Testimonials

Tom Carr

"The Government, Planning, and Philosophy Department had a profound impact on my education and life. The department is filled with special faculty and students, and it’s where I learned skills that have become indispensable in my career as an attorney. 

My philosophy classes taught me how to think, how to write, and how to present an argument clearly and effectively. But more than anything, the department taught me how to thoughtfully engage with the world. I have no doubt that I would not be where I am today had I not been a philosophy student at Buffalo State."

Thomas DelValle

"After graduating from Buffalo State in 2025, I am grateful to be able to say that I have both enrolled in and completed my first year of law school. Currently at my law school, I serve as a student-elected senator for my institution’s student bar association. In addition, I am spending my summer working as a law clerk at a large local firm, as well as serving as a judicial intern for a Justice of the Erie County Supreme Court. During my time at BSU, I was enrolled in the Individualized Studies program, where my major was a custom Pre-Law track that was flexible enough to allow me to work full-time, in-person, for a law firm while pursuing my degree during my junior and senior years at BSU.

A few years ago, I never would have believed I would be where I am today. 

As a first-generation law student halfway through my undergraduate studies, I had no idea how to navigate the legal professional field, or even what the law school application process entailed. That was, until I was guided through the process by my professors at BSU. I am immensely grateful to both BSU and my professors, who were incredibly dedicated to assisting me, and gave me the guidance I needed to achieve many of my goals so far; Especially Dr. Shauku, Dr. Yacobucci, and Prof. Altreuter, Esq., who were always available and happy to help me in my academic and professional endeavors.

Instead of simply echoing the textbook and keeping education limited to the curriculum, the professors within BSU’s Government, Planning, and Philosophy Department are truly committed to student success, as they happily and regularly went out of their way to teach and help me develop many useful skills, especially critical analysis of and policy evaluation. In fact, I still use these skills academically and professionally on a daily basis. My education at BSU also extended further than just the course load. While serving as a captain of both BSU’s Mock Trial and Moot Court teams, I obtained an immense amount real-world knowledge and skills from my extracurriculars. Even during my current endeavors, I am still building upon the foundation I formed at BSU and would happily recommend Buffalo State University to any prospective student looking to further their education."

Madison Sierra

"What drew me to Buffalo State was the close-knit community that is cultivated here, unlike any other school I have experienced, especially within the Government, Planning, and Philosophy Department. 

I remember visiting campus for the first time and immediately feeling welcomed, supported, and at home. From day one, I knew this was a place that fostered growth and encouraged students to pursue their goals. 

Throughout my time at Buffalo State, I was fortunate to have professors and staff who genuinely cared about their students, their dreams, and their success both inside and outside the classroom. While the coursework was rigorous, I always felt confident knowing I had dedicated mentors guiding and supporting me every step of the way. Some of my favorite memories come from traveling with the Moot Court team, spending time with peers who were just as passionate about learning the law as I was, and building friendships that made every road trip unforgettable. I also cherished the relationships I built with my professors, the kind where you could stop by office hours, seek advice, or simply chat like old friends. 

When it came time to apply to law school, my professors were incredibly hands-on throughout the entire process, helping me refine my personal statements, answer countless questions, and navigate every step of the journey. With the support of my mentors at Buffalo State, I achieved things that once felt impossible, including working for a Buffalo Common Council member, participating in the highly competitive Discover Law program with Cornell, and interning in the office of Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. None of these opportunities would have been possible without the unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance of the faculty and staff. 

The sense of community at Buffalo State is truly unmatched, and it is something I will always hold close to my heart. I will forever be grateful for everything the professors and staff have done and continue to do to help students like me realize our potential and achieve goals we once thought were beyond our reach."

Julia Hamilton

"The Government, Planning, and Philosophy Department is a true safe space where students can explore new ideas, wrestle with difficult questions, and grow in unexpected ways. The academic rigor of the program prepared me for my career and made me a better person overall.

I can trace my success in communication, research, and presentation directly back to the training and guidance I received there. But what made the department special wasn't just the coursework; it was the community. We used to hang out in 'The Department' because it was genuinely a cool place to be. Professors were happy to see you, engage with you outside the classroom, and invest in your goals.

That kind of environment doesn't just help students reach their potential; it makes them want to. 

Some of the best experiences I had at Buffalo State relate to philosophy, and I can't thank you enough for helping me develop confidence and a commitment to always staying true to myself and following my path."

Josephine "Josie" Mason

"As someone who participated heavily in both athletics (cross country and track and field) and academics, it was evident to me how much weight the administration places on student success. I thrived both on the athletic field and in the classroom, thanks to a combination of my personal effort and guidance from school officials. In Summer 2025, I had the opportunity to work alongside Professor Shauku of the Government Planning and Philosophy Department to co-author a paper on the federal courts. The existence of this undergrad program and Professor Shauku’s faith in me sparked my passion to pursue a career in law. Moreover, I’ve had several incredible opportunities both on and off campus, funded by the school, that have improved my professional skills and opened up new doors for me. 

Attending Buffalo State University ultimately provided me with the incredible opportunity to have my intellectual work published as an undergrad student. I feel so fortunate to have worked alongside some of the brightest minds in the institution, and the payout on my personal career has been invaluable."