UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For Michael Ruger, supporting Penn State’s Department of Political Science isn’t just an act of philanthropy — it’s personal.
A first-generation college student who graduated in 1985 with degrees in political science and psychology, Ruger has spent the past four decades building a career rooted in public service, policy and advocacy. His journey — from undergraduate intern on a political campaign to vice president of local government affairs for Comcast and recent mayor of Hopewell Township, New Jersey — reflects the lasting impact of a liberal arts education.
Now, as chair of the Political Science department’s board of visitors, Ruger is helping to shape its future, serving as a sounding board and connector between alumni and students.
“One of the most important things we can do as alumni is help students see what’s possible,” he said. “Especially for first-gen students who might not know what opportunities are out there.”
Ruger said he didn’t always know either. After earning his law degree from Georgetown University in 1988, he began his career as an attorney-advisor at the Federal Communications Commission. His work over the years — including regulatory law, consulting, and corporate government affairs — may not have been on his radar as an undergraduate, but his dual interests in systems and human behavior laid the foundation.
“I liked the idea of studying the systems and history tied to political science, and combining that with psychology to understand why people think and act the way they do,” he said.
He credits Penn State with preparing him not only for law school but for a career that bridges politics, law and leadership. Today, he’s most excited by how the department continues to evolve.
“When I was a student, we didn’t have career workshops like we do now,” he said. “Now, dozens of students participate in programs that connect them with alumni, and those relationships are powerful. They show that a political science degree can take you anywhere.”
Ruger said he is also encouraged by the department’s renewed emphasis on internships and interdisciplinary collaboration — initiatives he says make a strong department even stronger. He’s particularly inspired by the leadership of department head Michael Nelson and the legacy of former department heads like Lee Ann Banaszak and Scott Bennett and former dean Susan Welch.
It’s fitting, then, that Ruger chose to honor that legacy in a lasting way. This spring, he made a gift to name the Michael Ruger Chair Office — located in Room 407 of the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building. The gift is split evenly between the Department of Political Science and the College of the Liberal Arts’ general fund, supporting strategic priorities, student programs and faculty initiatives across both areas.
“Michael Ruger represents the very best of our alumni — dedicated, visionary and committed to uplifting others,” said Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts. “His generosity will benefit our students and faculty for years to come, and we’re honored to have his name associated with this space in the building that bears Dean Welch’s legacy.”
Ultimately, Ruger’s commitment goes far beyond any one title or donation, he said.
“I hope students today recognize what a fascinating time we’re living in,” he said. “There’s so much to observe, question and study — not just at the federal level, but in state and local government too. And my hope is that they can look at it all with clear eyes and a critical mind.”
Asked what advice he’d give to fellow alumni, Ruger’s response is simple: Just show up.
“It doesn’t have to be a gift,” he said. “It could be talking to a student, offering career advice, attending an event. We all carry Penn State pride, and we all have something to offer.”
And in Ruger’s case, he said, his story reflects a legacy of leadership, generosity, and a deep belief in the power of liberal arts education.
Gifts like naming space in the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.