Alumni Spotlight
With such a tight job market, many professors and advisors often hear students ask, "What can I do with a history major?" The following men and women illustrate Department Chair Dr. Kennedy’s contention that "History students receive a classic liberal arts education that can serve as a stepping stone for nearly any career, whether in education, law, government, journalism, or business." Through the history department, students learn valuable skills, including "adaptability, broad knowledge, analytical and research abilities, and excellence in written and oral communication, that employers find attractive."
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Gordon Duguid
B.S. History '78
Gordon Duguid received a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of London and a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Illinois State University. He is the Donald F. McHenry Visiting Professor in Diplomacy and International Relations at Illinois State University. From 1990-2020, Duguid served in U.S. Foreign Service. He taught previously at the George Washington University, the United States National Intelligence University, and United States Foreign Service Institute.
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Erica Senffner
B.S. Social Science Education '08
Erica Senffner proudly represents Illinois State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education in 2008. Since then, she has built a distinguished career at Joliet Central High School, where she is now in her 18th year of teaching. For the past 13 years, she has specialized in AP Human Geography, helping to strengthen the school’s Advanced Placement program and contributing to the district’s recognition as the College Board’s Advanced Placement District of the Year in 2017. -
David Ganyon
M.A. History ‘81
David is eager to answer the question of how much his MA from ISU helped his career. And that answer is, “A lot!”. His degree led him to several successful careers, including archivist, records manager, and e-discovery specialist. He has since retired to Oregon where he serves on the board of a senior studies group as curriculum chair. This senior group, called Senior Studies Institute, an all-volunteer entity within Portland Community College, sponsors 90 lectures per year, both in-person and via zoom. David has given several history lectures covering topics such as Lincoln's second inaugural address, Theodore Roosevelt's time as President of the NY city police commission, and Frank Oppenheimer's story.
SSI is always looking for speakers of all ages. If you are interested, please contact David or the organization using the information on the SSPIDX.ORG website