Scholarship prepares two for future in public service

Dartunorro Clark plans a career in public affairs reporting and international affairs.

Two UIC students who plan careers in public service — one in law, the other international communications — are among 15 students nationwide to receive McKelvie Scholarships for Government Service.

Dartunorro Clark, a junior majoring in political science and communication, and Cezar Iordan, a junior majoring in criminology, law and justice, were awarded scholarships of up to $3,000 a year.

Clark, a 2010 graduate of Chicago Vocational Career Academy, hopes to “increase cultural competencies” as a future government press secretary or a U.N. or nonprofit communications director.

He was inspired by UIC’s Chicago Civic Leadership Certificate Program, an intensive service-based writing program where students work in the field with nonprofit partner organizations.

“Media and politics are powerful tools to promote social change and create a dialogue about community issues,” Clark says. “I hope to use those tools to impact public and international policy.”

A policy and government affairs intern with the Better Government Association, he was recently inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. He plans to earn graduate degrees in public affairs reporting and international affairs.

Iordan, a native of Romania, has research and career interests in criminal justice, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior.

“Studying and working in this field provides insight into the minds of people and attempts to understand why certain people engage in criminal acts,” he says.

This summer Iordan began an internship with the Chicago Police Department, where he analyzes crime statistics and participates in community meetings.

“The goal is to find a better method by which the police can increase the transparency level between citizens and police officers,” says Iordan, who plans to study law.

The McKelvie Scholarship, offered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is open to undergraduates and graduates from all U.S. institutions.