Rider Student Named Minority Academic Careers Program Fellow

As a youngster in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, Rider junior Juan Nuñez observed how his father, a local politician, interacted with the political power brokers in his family's hometown.
     Over the years, those images have sparked Nuñez's love of political dynamics, international relations, in particular, and its overall impact on society. Fascinated by the prospects of launching a career in academe, the political science and theater major is currently gaining greater perspective as a Minority Academic Careers (MAC) Program Fellow. The statewide initiative provides qualified New Jersey college and university juniors with the opportunity to take the first steps toward preparing for a doctoral career, prior to their graduation from a baccalaureate degree program.
     Nuñez is one 15 fellows selected from New Jersey to receive this highly competitive fellowship. For the next 18 months, he will acquire a hands-on view on intellectual life in academe, under the direction of faculty mentor Dr. Frank Rusciano, professor and chairman of Rider's political science department, who nominated him for the fellowship.
     As a member of Dr. Rusciano's senior seminar class last semester, Nuñez looked at how several international newspapers conceptualize world opinion toward the United States in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. With Dr. Rusciano's guidance, he will continue his analysis.
     Juan is a genuine intellectual who truly approaches the world in an analytical way," said Dr. Rusciano. "He is well suited for a career in academe because of his interest in connecting with other students and his serious desire to better understand the world."
     During his senior year, Nuñez will receive a $2,000 stipend and up to $500 in travel expenses to attend professional political science conferences with Dr. Rusciano. "I’m excited being named a fellow; this will enable me to sharpen my knowledge-base not only as a political science student, but also as a political scientist," said Nuñez, leader of Rider's 2002 National Model United Nations Team (NMUN). The team, which travels to New York City in March to compete, will represent Mozambique this year.  
     For the past two years, Nuñez has relished the experience. "The team is dynamic and quite intense, definitely among the many major highlights of my academic career at Rider," said Nuñez. He does not rule out the possibility of someday securing a position with the United Nations, as well.
      In addition to his work with the Model UN Team, Nuñez has distinguished himself in other leadership roles on campus as a resident adviser for Hill Hall and programming vice president for the Resident Advisor Council. He is also a member of Rider's Baccalaureate Honors Program and a member of LASO. For the past two years, he has traveled to Germany, Ireland and England with Rider's Arts Abroad Program.
     Gifted as an actor, Nuñez made his University main stage debut during the fall of 2001 as Matt, one of the lead roles in Rider's adaptation of The Fantasticks. "I’ve always harbored a passion for self-expression, that's why I think I am drawn to both political science and theater. I don't feel that I'm working; I'm just doing things that I love," he said.
     He credits Rider for playing an instrumental role in bringing out his full potential. "From day one, I knew that Rider's student-oriented atmosphere stood out from the other colleges to which I had applied," he said. "I know my professors, and they know me very well. I really feel I have a voice on campus."

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