Matt Bogusz (WCAS08)
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Not four months after graduating early from Northwestern, Matt Bogusz (WCAS08) was elected to public office in his home town of Des Plaines, Illinois. A political science major and former executive vice president of NU’s Associated Student Government (ASG), Bogusz announced his candidacy for the city’s Third Ward alderman while still a student, gaining the support of much of the community and even that of the retiring incumbent. In the April 7 municipal election, Bogusz, running as an independent against two other independents, took nearly 73 percent of the vote.
Northwestern played a big role in encouraging Bogusz to run for office, as it had given him the chance to learn first-hand about policy and administration. In his time with AGS, Bogusz helped oversee finances and the coordination of more than 60 student groups, a responsibility he likened to a “full-time job.”
Bogusz emphasizes the value of the job, including the time commitment, describing the work as “a real life experience” in which he “learn[ed] to interact with a variety of people, to move an agenda.” In addition, he credits the Center for Student Involvement and its associated faculty for their valuable guidance as he faced the challenges of his position with ASG.
A former Evans scholar, Bogusz says that this foundation’s prestigious nationwide program for golf caddies provided an essential social community and support network for him while he was at the University.
Beyond ASG, Bogusz praises the opportunities available to Northwestern students in all manners of activities. “We have doors open to us at Northwestern that don’t even exist at other institutions,” says Bogusz, and he encourages current students to take advantage of these resources.
Read more alumni and student spotlights.
Posted August 3, 2009.
