long-term plans include the possibility of completing a Masters degree and working internationally.
